Tyler Robbins Killian's Claim (Call of the Wolf #2

Evernight Publishing

www.evernightpublishing.com

ISBN: 978-1-77130-725-3

Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

Editor: Karyn White

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part
of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in
the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual
events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

For my beautiful daughters, Brittany and Crystal.
Thank you for believing in me as much as much as I believe in you. You both amaze me daily with
your feisty attitudes, and big hopes and dreams. Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. If you
want it, call on that alpha female you both possess, and go get it!!

KILLIAN’S CLAIM

Call of the Wolf, 2

Tyler Robbins

Chapter One

Quinn Kelly flipped up the collar to his leather jacket as a bitter chill whirled around him, so

cold it stung the tender flesh around his ears. He leaned against the brick exterior of the café where
he’d bussed tables and washed dishes the last two months.

Not his first career choice, but one that provided a little food and a temporary roof over his

head. Most nights he preferred roaming the streets in search of something … anything really.
Anything that would put an end to the incessant gnawing in his gut and the restless need in his body to
run.

He hadn’t always lived this way, hand to mouth, never knowing where he’d lay his head next,

but this was his life now and he’d made the best of it.

The back screen door to the kitchen slammed beside him, and he jumped.
“Sorry, man.” Larry, one of the cooks, held his hands up and grinned with an unlit cigarette

pressed between his lips. “Didn’t mean to scare ya’.” He cupped his hand around a lighter and lit the
cigarette.

Quinn shrugged it off. “Got another smoke, man?”
“Yeah, sure.” Larry held out the crumpled pack.
Quinn slipped one out as Larry leaned in and offered him a light.
The initial sting from the smoke entering the back of his throat quickly dissipated, and Quinn

inhaled deeper. He didn’t even smoke, but he liked the initial rush of nicotine running through his
veins. Most people wouldn’t even notice it, but Quinn wasn’t like most people. “Thanks, man.” White
smoke lingered in the air between them as they each exhaled.

“It’s colder than a snowman’s balls out here, ain’t it?” Larry shivered, closing his opened

jacket.

Quinn nodded.
The other man eyed him up and down. “You sure don’t talk much.”
Quinn cocked a brow and shrugged.
“That’s cool.” The tall, lanky man was around thirty, and Quinn could tell he’d lived an

interesting life. A dark green and red dragon tattoo took up the left side of his neck, and both forearms
were nearly covered in a variety of other beautifully illustrated works of art. A thin goatee gave him
an ominous look, but from what Quinn had seen so far, Larry was as laid back as they came. Nothing
menacing about him at all.

“You plannin’ on sticking around town for a while?”
“Haven’t decided yet.” Quinn took another drag on the cigarette.
“You should come over to Molly’s with us later tonight and shoot some pool. My girl’s gonna

be there.” A boyish grin spread across his mouth. “She could always invite one of her friends…” He
waggled his brow.

Quinn’s cheeks heated. “Nah, man. Think I’ll have to pass.”
Larry nodded and flicked his cigarette off to the side. Red-hot embers scattered on impact with

the pavement, but were quickly extinguished by a gust of wind. “That’s cool.”

An uncomfortable air fell between them, and Quinn felt like a jerk. Larry was being nice, so

why did he have to be such an ass? He cleared his throat. “I don’t know. Maybe I’ll drop by.”

Larry expression brightened. “Cool.” He opened the back door. “Better get back to work. You

comin’?”

“Nah, my shift’s over. I’m about head out.”
“See ya’ tonight, man.”
Quinn nodded as Larry disappeared through the door. He should have gone home as soon as his

shift ended, but now he’d have to make an appearance at Molly’s later. He didn’t mind a game of pool,
but the idea of Larry’s girlfriend bringing a friend for him didn’t sound appealing at all. Unless, of
course, the friend had a five o’clock shadow and an Adam’s apple.

He laughed to himself, amused by how people automatically assume someone’s sexuality

without hesitation. It didn’t really bother him, though. He hadn’t intentionally hidden his penchant for
men. He just hadn’t known anyone well enough to mention it.

Quinn crushed out his cigarette then removed the dirty apron from around his waist. As it was

still early enough for the run he’d been craving, he headed for the woods behind the café. He stopped
about twenty yards beyond the tree line, scanned his surroundings then quickly undressed and draped
his clothes over a fallen tree.

Certain he hadn’t been spotted, Quinn took a deep breath, closed his eyes and allowed his body

to shift into his true form. Something he hadn’t done in weeks, but today the urge was all he’d thought
about, his need too strong to resist. He wouldn’t get through the night if he didn’t give in. Besides,
anxiety fucked with his disposition, and nobody likes an angry wolf—in any form.

He snorted and whimpered, then shook himself off, relishing the feel of his thick pelt,

wrapping him in warmth no clothing ever could. Wild wolves endured the cold, and so would he, if
only for an hour or two, until being forced to shift back into his human skin for the sake of blending
in.

He’d learned the importance of not being noticed the hard way when both of his parents were

hunted and killed when he was sixteen. He’d made his first transition alone, four years later, and
without the benefit of guidance.

Most of their kind belonged to packs, and Quinn recalled the stories his mother told of how one

day, when he came of age, he’d join other shifters in a ceremony known as the becoming. All young
wolves, male and female, made their first transition into their wolf form near the age of adulthood,
like he had. The ceremony was a big deal, complete with a special elixir formulated by pack elders to
create a hallucinogenic euphoria to numb the pain of shifting.

She’d explained that the wolf spirits revealed a shifter’s true mate during the becoming, and

that when it had been completed, the couples emerged together, and presented their pairing to the rest
of their packs. The becoming was a time of celebration and unity.

Unfortunately, his parents died before he could learn more. There was no such elixir anywhere

around when his time came, and the spirits certainly hadn’t revealed a mate.

Quinn bristled at the memory of that cluster-fuck of a night. Had he known how excruciating

the transition would be, he’d have figured a way to get his hands on something to dull the pain. A
couple bottles of tequila or a handful of Vicodin would have helped.

He hadn’t had any of that though, so he’d writhed helplessly on the cold, filthy floor of an

abandoned building, alone, scared, and sure he would die. Something he’d have welcomed at the time.

His crash course in hiding while in wolf form was tough as well. It’s kind of hard for a wild,

hundred and ten pound canine to blend in surrounded by concrete and bumper to bumper traffic in
downtown Dallas.

Now though, he could run wild, soothe the burn, and scratch the itch. As long as he kept out of

sight, stayed in rural areas, and never got attached to anyone who might discover his secret, he might
survive a little longer.
****

Quinn sipped his beer and watched Larry and his friend shoot a game of pool. He’d kept his

word and made an appearance, if for no other reason than to act like a normal person rather than an
unsociable outcast.

The guy playing pool with Larry was tall and muscular. His dark, shoulder length hair caught

Quinn’s attention almost immediately. He’d always been a sucker for a man with a silky, thick mane
to run his fingers through, and with the size of this guy, Quinn was sure he’d be a handful in the sack.
Not that he had any experience beyond watching porn.

The guy’s brown eyes flickered when he laughed, and his tanned, dimpled cheeks added to his

handsome features. The rest of him resembled Thor, making Quinn very curious about the size of his
hammer.

Fuck. His balls vibrated at the thought of seeing the hunk of man-candy naked. Quinn squirmed

on the barstool, doing his best to readjust his aching cock as it swelled inside his jeans. He hadn’t been
this horny in a while.

Quinn almost lost it when the guy glanced up, looked straight at him, and grinned. His cheeks

flamed hot, and he swallowed hard. The sexy fucker knows I’m watching.

He continued to eye him up and down, taking advantage of the assumption that the guy didn’t

mind being mind-fucked by another man. Most men wouldn’t remain so calm if they knew what
Quinn really wanted to do.

“Damn.” Larry shook his head. “You’re killin’ me, man.” He dug his wallet out of his back

pocket and handed money to the guy.

“Pleasure doin’ business with you, Larry.”
Quinn downed the rest of his beer, still eyeballing the two of them.
“Let me buy a round to make up for it.” The guy patted Larry on the shoulder.
“Mighty nice of ya’ considering it’s my money you’re paying with.”
The guy laughed. “You always were a sore loser.”
Larry headed toward their table, and the handsome stranger followed. Quinn’s insides

fluttered.

“Quinn, this is Killian.”
Killian gave him a nod and smiled while extending his hand. “Nice to meet you, Quinn.”
Larry gripped Killian’s shoulder and squeezed. “This sorry bastard used to be my little

brother’s best friend.” He motioned for the waitress. “That’s why I let him win.”

Killian’s left brow arched dramatically. “I see you’re still full of shit.”
“Three Bud Lights,” Larry told the waitress, moving his hand in a circular motion over their

round table.

Killian sat on a stool to Quinn’s right while Larry took the left.
“So where is your lady tonight, Lare?” Killian folded his arms in front of him and leaned onto

the table. A teasing grin spread across his face.

“She had to help her mother with something or another. Hell, who knows?”
“Look at you, all domesticated and shit.”
Larry’s face reddened. “Hey, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.”
“Oh, I’ve tried it,” Killian said. “Just couldn’t deal with someone trying to run my life.”

Larry laughed aloud. “So what? You’re single again?”
Quinn squirmed, and his heart pounded. He glared at Killian, awaiting his response then nearly

jumped out of his skin when the man looked directly at him and winked.

“Single and on the prowl.” Killian cocked his head to the side. “Came back to town to take a

breather. Give the old man something new to bitch about.”

“Good luck with that.”
The waitress returned to the table and placed fresh beer bottles in front of them.
“You staying at the house?” Larry grabbed one of the beers, but didn’t drink it.
Killian, however, took a long pull of his. “You could say that. He stuck me in the guest house,

but I prefer it there anyway.”

“Damn. He holds a fucking grudge, huh?”
Killian nodded. “Yeah, well you know how that shit goes.” He glanced over at Quinn. “That’s

enough about me. What’s your friend’s story?”

Quinn stiffened when Larry slapped him on the shoulder. “Quinn here is a puzzle I haven’t

quite figured out yet.”

Quinn laughed nervously, unable to form words even if he wanted to.
“Maybe you’re not askin’ the right questions.” Killian smiled then turned back to Quinn, still

grinning like he had a secret or something. “Where you from, man?”

Quinn’s cock twitched at the way Killian’s mouth curled up at the sides. He reached between

his legs and gave his dick a good squeeze under the table as he cleared his throat. “All over.”

Killian’s honey-brown eyes shimmered as an air of smugness sifted over him. He cocked a

brow at Larry. “See, Lare, he’s an open book.”

Chapter Two

Killian Masters sat across from his childhood friend, Larry, doing the best he could not to stare

at the beguiling shifter between them. He’d known the instant he walked into Molly’s bar that the guy
was a wolf. He could smell him a mile away.

He was young though. Maybe twenty-one, twenty-two at the most. His baby-faced, blond

haired, blue-eyed, clean-cut looks were deceiving. Killian could tell. He possessed all the traits of a
good ol’ country boy, but something about him was definitely wild and unbridled.

“Damn.” Larry looked down at his cell phone vibrating on the table.
“You better reply, or she’ll never quit texting.” Killian took another swig of his beer knowing

good and well what was about to happen. Larry was about to cut out and leave him alone with the
young wolf. Not that he minded, but he’d wanted to spend a few hours with his old friend. He couldn’t
remember the last time he’d been home long enough to catch up.

“Man.” Larry winced, disappointment splattered all over his face. “I gotta go.”
Killian glanced over at Quinn, who seemed unaffected by the revelation, and then he looked to

Larry. “Seriously?”

“Sorry, bro.” Larry stood and slapped his hand into Killian’s giving him their usual hand-grip,

slide-to-finger clasp shake that he and Larry’s little brother had made up when they were kids, back
when secret handshakes defined who they were. “We’ll have to do this again real soon.”

Killian rose and gave Larry a hard, quick hug. “Damn straight.”
Larry then shook Quinn’s hand. “See ya’ at work.”
“Yeah, sure, man.” Quinn nodded.
Killian settled back onto his bar stool and watched as Larry exited the building. His insides

tickled a little as he felt the gaze of the other man. He smiled, hoping to offset the unexpected angst
growing inside. “So…” He fiddled with the paper label on his beer bottle. “Known Larry long?”

“Couple of months.”
“His brother and I were best friends.” Killian perused the bar, preferring not to rehash that

chapter in his life.

The crowd had dwindled, making conversation even more necessary. He fidgeted then cleared

his throat. There was no point ignoring his instincts about the young shifter. The direct approach
always worked best anyway. “Does he know?”

Quinn’s eyes narrowed. “Know what?”
Killian gave their immediate area the once over, making sure no one was within earshot.

“What you are?”

Quinn reared back, away from the table, his face whitening by the second. “What?”
Killian leaned in and repeated his question, this time with a little more emphasis on the what

part. “Does he know that you’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing?”

Quinn’s expression hardened, and his jaw ticked. “What the fuck are you talking about?” His

knuckles flared white as he tightened the grip on his beer bottle.

“Simmer down.” Killian offered a friendly smile, knowing all too well how easy it would be at

that point to send the younger wolf into a rage. He’d give anything to see that. But not there. Not in
front of witnesses. “Don’t go off half-cocked. I smelled you the second I walked into the room. I’m
surprised you didn’t, too.”

Quinn’s eyes widened. “You’re a—”
He gave a slow nod. The kid had no idea Killian was a shifter, too. How was that even

possible? “We don’t usually wander around alone unless we have to. What’s your story?”

The other man’s posture changed, and his shoulders relaxed slightly. A menacing flare still

showed in his eyes, but it only added to his sexual appeal as far as Killian was concerned.

Quinn lowered his head and bent across the table toward Killian. “What’s yours?”
Killian liked him already, with his brooding aura and elusive disposition. “Larry was right.

You’re gonna be a tough nut to crack, huh?” Killian closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. “But
some things about you are clear as a bell.”

Quinn retreated, and his upper lip twitched. “Like what?”
Amused, Killian reached under the table and brushed his hand against the other man’s leg.

“Oh, I don’t know.”

Quinn stiffened, but didn’t pull away.
Killian licked his lips, wishing he could taste the young shifter as he slowly ran his hand up the

inside of Quinn’s thigh. He stopped the second he came to the hardened bulge. “My, my. What do we
have here?”

Quinn fidgeted and pushed Killian’s hand away, his cheeks flaming red. His gaze darted

nervously about the room, and he quickly fumbled for his beer.

Killian chuckled, taking his hand back. “Sorry, man. I couldn’t resist. The pheromone levels in

your scent are kind of obvious.”

“What do you mean?” His brow creased with noted concern.
“You really are young, aren’t you?”
He clenched his jaw again in a definite defensive manner. “I’m twenty-two.”
Killian hadn’t meant to rile him up more than he already had. “I mean you’re a young wolf.

When did you become?”

“When did I become what?”
Damn, the kid is green. “How long has it been since your becoming?”
He shrugged. “If you’re asking when I first shifted, it was about two years ago.”
“And your training? Where’s your pack?”
“Don’t have one.”
Killian eased back onto the barstool as a feeling of uneasiness came over him. “What do you

mean you don’t have one?”

Quinn’s glare focused on the beer bottle still gripped firmly in his hand. His Adam’s apple

bobbed up and down, and the telltale twitch of his upper lip returned. “Look, I don’t have a lot of
answers, so if that’s what you want, you’re gonna be disappointed.”

“Fair enough.” Killian drew in a deep breath. “Where are you staying?”
“Got a room over at the Roadrunner Inn.”
Killian laughed aloud. “Man, you are on your own, huh?”
Quinn’s nostrils flared. “I don’t need much. Only a place to sleep without being hunted.”
What the hell? “Hunted?” Killian’s stomach twisted. “What in the hell do you mean by

hunted?”

Quinn shrugged again. “These guys, four or five of them, found my parents and me a few years

back. That’s why I move around a lot.”

Killian couldn’t believe his ears. There hadn’t been a known attack on shifters by hunters in

decades. At one time, their history as a species had been full of horrific tales of massacres and purges
perpetrated by humans, and those had been much darker, more dangerous times. Now they’d figured
ways to remain hidden in plain sight, and lived peacefully alongside humans, who were none the
wiser.

If what Quinn said was true, the information was quite disturbing. “Listen, Quinn, you and

your parents need to tell somebody … your pack elders. Anybody. We haven’t been hunted in nearly a
century, so this is important.”

“I can’t warn anybody.”
“Why not?”
Quinn swallowed hard, and his eyes watered. “Because my parents are dead, and I have no idea

where my pack is.”

“Holy shit.” Killian’s heart boomed, and his stomach muscles twisted. “You’re totally alone?”
Quinn nodded.
Killian allowed the unexpected revelation to soak in a second. Lone wolves were rare.

Especially abandoned wolves. A fledgling with no pack or elders to give them direction and teach
them the old ways rarely survived. They’d fall in with bad crowds, which usually got them dead. “I
don’t know what to tell you, man, but I can offer you a safe place to stay. Maybe even try to help you
find your pack.”

“That’s okay. I’m better off on my own.” He set his beer down on the table and slid off his

stool. “Besides, I’ve made it this far—”

Killian grabbed Quinn’s arm. “You don’t get it.” He stood as well, hoping the other man would

take his warning to heart. “Nobody makes it alone. We need a pack, whether it’s the one we’re born
into or one we make, but it’s essential for our ultimate survival.”

Quinn glared down at Killian’s hand gripping his arm, and then he looked up. “I don’t need

anyone, so thanks, but no thanks.”

Killian released him and raised his hands, backing off. Pushing too hard might make the

situation even worse, and Killian’s curiosity, and undeniable attraction, kept him from doing anything
to spook the other wolf. “Whatever, man.” He dug his wallet out of his back pocket and tossed some
money onto the table. “Drinks are on me.”

Quinn nodded, his gaze still locked onto Killian. “About that other thing.” He jammed his

hands into his jeans pockets, then arched a brow. “Your scent’s kinda strong, too.”

Killian’s cock throbbed, and he couldn’t hide his pleased grin. “Good, because when you need

to find me…” He inched closer to the young wolf and spoke low, almost a whisper, despite the loud
music in the bar. “And trust me, you will need to find me. You’ll know how.” He pulled away and
watched the young wolf’s demeanor change as his mouth curled up at the corners into a shaky, half-
assed grin.

The smile stayed for a moment as he stared back at Killian. “Good to know.”
Killian sat back onto his stool and held his breath as the other man left the bar. A slight tremor

ricocheted down his spine then circled his groin. The kid was hot as hell. Young, fierce, and on the
verge of reaching sexual maturity. No doubt about it, he would need to scratch that itch very soon.

Killian shivered, recalling his own path to maturity. A time when all a young wolf wants is to

satisfy an incessant need that frantically skitters under their skin like a frenzied hive of half-crazed
bees desperately searching for their queen.

Most found their release at the time of their becoming, but it would seem he and the sexy lone

wolf had shared more than an apparent mutual attraction. Neither had taken part in the traditions of
their kind, yet here they were, face to face, both hungry for something.

Killian had his suspicions, but then again, he’d always been a believer in fate. His own life

might not have reflected much success in the relationship department, but he knew need when he saw
it.

His own need appeared to be overshadowed now by that of his new acquaintance, but he had an

idea of how to remedy that for both.

And when the young wolf came begging, Killian would damn sure take care of it.

Chapter Three

Quinn tossed and turned in his bed. Fuck! What the hell?
No one had ever shaken him up quite like Killian, and Quinn didn’t even know his last name.

From the second he first laid eyes on the guy, he should have known he was a shifter. Quinn could
have kicked himself when he realized he hadn’t recognized the scent of another wolf.

He should have known better. He should have been able to distinguish the scent of a human

from that of a shifter. After he knew that Killian was like him, he immediately understood.

To be fair though, his last experience with another wolf was when his parents were killed,

years before his first shift. He’d never encountered another wolf since—or had he? He very well could
have, but never knew it. Shit!

He jammed his fist into the mattress, wishing he could scream. Let it out. Release the pain

from all the years of loneliness and living with the memories of his parents’ brutal murders.

Quinn curled around a pillow. He hugged it tight and sobbed, something he rarely did, but

tonight’s revelation had been too much. He wasn’t the only shifter. He wasn’t alone. And people other
than hunters knew about their kind.

If someone as normal as Larry knew, how many other humans knew? What did that mean to

his safety?

The more Quinn laid there thinking about it, the more anxious he grew.
He sat up, a cold sweat coating his skin. He had to get out. Run. Work off some of the nervous

angst that would drive him insane if he let it.

He slipped on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. No need to add more clothing, despite the frigid

night air. He’d undress the second he hit the woods behind the hotel, anyway.

Quinn blew a puff of hot air into his cupped hands as he wandered around the L-shaped, motel.

The cold air, as refreshing as it might have been, still nipped upon initial contact, perfect for working
up a lather running his heart out through the forest.

Tossing his clothes across a low hanging branch, Quinn shook off another chill then shifted

into his wolf form.

Yes. Now he was in his element.
The forest floor was damp and cool. His claws dug into the soil with ease and kicked up loose

dirt behind him as he reached maximum velocity. The leaves from bushes and vines slapped his face,
but he savored the sting. It reminded him he was alive and capable of feeling something for pleasure’s
sake.

His heart rate increased, thumping like a drum. Nothing felt better than this—except maybe the

way his body reacted to Killian.

Quinn slowed and lifted his nose into the air. Inhaling deeply, he searched for a familiar scent.

Killian told him he’d find him if he needed him, and although need wasn’t what drove him now,
curiosity would suffice.

It only took him a few minutes to find his way to Molly’s bar through the woods. The town was

small, so how hard would it be for one wolf to track another?

Quinn crouched behind a pile of empty pallets stacked against the building. The lights were off

and the parking lot empty. He lowered his head and sniffed the concrete as he made his way around
the side. Cautious, he eased toward the front door.

The hair on the scruff of his neck stood on end the instant he caught the rugged, earthy aroma

of the man he sought. Killian.

The image of golden, honey-brown eyes and that long, dark, silky hair flashed in his mind’s

eye. His heart pounded, and the back of his throat burned from the scent of the intoxicating shifter.

Perhaps need drove him after all.

With his nose to the ground, Quinn followed, mindful of cars or people who might happen out

and about despite the late hour. The pads of his feet thudded against the pavement as he picked up
speed. The trace grew stronger, and Quinn’s anticipation nearly had him salivating.

He slowed as he reached the house where the scent had led him. Resting on his haunches,

Quinn scanned the length of an enormous gate at the entrance of a long driveway. The home on the
other side resembled a castle more than any house he’d ever seen. How fucking rich is this guy?

He noted the name on the mailbox. Masters. “Humph.” Figures it’d be something cool like

that.

Quinn whimpered, his nerves getting the better of him. Then he recalled the sexy wolf

mentioning that his father had forced him to stay in a guest house. Maybe Killian wasn’t the one with
all the money.

Feeling a little less intimidated, Quinn searched up and down the fence line until he spotted a

small gap between two wrought-iron bars. Taking advantage of his sleek wolf form, he slipped
through and investigated the other side.

He made sure to stay clear of the huge house. Chances were an alarm system was armed and

prepared for any intruder, including wolves.

He plodded around back and stopped when he saw a small cottage nestled behind a row of

cedar trees. A golden light glowed from a window on the side, and Quinn eased closer. The window
was about four feet from the ground, so he stood on his hind legs and placed his paws on the ledge.

The second he saw Killian standing in front of the fireplace wearing only a pair of faded blue-

jeans, Quinn shuddered. Blood rushed through him, leaving him no choice but to shift back into
human form.

He shook off the bitter cold, too captivated by the other man to seek shelter. The shifter was

the epitome of perfection. His dark skin shimmered in the firelight. His hair fell across one shoulder,
and his back muscles flexed as he bent to stoke the embers.

Quinn ignored the chattering of his teeth as heat flooded his groin. White puffs of air circled

his head, and his heavy pants grew deeper. He’d never wanted to touch another man so badly. Feel his
heated body against his own, inhale his aromatic essence and lick him from head to toe. Up until this
moment, those thoughts had been reserved for fantasies, images he’d fixate on when he jacked-off.
But now, as he stood shivering outside the shifter’s window, Quinn dared to think he might be capable
of giving himself to another.

He swallowed hard and touched the frozen pane, but as he did, Killian whirled around and their

eyes locked.

He’d been discovered.
“Fuck!” Quinn pushed away from the window and shifted back into wolf form.
He charged for the woods, hoping to make it back to the gap in the fence before Killian had

time to chase him down. His mind whirled as panic set in.

Where’s the opening? Was it to the left or right of the main house?
Quinn’s heart raced, and he ran as fast as he could. Shit! How stupid could he have been? He’d

been reduced to a peeping-Tom, and not even a good one.

He spotted the gate and made a mad dash toward it, ignoring the warning signs his brain

attempted to send. Something was different. The fence didn’t look quite like it had when he’d entered
the property, but desperate to escape, Quinn ran straight for it anyway.

His entire body suddenly jolted, and he bellowed and yelped as unimaginable pain zapped

through him. His every nerve tingled and burned. He convulsed for what felt like hours until a bright
light flashed in his eyes, and he fell to the ground, dizzy and barely able to catch his breath.

Footsteps came toward him, and he tried to crawl away. Quinn dug his fingers into the grass

—Wait! What the hell?

Looking down at his hands, he blinked, not sure why he’d shifted into human form. His mind

grew foggier and more confused.

The smell of something burning stung his nostrils, and the more he struggled to breathe the

harder it became. He blinked again, hoping to clear the haze as he looked up toward the starry sky.

Quinn thought he’d made out the shape of a human figure standing over him. For a fleeting

moment he could have sworn he’d caught a familiar scent in the air, but before he could react,
everything went dark.

Chapter Four

Killian placed the young, naked shifter on his living room sofa. The same shifter who’d

occupied his mind all evening. Even unconscious, the kid was sexy as hell.

He took a moment to admire the other man’s beautiful form then grabbed a throw draped over

the back of the sofa and covered him.

What the hell was he doing out there?
The kid was lucky to be alive considering the high voltage of the electric fencing Killian’s

father installed around their property. Quinn probably never knew what hit him.

He’d know when he regained consciousness, though. Killian was sure of that. He reclined back

in the chair across from the sofa, hoping the young shifter would wake soon so he could begin the
inquisition.

With any luck, the wolf’s reasons would have something to do with the undeniable attraction

inundating Killian’s thoughts since they first met.

He looked so innocent lying there with his pouty lips and smooth, tender skin. Hardly a

blemish in sight, which confirmed Killian’s suspicion that the shifter had never tangled with another
wolf, or human for that matter. Most lone wolves found trouble easily, especially when they were
aloof and unsociable like Quinn, and they’d have the scars to prove it. He had a few of his own from
rough housing with other wolves.

Yeah. There was more to the story, and that definitely added to the allure.
Killian anxiously strummed his fingers on the arm of the chair. He’d waited long enough. He

moved to the sofa’s edge and patted the young wolf’s cheek. “Quinn. Wake up, man.” He leaned in
and inhaled his delicious aroma, his mouth watering with each new breath.

The shifter’s pheromone levels were through the roof, and Killian’s cock ached at the thought

of acting on his sexual instincts to claim the younger wolf.

He’d never felt that need before.
Fucking was one thing, but claiming was something entirely different. It meant owning another

shifter, and required dominance and submission, a dynamic Killian had never seriously considered.
Now though, he couldn’t get it out of his head.

Most alphas were born into their position. Their packs were already well established, but

chosen alphas, as Junior’s dad considered Killian, had to start their own packs from scratch. Usually
they already had mates, too. If Killian were to take the idea seriously, he’d have to do so the hard way.
He’d have to fight for it.

He couldn’t explain the intense attraction. He’d never wanted to dominate anyone the way he

suddenly wanted to own the lone wolf. Was this what he’d been waiting for?

Quinn moaned as the first signs of life began to show.
Killian patted his cheek again. “Quinn? C’mon, open your eyes.”
Quinn’s lashes fluttered, and his expression contorted into a grimace before his eyes finally

opened wide. “What the fuck happened?” He rubbed his temple. “Feels like I got hit by a truck.”

Killian chuckled. “Close.” He eased back, but remained on the edge of the sofa. “You stumbled

into the electric fence my dad installed to keep out uninvited guests.”

“Like what? A fucking buffalo?” Quinn gripped the back of the sofa and tried to sit up.
Killian grabbed his arm and helped. “Careful. You might be dizzy for a while.”
“No shit.”
“I’m really sorry, man.” Killian moved to the other chair. “What were you doing out there

anyway? It’s freezing.”

Quinn looked down at himself and tucked the blanket under his thigh. “How’d I get in here?”

“I carried you.”
He shot Killian a puzzled look. “My clothes?”
Killian shrugged. “Wherever you left ‘em, man.”
Quinn swung his legs around to the edge of the couch and placed his feet on the floor. He tried

to stand, but the second he rose from the sofa, he swayed from side to side and fell back.

Killian reached for him, but Quinn pushed him away. “I need to go.”
“You aren’t going anywhere like this. Give your head a minute to stop spinning.”
Quinn glanced up, and his brows bent into a pouty scowl, likening him to a four-year-old in

time out.

Killian’s curiosity grew. “So what were you doing?”
Quinn’s cheeks reddened, and his deep, blue eyes held a tiny shimmer that Killian took as

embarrassment. “I’ve never met anyone like me. I—I don’t know what I was thinking.”

A nervous flutter tickled Killian’s insides as he recalled flirting with the shifter at the bar.

“Well, I did tell you to come find me.” Satisfied his prediction was correct, he offered a cocky grin.

Quinn eyed him up as down as he hunched over and rested his elbows on his knees. The blanket

fell between his legs, covering almost everything, but a significant portion of his leg remained bare,
drawing Killian’s attention to the thick muscular form of his upper thigh and ass.

His athletic build appeared more evident up close and personal, not quite as vulnerable as he

looked when he was unconscious. A formidable wolf for sure.

“Would you like some scotch to warm you up?” Killian went to the liquor cabinet near the

fireplace. Keeping his back to the young shifter, he listened for movement and kept his guard up, for
reasons he couldn’t explain.

When he turned around, the wolf had left the sofa and now stood in front of a bookshelf lined

with family photos. The blanket draped around his shoulder swung open slightly as Quinn took the
glass of scotch Killian handed him. “Thanks.”

Killian fought the urge to gawk. He’d seen everything there was to see when he first carried the

other man inside and placed him on the sofa, but stealing another glance at Quinn’s near perfect body
was difficult to resist.

“This should warm you up.”
“These all your family?”
Killian sidled up next to him and peered down at photos he rarely noticed anymore. He pointed

to one taken before he was born, perhaps his favorite because his mother was pregnant, radiant and
more stunning than any other photo. “My mother.” He ran his finger down the edge of the frame,
affectionately remembering her gentle, soothing touch.

God, he’d missed that.
“She’s beautiful.”
Killian nodded. “Yeah, she was.” He swallowed hard, doing all he could not to remember

more. The pain was still too fresh, though nearly ten years had passed since her death.

Quinn cleared his throat. “Sorry, man.”
Killian forced a smile. “No. It’s okay.” He swept his hair back, trying not to show how he truly

felt. “That one is me and my dad when I was around twelve or so.” He shook his head. “Won’t be
getting an updated version of that pose anytime soon.”

“Why? Is he gone a lot or something?”
Killian bristled. “Or something.” He made his way back to the sofa and sat down.
Quinn followed.
“My dad acknowledges me, but he’d rather not be in the same room unless he has to.” Killian’s

chest muscles tightened, the ache of rejection almost too painful to bear.

“That’s gotta be rough.”
Killian shrugged it off. “That’s what happens when a powerful father can’t control his son’s

sexuality.”

Quinn’s left brow shot upward. “Me lurking around your house in the middle of the night

naked, probably doesn’t help.” He tugged at the throw covering him.

Killian looked down, licked his lips then shot a curious glance back up at Quinn. “That depends

on why you were outside in the first place.”

Quinn’s body language instantly changed. His knee bobbed up and down and he wrung his

hands in front of him, appearing troubled. “How’d you know I’d come looking for you?”

Killian smiled, pleased by Quinn’s obvious vulnerability. He sensed there was more to the

question, but chose not to push. “Like I said at the bar, your pheromone levels are crazy high. I
couldn’t help but flirt.”

The young shifter swallowed hard. “I had to figure out why it was so…” He tightened his grip

on the blanket not completing his sentence.

Killian couldn’t stand it. Everything within him wanted to set the wolf beside him at ease. He

cupped Quinn’s chin and smoothed his thumb across the hardened edge of his jaw. “Curiosity is
completely natural. Especially when you’ve never met another shifter.”

Quinn’s nostrils flared, and his eyes glistened. “It’s not that.”
Killian waited, searching Quinn’s eyes for a hint of unspoken consent to do what he’d wanted

to do since the first moment he’d laid eyes on the young wolf.

“There’s more to it.”
“I’m sure there is.” He inched closer as the heat from Quinn’s body radiated toward him. “Say

what it is you need.”

Quinn ran his tongue across his bottom lip, his leg noticeably trembling. He scooted to the

edge of the sofa, revealing more of his upper thigh as the blanket began to slip.

Killian’s heart boomed, and his mouth watered with anticipation.
Quinn leaned in, closing the gap between them. He wrapped his fingers around Killian’s hand

still cupping his cheek. “I need you to …”

“Yes.” Killian’s cock throbbed, and his ears rang.
“Show me how to sense other wolves.”
A flutter zipped through Killian’s stomach then quickly plummeted like a burned out bottle-

rocket falling back to earth. “What?”

“You’re right. I can’t make it on my own. Not if I can’t even recognize another shifter three

feet in front of me.”

Killian eased back. “Sure.” He rubbed his palms against his pants legs and shrugged. “No

problem, man.”

“Great.” Quinn got to his feet. “I guess I better go.”
Killian got up as well and gestured to the sofa. “You’re more than welcome to stay here.” He

scratched his head, trying to hide his disappointment. “It’s not exactly a pack, but it is safer to be
around others of our kind.”

Quinn perused the room as he seemed to consider the offer. “What about your dad?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll deal with him.” Killian returned to the liquor cabinet and poured himself

another glass of scotch. He clenched his jaw tight, doing his best not to show the anxiety now ripping
through him like a freight train at the thought of disappointing his father yet again.

There wasn’t much he could do about it though. Sooner or later his dad would either have to

accept a gay son, or Killian would have to accept losing his dad forever.

Either way, Quinn was a welcome distraction.

Chapter Five

Hot spray from the dishwasher hose misted the air and coated Quinn’s skin, but he hardly

noticed. His mind was nowhere near the café kitchen. No. His thoughts lingered a few miles away,
nestled in the guest house behind a mansion, with the son of a millionaire.

Quinn gripped the sprayer nozzle tight, mentally kicking himself for not acting on impulse and

allowing Killian to seduce him. Although Killian hadn’t said anything, Quinn had known exactly what
the other wolf wanted. Hell, he wanted it, too, but he purposely sabotaged the undertaking despite the
fact that he’d tracked the other man down for the sole purpose of testing his own attraction. He needed
to know. Was it based on their shared shifter abilities or something even more basic—lust?

The few hours he slept on Killian’s couch were torturous, especially with the inebriating scent

of the other shifter’s essence burning his nostrils and causing his cock to throb and weep most of the
night. If only he weren’t so fucking scared.

So what if his experience with men only consisted of a few drunken occasions of hot and heavy

petting in a bathroom stall or in the darkened alleyway of some nightclub Quinn might have ducked
into on his travels?

Was lack of sexual experiences even the issue? Or did it have more to do with this particular

man? Another shifter, to be exact.

Quinn glared into the sudsy sink as his mind wandered to thoughts of the what-ifs he’d missed

out on by playing dodge ball with Killian’s passes. If he’d given in to his natural desires, he’d know
all he needed to know about the other man by now. Instead, he was left to nurse the nagging curiosity
consuming him.

“Hey, did you and Killian stick around after I left last night?”
Quinn whirled around, startled by Larry’s unexpected presence. “Uh, yeah, for a few minutes

or so.”

“Good. Since you’ve officially broken out of hermit status maybe you’ll hang out with us

again.”

“Yeah. Sure.” Quinn swallowed hard, wondering if he should tell Larry about his new living

arrangements. “He, um, he invited me to chill at his place for a while.”

Larry narrowed his eyes. “Killian did?”
Quinn nodded. “Yeah. I crashed on his couch last night.”
“Humph.”
The nerves along Quinn’s spine tingled. Shit! Did I say something wrong? “Is that okay?”
“Yeah, yeah.” Larry shrugged. “I’m a little surprised he’d do anything to piss his dad off, but

personally, I hope the old bastard blows a gasket.”

“He wouldn’t toss Killian out, would he?”
“He can’t.” Larry moved a tray of dishes from one side of the sink to the other. “The house and

one third of their family’s assets are being held in a trust for Killian until he marries or turns thirty,
whichever comes first.”

“Damn. I figured he had money, but not like that.”
“Even if he had access to it today, he probably wouldn’t even touch it.” Larry grabbed the hose

and began spraying dishes. “Wouldn’t need to anyway. He has his own money.”

“If he’s got money, why doesn’t he live somewhere on his own? Away from his dad?”
“Because no matter how much of a dick his dad is, the old man’s approval means more to

Killian than all the money in the world.”

Quinn chewed the inside of his cheek giving a second thought to Killian’s offer to stay at his

house. The offer was nice, but not if it cost Killian the relationship he wanted so much with his father.

“Think I should reconsider stayin’ there?”

“Nah. If he invited you, he knows what he’s doing.”
Quinn nodded and resumed moving dishes onto the dishwasher rack.
Larry returned to the serving line and continued preparing orders the waitress sent back, but

Quinn’s mind remained fixated on Killian and whatever was going on between him and his dad.

The idea of Killian’s father being so blatantly disgusted by his son’s sexuality made Quinn

wonder what his own father would have thought had his parents lived. Would his heart ache for their
approval, or would they have accepted him for who he was?

Quinn would never know, and maybe that was for the best. Still, if he were honest, live parents

who don’t understand are far better than not having any at all.

The afternoon passed quickly, and the lunch rush kept Quinn too busy to dwell on his concern

for Killian. Actually having a friend to worry about was new territory, but his attraction for the other
shifter still had him a bit baffled as to how to handle it.

Quinn dragged two huge trash cans out back toward the dumpster leaving behind a trail of

liquid leaking from the plastic bags. His sense of smell seemed extra heightened somehow, and almost
caused him to gag from the putrid stench. The odor left a bitter taste in his mouth, much stronger than
any other time.

He emptied the cans with ease then stood out back for a moment to clear his nasal passages

with a few deep breaths of fresh air. That usually helped.

Off to his left he heard voices. No one ever ventured behind the diner. The building was

surrounded by forest, and only a small parking lot separated it from the highway out front. The side
areas were only wide enough for delivery and garbage trucks to come through to the back of the
restaurant, so anyone hanging out back there, shouldn’t have been.

The hair on the back of Quinn’s neck pricked his collar. Something wasn’t right. He could feel

it.

He eased his way around back and stood between the dumpster and the building. The position

provided the cover he needed so he could take a look without being seen.

Three men stood in a semi-circle behind another man who squatted, touching the ground before

them.

“Definitely wolf. Big, too.” The man stood and dusted his hands off. He was tall and lanky, his

face worn and haggard as though he was much older than his voice indicated. Something about him
felt familiar, but Quinn couldn’t quite place him.

One of the other men tapped the ground with the tip of his boot near where the man had

touched. “How fresh?”

“Fresh enough to stick around for a few days.”
“You think we’ll get lucky?” A third man with a scruffy beard folded his arms across his chest.
The older man perused the wooded area behind the restaurant. “A wolf that big is bound to

leave more tracks. I like the odds.”

Hunters. Quinn bristled. Heat flushed his cheeks, and he felt nauseous as memories of his

parents’ final moments flashed in his head. The instant his parents had realized they were in imminent
danger, they’d made him hide. When they were forced to run for their lives, Quinn followed as best as
he could. They were hunted, as if for sport, and somehow in all of the confusion and panic, Quinn lost
them. By the time he crept up onto the scene, it was too late. He’d remained hidden as they’d always
instructed, and was unable to stop what happened next

They’d dragged his father’s lifeless body, still in wolfen form, from the bed of a truck, and

tossed him on the ground at his mother’s feet, crumpled and bloodied. The hunter who ultimately
killed them showed no mercy even after Quinn’s mother shifted into human form and begged for her

life.

Quinn had shielded his eyes from the final blow, but he remembered the sound of his mother’s

dying breaths as her life faded away.

Quinn slid down the wall, his mind reeling from grief. Unbearable memories invaded his head

as though fresh and new. He’d fought hard to forget. Forget the pain. Forget the shame of standing by
and watching his parents die and doing nothing.

He knew better than to be so hard on himself, but the thoughts still crept up from time to time.

What was a teenage boy supposed to do? Die alongside his parents, or live as they had wanted him to
do? He had one choice that day, and he’d followed their final command to the letter.

Since then, he’d kept his head down, hadn’t made unnecessary attachments, and he survived

the only way he knew how. One day at a time.

Quinn waited until the men left, and then he shook off the paralyzing fear he’d allowed to

control him for those brief moments. He needed to keep his head straight and remain calm. He’d come
across all types of hunters before, and although they’d worried him, they usually moved on after a day
or so. He always headed in the opposite direction, and he’d do the same this time if he had to.

Besides, the hunters couldn’t possibly know the wolf they hunted was really a shifter. The best

thing would be not draw attention to himself and steer clear of the area if he could. Making mistakes
now could cost him not only his life, but possibly Killian’s too, and that was a risk Quinn wasn’t
willing to take.

He took a deep breath and returned to work. Staying busy would keep his head in the game,

and, he hoped, keep him alive a little longer.
****

At the end of his shift, Quinn tossed his apron over his shoulder and headed out back. His heart

thumped when he found Killian Masters leaning against the side of a new, jet-black, Ford F150
pickup. “What are you doing here?” Quinn scanned the alleyway, still mindful of possible threats.

“Thought we could take a ride and meet some members of my pack.”
Uneasiness twisted its way down Quinn’s spine like a braided leather strap, tight and

constrictive, a definite reminder of his suddenly amplified senses, especially when danger loomed.
He’d felt this before, too, but never this intense. How much of that had to do with Killian, and how
much had to with the hunters, Quinn wasn’t sure. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

Killian patted him on the back. “How are you ever gonna learn to distinguish other shifters

from humans, if you don’t actually meet some first?”

He had a point. Meeting other wolves was not only exciting, but beneficial as well.
Quinn’s nerve endings tickled a little now as he noted a hint of eagerness behind Killian’s

optimistic attitude. He decided not to mention the hunters yet. Telling Killian could cause unnecessary
worry, or worse. His pack might decide to check the hunters out, and that would only draw unwanted
attention Quinn preferred to avoid.

Taking a deep breath, he relented. “Okay, okay.” He went around and used the chrome side-

step to climb into the truck. “You got this thing jacked-up enough?”

Killian revved the engine allowing the glass pipes to rattle and vibrate under them. “What are

you talking about? I only raised it ten inches.”

Quinn shook his head eyeing the sexy smile that spread across Killian’s handsome face. “Just

drive.”

The truck lunged forward and the tires squealed for several yards as they spun out of the

alleyway. Quinn’s stomach took a nosedive from the exhilaration, and he laughed out loud. How long
had it been since he’d done that?

He eyeballed Killian, who shifted gears like a professional racecar driver as they sped through

town. The windows quickly fogged, and a warm feeling crept across Quinn’s body. His heart raced,
and his balls pulsed. He drew in a deep breath and held onto the door handle as Killian’s scent
infiltrated his nose. Fuck. He smelled so good.

Killian looked over with pursed lips. A silvery shimmer sparkled in one eye before his brow

bunched in the middle. “What?” He laughed, though it sounded more like a nervous reaction than
something heartfelt.

“Nothing,” Quinn lied.
“Okay.” Suspicion loomed in Killian’s expression as they turned onto a narrow dirt road.
Quinn continued to grip the door handle, convinced that if he let go, he’d probably pounce on

Killian and cause them to crash for sure.

The longer they were together and alone, the stronger his undeniable attraction grew. What

would happen next was anybody’s guess, and the thought of that thrilled Quinn to the bone.

For reasons he couldn’t explain, he needed to stay close to the other shifter. Something deep in

his gut warned him that he’d probably lose his mind if he didn’t.

Chapter Six

Killian parked his truck at the end of a narrow dirt road at the edge of the woods in the middle

of nowhere.

The moisture in Quinn’s mouth turned to cotton. “Where are we?”
“I want to show you something.”
Quinn studied Killian’s body language. The other shifter made no effort to leave the truck. He

stared straight ahead as a deafening hush filled the cab of the truck.

“See that trail over there?” Killian finally broke the silence and pointed.
Quinn looked in the direction Killian indicated and saw what appeared to be a well-worn foot

trail about thirty yards away. “Yeah.”

Killian pivoted, drawing his knee up into the seat, and faced Quinn. “Every year the younger

members of our pack, and a few other packs around here, gather for a weekend to participate in what’s
known as the becoming.”

Quinn nodded, recalling the stories he’d heard as a child. “My mom told me about that.”
“All packs take part in the ceremony, and every wolf is supposed to attend when they come of

age.” Killian licked his lips. “The year of my becoming was the year my dad found out the truth about
me. My mom had just died, so he used that as an excuse to explain why I didn’t take the journey with
my spirit wolf along with everyone else. I was seventeen, much younger than a lot of the other kids, so
it wasn’t that big of a deal.”

Quinn listened, afraid to interrupt, sensing the importance of the story from the quiver in

Killian’s voice. He wanted to reach out and reassure the other shifter, but he couldn’t find the words.
Instead, he sat there, holding his breath.

“My father lied so the others wouldn’t discover his shame about me, but the truth is, I was

relieved. Male shifters should want a mate and should want to bond with them. I didn’t feel that.” He
shot a stern look in Quinn’s direction. “But I want to want to.”

Gooseflesh riddled Quinn’s skin, and he fidgeted, clutching his crotch to soothe the ache. What

was Killian saying? Did the sudden change have anything to do with him? The thought of that thrilled
him. He leaned toward Killian, giving in to a gravitational pull that felt as natural as breathing.

The corners of Killian’s lips turned upward into a semi-smile. “Follow me.”
Killian’s command severed the mesmerizing link between them, and Quinn felt as though he’d

lost his balance in that brief second. He shook his head to regain his senses, then climbed down out of
the truck and followed.

The setting sun cast an orange and pink glow across the late afternoon skyline, creating a

romantic mood Quinn found comforting yet strangely frightening at the same time.

Where was Killian taking him, and why? He should have asked, but quietly trailed behind

instead. The path wound deeper into the forest where the light grew dimmer until they came to a lake.
The water, slick and bluish-gray, resembled glass as fading sunlight fell across the secluded cove.
Only the echoes of chirping birds and the occasional splash of fish breaking the surface of the lake
could be heard in the distance.

Total serenity. Something Quinn rarely found time to enjoy while moving around so much.
Killian paused and gestured toward the other side of the cove. “The camp is over there.” He

tugged at the thin branch of a shrub beside him. Breaking off the end he twisted it between his fingers.

“You wanna go?”
Killian sighed. “No. The view’s fine from here.” He flicked the tattered leaf into the water in

front of them. “Besides, we can’t.”

Quinn cleared his throat, not sure if he wanted to hear the answer. “Why not?”

“Unless you’re a member of a pack or a member’s mate, you can’t actually cross over onto

sacred pack lands.” He glanced over at Quinn. “We’re meeting them over there.” His attention turned
to the far end of the lake. “We go on foot, and we stay in human form.”

“We’re really doing this?” The back of his throat burned as acid surged up from his stomach.
“You can’t learn how to sense other wolves when you’re only surrounded by humans all your

life.”

“Do they know I’ve always been alone?”
“They know enough to get you a meeting. You decide what they know from here.” Killian

stepped closer. “If they ask about your becoming, make sure they know how it happened and why
you’re not mated.”

Quinn anxiously patted his thigh. “You want me to tell them the whole truth?”
“That depends.”
“On?”
“What the whole truth really is.”
Quinn eased away, his nerves crackling hot at the base of his skull as Killian’s gaze deepened.

“Aren’t our truths the same?”

Killian’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. “I don’t know. Are they?”
Quinn drew in a deep breath, not sure he could find the words to answer. Shit. What do I say?
Random thoughts tangled in his mind. Didn’t Killian understand how difficult this was? Could

he even show Killian what he really thought about him? Then there was the bigger issue—he had no
fucking clue what he was doing. “It’s…” Quinn swallowed hard.

“Say it.” Killian inched closer, his hot breath blanketing Quinn’s lips. “Say what’s been on

your mind since that animalistic lust first started clawing its way to the surface at Molly’s.”

Blood rushed to Quinn’s cock, hardening him in an instant. “How do you—?”
“Because, stupid, I’ve been fighting it ever since, too.”
Quinn’s heart pounded and he backed against a tree, doing his best to escape the relentless

feral scent infiltrating his senses. Fuck!

Killian cornered him and gently clasped his fingers around Quinn’s throat, holding him in

place. “Stop fucking running from me.”

“I have to.” He swallowed hard, savoring the way Killian’s fingers became tighter around his

throat with each gulp. The pressure, as subtle as it was, made Quinn feel dominated—kept. A feeing
he’d longed for. Safe and secure under the reign of another man.

Hot lips brushed against his, the taste sweet and wet, like a warm beverage on a cold winter’s

day. His face heated, and he squeezed his eyes shut.

Killian clutched Quinn’s jaw, and he felt a nudge at his knee. He opened his eyes and glanced

down without moving.

Killian stood with his legs planted firmly on each side of Quinn’s right leg and pressed against

Quinn’s thigh, silently requesting admittance.

Quinn immediately complied, and chills skittered across his flesh as Killian mashed his

hardened cock against his.

Killian clasped Quinn’s jaw in his hands and tapped Quinn’s bottom lip with his thumb,

prompting him to part them slightly. The salty taste of Killian’s skin saturated his tongue, and he
naturally began to suckle.

“I’m gonna take this pretty little mouth and…”
Silence fell all around them. Not a bird whistled nor a cricket chirped as Killian pressed his

lips to Quinn’s. His probing tongue seemed at war with his thumb inside Quinn’s mouth.

Quinn swirled his tongue around both, licking and sucking until Killian removed his thumb and

kissed him even deeper. Quinn huffed through his nose to catch his breath and tangled his fingers in
the back of Killian’s long hair.

A husky growl emanated from Killian’s throat as he broke away and tightened his grip around

Quinn’s neck. His eyes narrowed, and his gaze darkened. “You make me so fucking hard.”

Quinn tugged at Killian’s hair, tilting his head back. He licked upward then hungrily suckled

Killian’s protruding Adam’s apple. Lifting his knee, he rubbed Killian’s enormous bulge. “You
weren’t kidding.”

Killian ground against Quinn’s thigh. “Let’s get out of here.” He inched back.
Stretching his neck out, Quinn sucked Killian’s bottom lip into his mouth, doing his best to

continue the kiss.

Killian grunted and shoved Quinn against the tree then gripped Quinn’s shoulder, pinning him

in place. “Damn. We have to meet my pack.”

Quinn clutched Killian’s shirt and dragged him closer. “Later.” He skimmed his nose across

Killian’s collar bone, inhaling his intoxicating scent. “This can’t wait.”

In the distance a single howl echoed.
The hair on the back of Quinn’s neck stood on end. He pushed Killian away as every muscle in

his body tensed. He sniffed the air and growled as aromas he’d never smelled before invaded his nose.
“I can smell them.”

Killian eased up behind him. “They must be in wolf form.”
“Why do I want to run so fucking bad?”
“Because,” Killian gripped Quinn’s shoulder, “You’re a wolf. A predator, and unless you give

into those urges, you’ll lose your mind.”

Quinn glanced back at him. “Do you ever…” He eyed Killian closely. “Change?” He’d never

seen another man in wolf form, and the thought intrigued him.

“All the time.”
“Show me.”
“Now?”
His heart raced, and he exhaled slowly to relieve the tight constriction of his lungs. He then

stepped closer to Killian. “Show me everything.”

Killian nodded. “Okay.” A soft smile broke across his handsome face. “You might wanna back

up, though. I’m a pretty big wolf.”

Quinn laughed. “I’ll be the judge of that.” He took a step back anyway, and watched intently.

His lids lowered to half-mast as Killian took his time undressing. Every inch of him rippled with
muscles, exactly as Quinn had imagined.

Killian’s thick cock hung long and heavy. Quinn fought the urge to take it in his hand and

stroke it.

Killian cupped his balls and gave Quinn a cocky grin. “Later, right?”
Quinn stared at the breathtaking man before him and nodded, unable to speak.
In an instant, an invisible, violent wave disturbed the space between them, and Killian

transformed right before his eyes.

Quinn gasped. He hadn’t seen another wolf up close since his parents’ deaths.
The enormous animal whimpered. Quinn instinctively reached out his hand, but kept his

distance. The wolf was as Killian had claimed, large, with rippling muscles, and a thick, black and
brown coat. His muzzle was dark with the exception of a while splotch of hair across the bridge of his
long nose. The tail was fluffy, and nearly jet black.

Twigs snapped beneath his obvious weight as he stepped forward.
Quinn remained perfectly still, his insides knotted with excitement. “Incredible.”

The wolf’s wet nose nudged Quinn’s fingertips, and he offered his palm, allowing Killian to

lick him. After a few intense moments, the gooseflesh bombarding his body finally relented, and
Quinn felt comfortable enough to kneel. He ran his fingers through the plush coat, digging in and
clutching Killian’s pelt. “You’re beautiful.”

Killian whined and nuzzled Quinn under his chin.
“How have I lasted this long without this?” The rush from being that close to another wolf

made Quinn feel like he’d guzzled a six-pack of energy drinks for breakfast. His hands tingled, and his
heart raced.

Killian whimpered, and as quickly as he’d transformed, he changed back into human form.
Quinn, still kneeling, eased back onto his haunches, but didn’t look up at Killian. A thousand

thoughts and emotions whirled throughout his mind and senses as he marveled at the experience.
Words could never adequately describe the way his entire body seemed to react to Killian. It was a
recognition of sorts, like one alien meeting another, both lost in a foreign world, but no longer alone.

“Are you okay?”
A loaded question if he’d ever heard one.
Quinn shrugged. “I don’t know if I’ve ever felt okay … until now.”

Chapter Seven

Killian dressed quickly. His need to reassure Quinn grew stronger with each passing second.

“It’s a little overwhelming, huh?”

Quinn remained crouched before him, noticeably trembling. “I had no idea.” He slowly got to

his feet. “No idea if others really existed or if it was some crazy fairytale my mom told me. My
parents rarely transformed in front of me, but I was a kid. I didn’t…” He shook his head as his words
trailed off.

Killian placed his hands on Quinn’s shoulders and peered into his big, blue eyes. “It’s a lot to

take in.” Hearing yet another howl, he glanced back over his shoulder, but quickly returned his full
attention to Quinn. “We can put the meeting off for a few days if you need more time.”

His eyes widened, and he perked up. “No. I want to do this.”
“Okay then.” He gave Quinn’s shoulders a firm squeeze. “Let’s go.” Killian turned to lead the

way, but was pulled back by a sudden jerk.

Quinn’s warm lips engulfed Killian’s, and he actually swooned from the unexpected thrill.
“Thanks for being so fucking cool about all this.”
Killian’s cheeks flamed, sending heat spiraling down his throat and ears. “Let’s make this a

short meeting, huh?”

A cocky grin spread across Quinn’s face. “Lead the way.”

****

They approached a small clearing on the far end of the lake, near the entrance of the road

leading to the pack’s campground. Killian hadn’t been this close to the camp since the year he’d
skipped the becoming. He’d left the next summer, and hadn’t returned for another ceremony since.

He had good reasons not to return, but he hadn’t exactly explained anything to Quinn about

that yet. He’d secretly hoped Larry would have let it slip, but as usual, Larry remained loyal, though
he had no reason to.

Memories were hard to run from. No matter how far he traveled, the bad ones still haunted

him, though they’d lessened over time. He thought he’d dealt with it long ago, but standing in the
clearing, mere yards from where tragedy had nearly broken him forever, Killian found himself unsure,
and having second thoughts.

“Welcome home, Mister Masters.” A familiar voice sounded from the darkened depths of the

forest.

Quinn hunched his shoulders and growled, adopting a classic predatorily defensive stance.
Killian held up his hand and motioned him back.
Quinn glared back at him, brows furrowed deep with obvious concern, but Killian ignored him.
“Junior Cobb.” Amused, Killian grinned as the tall, husky man sporting a scruffy beard stepped

into the clearing. It was a face he’d recognize no matter how much he’d changed. The bright
moonlight shown down on his crimson hair, reminding Killian of the boy he once knew. “I see you’ve
been eating your veggies.”

The other man eyed him up and down. “Could say the same about you, though rich boys like

you probably eat the organic shit, right?”

Killian curiously scanned the tree line. “I hope you brought some friends to back you up since

your mouth is overloading your ass.”

Three more men entered the clearing and flanked Cobb.
“Who’s the runt?” Junior gestured to Quinn.
“He’s the lone wolf I mentioned earlier.”
Junior eased toward them, and Killian stepped back, giving the son of their pack’s alpha a wide

birth. He knew Junior well. Quinn was in no danger.

“Where you from, runt?”
Quinn glanced over, and Killian gave him a reassuring nod.
“All over, but I was raised in New Mexico for the most part.” Quinn balled his hands at his

side. “My parents moved around a lot.”

“Any reason for that?”
Quinn shrugged.
“Any markings on him?”
Killian glanced at Quinn. “Haven’t exactly inspected him.”
Junior chuckled. “You sure about that?”
The three wolves behind him snickered as well, but stopped the instant Junior raised his hand.
That kind of power always impressed Killian, reminding him of his father’s ability to clear a

room with a nod of his head. Corporate takeovers were nothing compared to that of a future alpha
male who knew how to use his authority within the pack.

“I’m sure.” Killian moved closer. “He hasn’t been around other wolves, and from what I can

tell, he doesn’t have a full grasp on the way packs work, but he’s young and teachable.”

Junior continued to scrutinize Quinn a few more seconds before narrowing his eyes in Killian’s

direction. “You know this could be a hell of a lot easier if you would have come back and done what
you were supposed to do. My dad counted on you to start your own pack someday.”

Killian clenched his jaw. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out that way.”
Junior shot him a hard look. “No. It didn’t, but now that you’re back…”
Killian leaned toward Junior so he could speak softly as he eyeballed the three wolves over his

old friend’s shoulder. “Junior, it’s not gonna happen, and you know why.”

They’d grown up together, and Junior was one of the few guys Killian had never lied to about

his truth. He never really had to. Junior possessed natural leadership qualities, and he seemed to
understand the other members of their pack in ways Killian could never quite figure out.

“Haven’t you heard?” A smug expression appeared on his face. “There’ve been some changes

around here lately.”

The hair on the back of Killian’s neck stiffened. “What changes?”
“The elders aren’t gonna question pairings after what happened last month down near Houston.

If the spirits bless a pairing, our pack will honor it.”

“What are you talking about?”
One of the guys in the back cleared his throat. “It means fairy wolves get to shack up, too.”
The other two laughed.
“That’s enough!” Junior barked the command with all the authority of a true alpha.
They immediately stifled their amusement.
“I’m sorry about those guys. They never evolved past adolescence.”
Killian’s stomach fluttered. Why hadn’t his father told him? Would he still try to fight

Killian’s sexuality even after the elders accepted it? He’d damn sure find out as soon as he got home.

“It’s okay.” Other troubling thoughts continued to bombard Killian. “They don’t bother me

anymore.” He looked over at Quinn. “Besides, I’m here for the kid, not me.”

“Yeah.” Cobb circled Quinn, still sizing him up. “Usually I’d have to run this by my dad, but if

you’re vouching for him, and taking full responsibility, then I won’t object to him being here.”

Relief washed over Killian, and he breathed easy. “Thanks, Junior.”
“You don’t have to thank me. I owe you that much.”
Killian’s insides twisted yet again. “You really don’t.”
“I won’t argue with you, Kill.” Junior patted him on the back as he used the nickname he’d

called Killian since they were kids. “But I will have to insist you bring him to dinner this week. My
dad’s gonna want to meet him, too.”

“Only if your mom’s doing the cooking.”
Junior thrust his chest out. “Are you suggesting my wife can’t cook?”
“I remember the homemade cookies Melanie used to bring to school to share at lunch, so

thanks, but no thanks. I’d rather skip a trip to the emergency room if it’s all the same to you.”

The guys behind them laughed out loud, and Junior’s face reddened. He nodded as a grin

quickly played around his lips. “They were damn near paper-weights, huh?”

Killian chuckled. “She tried.”
“Well, either she’s improved or my stomach’s built up resistance over the last decade, but it

won’t matter because my mother wouldn’t let anyone else cook a welcome home meal for you
anyway.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate the hospitality.”
“We’re family.” Junior eased back. “I’ll call and tell you when.” He looked over at Quinn,

eyeing him once again. “In the meanwhile, teach this pup some of the rules, and make sure he knows
what’s expected of a guest on pack lands.”

“Will do.” Killian waited with Quinn as the other men disappeared into the woods.
Quinn’s heart boomed so loudly Killian could hear it. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” His cheeks puffed out as he exhaled. “Never been so freaked out in my life.”
Killian laughed. “I’ve known those guys since we were kids. Our packs joined when his

grandpa married one of my mom’s cousins. He lives on the east side of the county now, but we’re all
the same pack.”

“I thought they would rip me to shreds.”
“They would have if they thought you were a threat.” Killian nudged Quinn’s shoulder with his

own. “Did they kill the mood?”

Even in the moonlight, he could see Quinn’s face light up as he shook his head.
“Good.” Killian cupped Quinn’s face and rubbed the stubble of his unshaven jaw. ”Let’s go.”

Chapter Eight

Quinn’s cock pulsated as they entered Killian’s cottage. His body tingled, and his nostrils

flared as Killian’s musky scent filled his senses. He’d never felt this way. His body had never reacted
to another man this powerfully.

He liked it.
“Drink?” Killian glanced back as he headed for the bar.
Quinn nodded, watching every move the other wolf made.
Killian gave him a crooked grin as he poured two glasses of scotch. “This stuff is some of my

dad’s pricey shit. I’m not as picky as he is, though.” He walked toward Quinn and handed him a glass.
“What about you?”

Quinn exhaled slowly, struggling to keep his mind off the whirlwind of emotions thrashing

about inside him. “Not much of a drinker.”

“You’re not much of anything. You don’t talk much. Drink much.” His eyes narrowed, and his

gaze took on a more serious tone. “What are you into, wolf?”

Quinn cleared his throat. “Right now?” He downed the scotch. “I’m kinda into you.”
Killian licked his lips, inched closer then took Quinn’s glass away. “I see that.” He skimmed

his fingers down the edge of Quinn’s jaw.

Quinn clenched his teeth, savoring Killian’s touch. He closed his eyes and breathed him in.

“You’re making me fucking crazy.”

Hot breath poured over his ear. “I know,” Killian whispered.
He stood frozen in place, fists balled tight and his cock throbbing with ungodly need. He’d

never been balls deep inside another man before, but the longer he stood there, the more he wanted it.

Killian kissed the curve of Quinn’s neck then began to suckle.
Quinn squeezed his eyes shut. How much more could he possibly take? Chills skittered across

his skin causing ripples of goose-bumps to coat his tingling flesh. A sensual moan vibrated in his
chest as he shuddered from the thrill of Killian’s touch.

Killian pulled away and looked him in the eye. “Follow your instincts.”
Quinn took a deep breath then clutched the back of Killian’s neck. “Like this?” No longer able

to hold back, he lunged forward, engulfing Killian’s mouth with his while pushing him back toward
the sofa.

Killian tripped over his own feet, and toppled onto the couch.
Quinn stood over him. His engorged cock jerked as Killian’s hungry gaze zeroed in. He slowly

unzipped his jeans, taking his time. He then reached in, squeezed his prick and winced from the ache.
His experience with blowjobs had been limited to quickies here and there, and even those were
awkward, and over before he’d had time to savor the moment. Getting sucked off by some guy he’d
never see again was much different from what was happening now.

Killian sat up, licking his lips, his gaze still fixated on Quinn’s crotch.
Courage he hadn’t expected suddenly engulfed Quinn as he offered his cock to Killian. “Take

it.”

A devious grin spread across Killian’s face.
Quinn’s eyes rolled back, and his hips naturally bucked as Killian removed his cock from his

jeans. Warm hands gripped it firmly, but not too hard. Quinn sucked air in through his teeth,
shuddering as Killian began to stroke him. Slow and easy. Up and down.

He jolted when Killian took him in his mouth, hot and wet. “Fuck.” Never had anything felt so

good. He peered down, then twisted the back of Killian’s hair into his fist, guiding his head back and
forth as Killian took more and more of his cock into his mouth.

Killian gripped the base of Quinn’s shaft, quickening his pace, sucking and stroking

simultaneously.

Quinn’s knees buckled, and he grabbed Killian’s shoulders to steady himself as heat flooded

his groin. His cock pulsed, and he struggled to hold off as long as he could. He wanted so badly to lose
his load in Killian’s mouth, but doing that would end the pleasure far too soon.

“Give it to me.” Killian’s whispered words echoed in his ears.
Quinn drew in a deep breath to slow his restless pants. “Not yet.”
Killian’s movements hastened. “Come for me!” This time, his insistent tone demanded

attention.

Quinn opened his eyes to see the other shifter swirling his tongue around the crown of his cock

as he jerked him off. He tightened his grip on Killian’s hair in defiance, determined to delay his
pending eruption.

Killian responded by swallowing the length of him until his lips rammed against the root, his

nostrils flared, and his eyes watered. He moved his head from side to side, causing Quinn’s dick to
pulse and twitch. His stomach rolled, and his balls constricted.

“Motherfucker.” He couldn’t hold it. The pressure surged, and he shoved himself in deeper, the

crown of his cock bumping the back of Killian’s throat.

Quinn moaned and trembled as wave after wave of sheer ecstasy sifted through his body. His

hot seed shot into Killian’s mouth, dousing the surface of Quinn’s cock with even more luscious heat.

Killian hollowed his cheeks, pulled his head back and removed Quinn’s cock from his mouth

with a slurp. He swallowed then crawled up the length of Quinn’s torso until they were eye to eye.
“Taste.”

Quinn pulled away, not sure if that was something he should do.
Killian grasped the back of Quinn’s head and kissed him feverishly.
Quinn gave in, wrapping his tongue around Killian’s as a bitter, almost numbing tang flooded

his mouth. The flavor turned salty as their tongues mingled. He shivered again and leaned into Killian,
drawn in by the shifter’s body heat.

He blinked away the threat of tears as his throat closed up, making it hard to breathe.
Killian embraced him. “Are you okay?”
The concern in Killian’s voice made Quinn’s heart pound even faster. He nodded. “Yeah.”

Pulling away, he leaned against the back of the sofa, his flaccid cock still protruding from his
unfastened jeans.

Killian inclined toward him, but Quinn turned away. Embarrassed, and unable to look the other

man in the eye, he bounced his knee to thwart the angst winding its way down his spine. He’d let his
emotions get the better of him. Fuck. He’d almost cried.

“Okay.” Killian moved back. “I guess you’re not feelin’ this after all.”
Quinn grabbed Killian’s forearm. “No, I—I am.”
“Then what is it?”
Quinn shoved his cock back into his jeans and zipped them halfway before sitting up. Could he

tell him? Could he let the other shifter in, even a little? “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Try me.”
He looked over at Killian, studying his eyes for a sign that he could be trusted.
Killian gazed back at him, worry gripping his face.
Taking a chance, Quinn dragged in a deep breath. “That was the first time I really ever…” The

words tangled in the back of his throat, and he swallowed hard. Fuck.

“What?” The look of astonishment Quinn had dreaded instantly appeared on Killian’s face.
His heart sank. “I dropped out of school, and moved around a lot after my—” He clenched his

jaw to avoid mentioning his parents. “I haven’t stuck around anywhere long enough to really meet
anyone.” He fidgeted and strummed the sofa cushion, his nerve endings fraying by the second.

Killian put his hand on top of Quinn’s. “You’re here now.” A sexy grin spread across his face

as his brows jutted upward. “And if you’re still in the mood,” he ran his hand up the inside of Quinn’s
thigh, “I’m definitely willing to show you more.”

Quinn’s heart fluttered, and his mouth watered at the thought of it. He cleared his throat,

forcing an apprehensive smile.

Killian cupped Quinn’s crotch, flooding his groin with warmth. “There ya’ go.” He groped

Quinn’s rapidly hardening prick through his jeans.

Enamored with Killian’s encouraging tone, Quinn lifted his chin and kissed him. He tugged at

the hem of Killian’s shirt, then pulled it over his head, and trailed kisses across Killian’s shoulder and
down his chest.

Killian reclined back, eyes closed.
Eager to please him in return, Quinn licked and kissed Killian’s toned pecs.
“Mmmm.”
Killian’s apparent pleasure made Quinn’s cock even harder. He looked down at the bulge in

Killian’s pants straining against the zipper. He had to touch, needed to feel the other man’s cock
pulsing in his hand.

Quinn unbuttoned Killian’s pants, their eyes locked onto each other’s. He soaked up the sultry

way Killian’s honey-brown orbs lowered to half-mast. Gently kissing his bottom lip, Quinn sucked on
it a little as he pulled away.

Killian’s cock was long and thick. Deep blue and purple veins branched down the length of the

hardened shaft, the slit, already glistened with clear-pink pre-cum. Quinn’s mouth watered. He licked
his lips as he inched toward it.

Killian caressed the back of his head, not forcing him down, but rather silently supporting him

in a way that assured Quinn his intent was pleasing.

Killian made a hissing sound when Quinn flicked his tongue across the opening. “Fuck yeah.”
Quinn slurped the crown like a lollipop, savoring the salty sweet taste of Killian’s juices. He

then grabbed the base the way Killian had handled his and drew the shaft into his mouth. Another first.

Killian bucked his hips, jamming more of himself inside.
Quinn gagged a little, but continued on, making use of the excess saliva that pooled around

Killian’s cock. He flattened his tongue against the sides, enjoying the satiny feel of Killian’s flesh in
his mouth. He’d never done this, and hoped he was doing it right.

Killian gripped the hack of his head and pushed down, leaving Quinn no option but to suck

harder and quicken his pace. He took hold of Killian’s jeans and dragged them lower, sucking and
licking frantically as his own excitement grew. He moved to Killian’s balls and rolled them on his
tongue, drawing one, and then the other, into his mouth.

Killian thrust his hips upward, his grunts sounding more primal by the second. “Gonna come.”
For an instant, Quinn panicked, not sure what to do, but then he wrapped his fingers around the

shaft and stroked him. He glared up at Killian, whose expression had morphed into a near grimace, his
brows furrowed deep, cheeks flushed, and lips pursed as he huffed out heavy pants of air.

Quinn continued eyeing Killian then flicked his crown again. His own cock jerked when

Killian flinched under his touch. So fucking hot.

“Don’t stop.” A twinge of desperation rang out in Killian’s plea, exciting Quinn even more.

The shifter was now at his mercy, and he liked that feeling.

“Are you gonna come for me now?”
Killian bit his bottom lip, squeezed his eyes shut, and nodded franticly.

Quinn swallowed the length of Killian’s shaft. He grabbed Killian’s hand and placed it over his

own throbbing cock then ground against it.

Killian responded with a moan, and fumbled to free Quinn’s prick once again.
Quinn’s cock pulsed as pressure built. He bobbed up and down, saliva and Killian’s juices

coating his lips. He longed for the feel of hot cum on the back of his throat, and with one powerful
thrust upward, Killian exploded.

The familiar taste of tangy warmth filled his mouth, and Quinn gulped it down as he found his

own release. Warm spurts splashed onto his lower abdomen, and he licked his way up Killian’s cock
then eased off.

Killian still stroked him, and Quinn inclined back, giving Killian more room to complete the

task. The shifter, flushed from the effects of orgasm, milked his cock. Killian then bent down and
licked away the remnants of smeared cum from Quinn’s stomach, and the back of his own hand.

“Damn.” Quinn uttered the word through a heavy exhale, unable to say much more.
Killian laughed and collapsed back onto the sofa next to Quinn. “No shit.”
Both men gazed up at the ceiling, Quinn’s mind reeling with thoughts and emotions he’d never

known he was capable of feeling. “If that was a teaser of what’s next, then…” He shook his head.

Killian leaned over and kissed Quinn, then ran his index finger over Quinn’s bottom lip.

“Whenever you’re ready.”

Quinn rubbed his spent shaft, and gave it a little shake. Chills skittered down his body. “Gotta

catch my breath.”

Killian got up and disappeared into the kitchen. So much for basking in the afterglow. Quinn’s

first thought was to follow, but he couldn’t bring himself to exert the energy.

“Wanna cold beer?”
“Yeah, sure.” Quinn zipped his zipper and managed to sit up.
Killian returned with two bottles of beer, and handed one to Quinn before sitting next to him

on the couch. “Overall, I think the meeting tonight went well.”

“Yeah. Not being ripped to shreds by a pack of wolves is a pretty good sign.”
Killian laughed. “I wouldn’t have let them kill you.” He squeezed Quinn’s knee. “Maybe rough

you up a little, but not kill you.”

Quinn chuckled. “My hero.”

Chapter Nine

Killian offered Quinn a teasing grin. “If they really have plans for me to start my own pack

someday, they wouldn’t have hurt you.”

“How’s that work anyway?”
“Usually, packs center on one particular family, but sometimes, depending on the

circumstances, when a pack becomes too large, the alpha chooses another male to branch off and form
another pack. My father and James Cobb have been friends since childhood. Junior and I were
supposed to take over for our fathers someday, but things changed.”

“You decided not to do it?”
Killian shrugged. “I probably would have, but then my mom died, and I never participated in

the becoming or any of the rituals.”

“Alphas have to have mates?”
Killian stared at him for a moment, not sure how to answer. “I don’t know. Every alpha I’ve

ever heard of has had a mate. The wolf spirits choose for them during the becoming. Later, they go
through the promising, and eventually take their place as alpha when the time comes.”

“The promising?”
Killian smiled. “It’s a rite of passage, like a wedding. Couples profess their love and

acceptance of each other as mates, and the female pledges her loyalty to the male’s pack.”

“The female, huh?” Quinn cocked a brow. “Guess that leaves both of us out.”
“Maybe not.” He took a sip of his beer. Killian hadn’t considered the possibility of going

through with the rituals his pack mates accomplished long ago, but only because he figured no one
would accept who he really was. Not that he didn’t want to be like everyone else, because deep down,
he did.

“You’ve changed your mind about the ceremony?”
He’d never asked himself that question. Did he really want it, or was he caught up in the

emotions of whatever was happening between him and the younger shifter? “I don’t know. I mean, I
can’t complete the becoming the way they all did, but someday I could consider other alternatives. If I
become alpha, I could always stake a claim.”

“A claim?” Quinn sat up, appearing more interested than ever.
Killian laughed. “It’s when an alpha claims another wolf as part of his pack. It’s a very sacred

form of bonding. It’s private, and only the most loyal wolves are chosen by their alpha. Once that
bonding occurs, no other wolf can touch the chosen wolves without answering to the alpha who
claimed them.”

Quinn scooted to the edge of the sofa. “You’d probably claim your own harem.”
Killian tensed from Quinn’s sarcastic tone. He eyed the young wolf as an unexpected thought

entered his mind. Is he jealous?

He took a deep breath to stifle his delight in thinking Quinn was jealous, as new questions

filled his mind. Did Quinn feel the same as he did? Was he as curious about the ritual, or was he
pondering what it would be like to have a mate, too?

“Would that bother you?”
Quinn shrugged. “Why would that bother me?”
“I don’t know. You sounded a little pissy.”
Quinn scooted to the edge of the sofa. “If you become alpha, you can do whatever you want, I

guess.”

“Yeah, but I’d still probably have to have a mate.”
“Well, I’m sure she’s out there somewhere. Waiting.”

“She?”
“Don’t alphas have to have a family if they want to have a pack?”
“I always thought of an alpha’s pack as their family.”
Quinn shook his head. “What do I know? I’ve never really had either.”
“I’d like to think there’s still a chance.”
“For what?”
“To find whoever I’m supposed to mate with and form my own pack.”
Quinn eased back onto the sofa. “You really want that?”
Good question.
Killian got up and went to the window. “I don’t know.” He looked out across the back yard

toward his family’s home. Wonder what the old man would say about that? He shook it off. Dwelling
on something he could never change wouldn’t make life any easier, nor would it fix the damage
already done. “It was only a thought.”

Killian jumped when he felt Quinn ease up behind him.
“Sounds like it might be more than that.”
Chills rippled down his body at the feel of the younger man’s skin against him. He turned and

faced him. “What if it is?”

Quinn inched closer. “I think you’d make a great alpha. Others would follow you.”
“Could you join a pack after a life of solitude?” Something inside him had to know the answer.
“I don’t know. I guess I never thought about it.”
“It’s unnatural, you know.”
Quinn looked at him curiously. “What is?”
“Being alone.” Killian stared down into Quinn’s captivating blue eyes. “We’re meant to share

this crazy world with someone by our side.”

“Well sometimes life fucks with the natural order of things.”
Killian’s gaze broke away, and he glanced at the photos on the shelf along the wall. His

mother’s beautiful smile radiated as though life still lingered in her perfectly framed image. “Ain’t
that the truth.”

Unexpected thoughts of Caiden came out of nowhere, and Killian’s heart plummeted. He

hadn’t allowed that name to resonate in his mind in years. More years than necessary.

Killian had struggled so long to forget that part of his life. Forget how quickly his world had

changed. He’d fought to forget the pain. Forget the emptiness that followed the loss.

Standing there, alone in the dark with Quinn, as Caiden’s face flashed in his head, it didn’t

seem fair. Didn’t feel right. Memories of Caiden deserved their own private place in Killian’s mind,
locked away, safe and secure. Reviving that pain wouldn’t help anyone, least of all Killian.

Larry would have agreed. Killian knew that.
They’d laid Larry’s little brother to rest, done what they needed to move on. Waiting until now

to come home, should have been enough time.

Killian shook off the vexing thoughts. Why bring up shit he couldn’t change?
“Hey?”
Killian blinked, his mind instantly clearing in response to Quinn’s voice. “Come here.”
Quinn stepped closer. “Where did you go?”
Killian’s stomach flip-flopped. “Just thinking how you’re gonna react if I decide to claim

you.”

“Claim me?” Quinn smirked.
Killian slid his hand up the young wolf’s chest and wrapped his fingers around his throat

exactly as he’d done in the forest. “C’mon, you can tell me. You get off on the idea, don’t you?”

Quinn’s throat worked up and down as he swallowed under the weight of Killian’s grip. “But

you’re not an alpha.”

Killian loosed his hold enough to circle behind Quinn. His cock hardened at the feel of Quinn’s

shuddering response. He leaned over his shoulder, pressed his lips to Quinn’s ear. “You’d love it if I
dominated you. Owned you.”

Quinn moaned and laid his head back onto Killian’s shoulder. His breathing escalated, and his

scent permeated around them. “I love the idea of a lot of things.”

Killian reached around and rubbed Quinn’s crotch. “You’re always so fucking hard.”
Quinn cleared his throat. “I can’t help it.”
“Take your jeans off.”
Quinn fumbled around, and then the sound of his jeans falling to the floor echoed throughout

the room.

“Don’t move.” Killian kissed the side of Quinn’s neck then eased away. He reached down and

squeezed his own cock, relieving the ache enough to gawk a little longer at Quinn’s amazing body.
He’d never wanted any man as much as he wanted the young shifter now. “Turn around.”

Quinn did as Killian had ordered.
He stepped toward Quinn and smoothed his flattened hand across the other shifter’s bare chest,

stopping long enough to gently pinch his balled nipple. He licked Quinn’s shoulder and trailed up the
side of his neck, then reached around and grabbed Quinn’s firm ass. “This?” He squeezed even harder.
“This is gonna be all mine.”

A whimper escaped Quinn’s throat.
“You want that too, don’t you?”
Quinn’s deep inhale reverberated around the room.
Killian slipped his fingers inside the crack of Quinn’s ass, savoring the shifter’s tremble. He

gently pressed his lips to Quinn’s, reassuring his young lover.

Quinn’s tongue twisted around his, and Killian clenched his eyes shut, doing what he could to

maintain control. He wrapped his arm around Killian’s waist and pulled him closer.

Killian couldn’t allow that. The more aggressive Quinn became, the harder it would be for

Killian to claim him. Submission was key.

He broke from the kiss and glared at Quinn. “I told you not to move.”
“But—”
Killian grabbed Quinn’s shoulders and turned him around. “Spread your legs.”
Quinn gasped, but complied with the order. He griped the back of the sofa and spread his legs.
Killian smiled, pleased with his lover’s obedience. He knelt behind Quinn, leaned in and kissed

his left ass cheek, then the right. “So fucking beautiful.”

Quinn moaned.
Killian flicked his tongue along the inside of his crevasse, and gently spread Quinn’s cheeks

apart, revealing the outer rim of his tightly clenched sphincter. He probed the wrinkled hole with the
tip of his tongue, and, as expected, Quinn tensed. “Breathe and relax. You’re gonna love this.”

His muscles relaxed, and Killian squeezed both sides, prying them apart even wider. He licked

the entrance and poked his tongue in deeper then nibbled the tender flesh. “Mmmm. So hot.”

Quinn shuddered as Killian tongue fucked him. “Oh God.”
Killian wanted inside so badly his cock jerked. He rose behind him, and kissed Quinn’s

shoulder. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

Chapter Ten

Quinn dragged in a deep breath as his insides tossed and twisted. Unable to speak, he nodded

his response.

“Come.” Killian took his hand and led him out of the living room.
He hadn’t ventured past the bathroom in Killian’s house, so he followed him down the hall,

doing his best not to rush past him to find his own way.

Quinn loved the idea of Killian taking control. It made it easier considering he had no idea

what to do. Besides, Killian’s every touch felt like Christmas morning. Every trace sent chills ripping
through him and made his cock so hard he was sure he wouldn’t be able to piss for a week.

As they entered the bedroom, Quinn paused. He’d spent the better part of the last few years in

cheap motels and campground rentals across New Mexico and Texas. He hadn’t been in an honest to
God home in years, so the black lacquer, king-size, four-poster bed taking up half the room took him
by surprise.

The mattress alone was thicker than entire beds he’d slept in before, frame and all. He’d never

had a place to fold his clothes or store his wallet and other personal belongings, so the matching
dresser and nightstand made the room all the more pleasing.

“What?” Killian looked back at him over his shoulder with an inquisitive gleam in his eye.
“Damn.” Quinn examined the room, taking in the masculine beauty of it all. “That’s a big ass

bed.”

Killian laughed. “It’s gonna feel a lot smaller in a few minutes.”
“How so?”
“We’re about to fuck it up.”
Quinn’s cock pulsed, and he rubbed his balls to ease the pressure.
“Get in.” Killian motioned toward the bed. “On your stomach.”
Quinn did as he was told. His knees instantly sank into the plush, pillow-top mattress, and he

crawled across it to the middle. The down comforter bunched up around him, and he ran his palms
across the soft fabric. He inhaled, savoring Killian’s scent. The room reeked of the other wolf’s sexy,
decadent essence, making Quinn feel even more at home than before.

His mind whirled as he imagined how it would feel to crawl into the extravagant bed next to

Killian every night. Heaven. He grinned to himself.

Quinn had been so caught up in his thoughts that he hadn’t noticed Killian slip into another

room he assumed was the master bath. When he emerged, he held something in his left hand. He
climbed into the bed next to Quinn and kissed his shoulder, sending gooseflesh dashing across Quinn’s
skin.

“Are you sure you’re ready?”
Quinn nodded.
“Close your eyes.”
He did as instructed.
“I’ve imagined this since we first met.” Killian stretched out next to him, and the heat from his

body warmed the entire length of Quinn’s side.

Killian slid his leg over the back of Quinn’s and rubbed his calf with his foot. Quinn relished

the feel of their bodies touching, even if it was only their legs.

“I promise to go slow.”
Quinn closed his eyes tight and jolted when something cold splattered across the middle of his

back.

“But once we get into this…” Killian crawled on top of Quinn, straddling his waist, then bent

over, and pressed his lips to his ear. “I’m gonna give you exactly what you’ve been wanting.”

Quinn swallowed, and his entire body quaked at the sound of Killian’s words. He moaned when

Killian began to massage his back, smearing whatever liquid he’d splashed onto Quinn’s skin.

His fingers slid easily. Quinn could smell the sweet scent, but kept his eyes shut the way

Killian had instructed. He drew in deep breaths to curb his growing anticipation.

Killian moved down and straddled his legs, slipping his fingers lower and lower toward

Quinn’s ass.

Quinn concentrated on not tensing up. It would only make matters worse. He’d experimented

enough to understand the importance.

Killian’s assertive touch made it easier to remember how much he wanted this, and how much

he wanted it with the other wolf. Quinn’s first time would be more than he’d ever imagined. He felt it
in his bones.

Killian slipped his hand between Quinn’s cheeks, grazing his hole with each swipe.
Quinn buried his face in the fluffy comforter to keep from moaning out loud. He arched his

back, lifting his ass to present himself, and hoping Killian wouldn’t make him wait too long.

He shuddered with delight when Killian tapped at his hole several times. Cool drops splatted

on his ass. Killian had added more lube. Quinn’s eagerness escalated, but he lay perfectly still as a
warm finger sank inside.

“Mmm.” Quinn clenched his jaw to fight past the burn as Killian moved his finger in and out.

The heat cooled, becoming more and more pleasurable until Quinn felt a second finger press in, and he
began the process all over again.

Killian moved down lower in the bed and kissed Quinn’s ass cheeks. He pried them apart,

resuming the sucking and licking regimen he’d started earlier.

Quinn writhed in the bed, rubbing his cock against the mattress. He slipped his hand

underneath his groin and massaged his aching balls. The longer Killian licked and probed his ass the
harder it became to breathe, and Quinn’s desperate pants soon filled the room.

Killian crawled back on top of him and whispered in his ear. “Are you ready?”
Fuck yeah, he was ready. He’d been ready since the few moments they’d spent alone in the

woods before they met the other wolves. Quinn nodded adamantly.

“Good.”
Quinn glanced over his shoulder to see Killian sliding a condom over his long, thick shaft. This

was it.

He scrunched the comforter in his hands, his body trembling with excitement.
Killian kissed his shoulder and lay down behind him. “Turn on your side.”
Quinn changed positions and continued to breathe slow and steady.
“You’re so fucking beautiful, you know that, right?” He wrapped his hand around Quinn’s

waist and caressed his stomach, working his way up to Quinn’s chest. Warm, soft kisses to his
shoulder and neck sent chills zigzagging everywhere.

Killian rubbed his cock against Quinn’s backside, wedging it between his ass cheeks.
Quinn’s heart pounded. It felt so damn good. He reached back, smoothing his hand over

Killian’s hip as his new lover continued to kiss his neck and shoulder.

“It’s not as bad as I expected.”
Killian chuckled. “Just wait.” He kissed his ear. “It gets even better.”
Killian moved his hand behind Quinn, down to his own cock, and Quinn braced as Killian

bumped his hole with the crown of his dick.

Quinn gasped when Killian pushed in. Pain seared through the lower half of his body as an

unimaginable pressure invaded him. He scrunched the blanket in his hand, and pressed his mouth

against his bicep to keep from crying out.

“Breathe.” Killian’s reassuring voice calmed him instantly. “You’re so tight, but damn…” He

kissed the back of Quinn’s neck again as he gently pulled out.

Quinn lay still, drawing in deep breaths, doing what he could to forget the pain. Killian

wouldn’t do anything to seriously hurt him, he knew that. It would be a totally different story in a
matter of moments. He kept telling himself this as Killian sprinkled more lube onto Quinn’s ass, and
smeared it with his cock.

Quinn reached back and helped massage the slippery substance over his ass. He stroked

Killian’s cock a couple of times. He’d never a felt another man’s condom covered dick, but liked the
way the shaft slipped through his fingers. He enjoyed the sensual sounds Killian made even more.

Killian bumped the entrance again, and Quinn moved his hand away to resume twisting the

comforter in his fist. When he sank in, sparks flashed behind Quinn’s tightly closed eyelids. “Fuck!”

Killian grunted and eased in deeper, working himself in and out while hugging Quinn close. He

kissed his neck and cheek, rubbed Quinn’s chest, and soon their bodies melded together as each stroke
became more pleasurable.

Quinn arched his back, pushing himself onto Killian. “Oh, yeah.”
“You like that?”
Quinn panted. “So fucking good.”
“I told you.” Killian nibbled Quinn’s ear, and he jammed in harder, deeper, with a sense of

purpose Quinn somehow understood.

He reached down and gripped his own cock, stroking himself as Killian’s grunts and groans

reverberated.

“Talk to me.” Desperation rang in Killian’s voice.
“Don’t stop.” Quinn quickened the pace, jerking himself off even faster. “I’m gonna come.”
Killian rose up a little behind Quinn. “Stroke faster. Let me see.” His pumping hastened, and

then he hooked his leg over Quinn’s thigh, locking him in place, pinning Quinn against him as he
rammed him from behind, watching, fucking, grinding.

Quinn’s mind whirled from the building climax. The surge came upon him like nothing he’d

ever felt.

Killian’s primal grunts sent chills blasting across him, and in one earth shattering burst, he

found his satisfying release.

Killian collapsed behind him, heavy gasps filling the room. He hugged him close, burying his

face in the curve of Quinn’s neck. “Are you okay?”

Quinn’s reply hung in the back of his throat as emotions he’d never felt came rushing to the

surface. He swallowed hard and nodded.

“Good.”
He started to move, but the instant he did, Killian grabbed him and held him tightly against his

body. “Don’t move yet.”

Quinn relented and happily sank back into Killian’s arms. He’d never been held like that. Truly

cradled by someone else. Totally engulfed by another man’s body. Killian’s heat warmed him to his
core, as though they were one.

Silence settled across the room, and Killian sighed aloud. He eased himself from Quinn’s ass,

and both men winced. Killian then slipped from the bed and disappeared in the bathroom.

Quinn heard the water running for a few seconds, and Killian returned with a damp cloth. He

crawled onto the bed, and gently cleaned Quinn’s cock, wiping away the remnants of his cum.

Surprised, Quinn gawked at him. “What are you doing?”
“Taking care of you.”

“Didn’t you just do that?” He offered a devilish grin.
Killian shrugged, returned to the bathroom, and then emerged yet again empty-handed. He

slipped into the bed facing Quinn, and swept a lock of hair away from Quinn’s eyes. “Thank you.”

Quinn smiled nervously, not sure why he was being thanked. “For what?”
“For giving yourself to me.”
“I…” Quinn shook his head, not sure what to say. “I couldn’t have waited even I’d wanted to.”
A wide smile spread across Killian’s face. “I wish I’d had the nerve to…”
“What?” Quinn’s cheeks warmed, wondering what Killian would say next.
“Nothing.” Killian leaned in and kissed him, sending shock waves down Quinn’s body.
He curled into Killian’s embrace, relishing the feel of his touch. Whatever he was going to say

could wait. All Quinn wanted was to sleep. He hadn’t done much of that in recent days.

Killian pulled him near, and they fell asleep tangled in each other’s arms.

Chapter Eleven

Killian strolled through the front door of his father’s home. His home, too, though he hadn’t

thought of it in that way in years. Not since his mom.

His feelings about being there had changed, but many things remained the same as they were

all those years ago. The same terracotta tile covered the foyer where his mother insisted he take off his
muddy shoes, and the walls were still painted seashell-beige. He smiled recalling the hours she’d
stood in the foyer staring at the dozen or so samples taped to the archway for comparison. She never
took any decision lightly.

Killian continued into the house, mindful of his father’s rules about disturbing him while he

worked. Why he bothered respecting those wishes baffled him.

He made his way through the living room and study. His father had updated the furniture and

rugs, but the paintings his mother had purchased on their many trips abroad, were exactly as she’d left
them. The old man must not have been able to part with them. Killian wouldn’t have been able to
either.

He found the door to his dad’s office closed, but Killian knew he’d be at his desk mulling over

paperwork or negotiating on the phone. No rest for the CEO of Masters Industries, even on Sunday.

Killian started to knock on the huge mahogany door, but thought better of it. Why should he

ask permission to enter a room in his own home? His father hadn’t exactly earned any respect casting
his only son aside like an unwelcome guest. Besides, the bastard hadn’t bothered to inform Killian of
the changes taking place within the packs regarding same sex pairings. If the old man had earned
anything from his son, it was a colossal piece of his mind.

Killian took a deep breath, opened the door and charged inside the office.
Understandably startled, his father looked up from his desk, wide-eyed with his phone to his

ear. “Listen, Tom, something’s come up. I’ll need to get back to you in a while.” He placed the
receiver back in its cradle and cleared his throat. “Is there something on your mind, Killian?”

Killian bristled at the sarcasm in his father’s tone. He swallowed hard, buying himself a few

seconds to clear his thoughts of the few choice words he’d contemplated, which he now realized,
would have only gotten him nowhere fast. “I spoke with Junior Cobb the other day.”

His father stood. “And this merits barging into my office?”
“He mentioned something I found very interesting.” Killian sauntered toward his dad’s desk,

cautious, but doing all he could not to show the intimidating way his father’s overbearing presence
made him feel. Small and insignificant. It hadn’t always been that way, but the good days were long
gone. “You wouldn’t happen to know of any new developments concerning pack laws, would you?”

“I rarely bother with pack business. There’ll never be an alpha in my bloodline, so why should

I care?”

The callous words hit a little below the belt. “That could change.”
His dad responded with a little laugh that sounded far too condescending to be sincere. “I

won’t hold my breath.” He flipped open the lid to his cigar box and took one out.

Killian eyed the way his father snipped off the end and lit it without even looking. His onyx

eyes, cold and unfeeling, remained deadlocked on Killian. He had a flare for dramatics.

“One of these days you’re gonna have to accept me, Dad.”
Kenneth’s heated glower sent chills ricocheting down Killian’s spine. “Is that boy still in the

guest house with you?”

Killian balled his fist to maintain control. He’d expected his father to know all about Quinn,

but his young lover wasn’t a subject he’d be willing to debate. “I’m helping him sort some stuff out.”

“Humph,” Kenneth scoffed. “Is that what you’re calling it?”

“Not that I expect you to ever show compassion for another person, but my friend, Quinn,

that’s his name by the way, is alone. His parents were murdered by hunters a while back, and I’m
giving him a hand to find his pack.”

“Hunters?” His father’s brow bunched, and the concern in his voice actually surprised Killian.
“Yes. He’s been moving around for the last couple of years. He’s never met others like us, so

he has a lot to learn.” Killian approached his dad’s desk. “The Cobbs have invited us for dinner, and
they’ve granted Quinn permission to stick around.”

Kenneth eased back into his chair. He seemed distracted, but it could have also been his

penchant for indifference he’d mastered long ago. “See to it that he hasn’t attracted any attention to
the wolves around here.”

“That’s it?” Killian leaned on the desk, pressing his fists onto the surface. His blood ran hot.

“That’s all you have to say? No, ‘how are you, son’? ‘Where have you been the last few years’? ‘Do
you need anything’?”

The old man’s chest rose and fell, and his jaw ticked. He drew his cigar into his mouth,

hollowed his cheeks as he inhaled, then puffed out two rings of smoke, maintaining direct eye contact
with Killian. Stubborn as always, he cocked a salt-and-peppery brow. “Have you made any changes
regarding your lifestyle choices?”

The instant Killian heard the insulting question he knew how to respond. He’d imagined it for

years, and now was his chance. “Have you changed your decision about being a narrow-minded, cold
hearted prick?”

“I think you should leave, son.”
Killian’s nostrils flared as his anger grew. “Son? Oh, so suddenly I’m your son?”
Kenneth got to his feet. “You better leave before—”
Killian lunged. “Before what, Dad?” He slammed his fist onto the desk. “Before I disappoint

the great, almighty Kenneth Masters?”

Standing eye to eye, Kenneth glared at Killian, but didn’t reply.
“I like men, Dad. I’m not a murderer or child molester. I’m not a thief or some monster who

should be locked away.” Tears burned the backs of Killian’s eyes, and he blinked them away. “I’m a
man who wants to be loved, and not feel like a stranger in his own home. I want to be like everyone
else and have a family to love. One that will love me in return.”

His father charged around the desk and grabbed Killian by his shirt collar. “You’re never going

to have those things because men like you can’t make families. It’s not natural. It doesn’t work like
that.” He shook Killian again with a violent jerk. “Don’t you see? You’ll never have a family.”

Killian gripped his father’s hands and yanked them away from his collar. “I already have a

family, or at least I did until she died. As for you?” Killian wiped away a tear. His hands trembled, and
his heartbeat pounded in his ears. “You’ll die a lonely old man. Never able to see the love your only
son wants so desperately to give to you.” He backed away, sniffling, his vision blurring by the second.
“You’re the one who’ll never have a family because you’re a heartless bastard who doesn’t deserve
one.”

Killian stood there, staring at his father.
Kenneth straightened his suit jacket and slicked back his graying hair. “Like I said … you

should leave.”

“Yeah. I’m going.” Killian turned on his heel and headed for the door. He stopped before he

reached it and looked back over his shoulder. “When the pack accepts me, and I receive my
inheritance, maybe then you’ll see a son you can be proud of. But no matter what you think, I will
never live a lie, and I’ll never be anything other than who I am. A good father would see and respect
that.”

He hurried through the house not giving any thought as to where he was going as a gut-

wrenching need to run came over him. The instant the front door slammed behind him, he barreled
across the yard, tearing off his clothes as he went.

He had to get away, and the farther the better.

Chapter Twelve

Quinn stood at the sink rinsing a glass when he glanced out the kitchen window and saw

Killian coming toward the house, tossing his clothes in all directions. “What the hell?”

Killian passed by the kitchen window, his eyes shimmering bright and cursing with every

stomp of his feet. A rage Quinn had never seen in the other shifter engulfed his expression.

He hurried outside as Killian shifted and disappeared into the woods behind the house.

“Killian?”

He was already gone.
Quinn, following suit, stripped and shifted. He sniffed the ground at the forest’s edge,

searching frantically for Killian’s unmistakable scent. The instant his lover’s essence entered his
nostrils, Quinn whimpered.

He took off smelling the air and searching the woods ahead of him. What could have set

Killian off like that? He’d seemed fine when he left to grab the morning newspaper from the box at
the end of the driveway.

Quinn sped up, overwhelmed by his need to make sure Killian was okay.
As he entered a thicket, deep in the woods, Killian’s scent became stronger. Quinn slowed to

catch his breath. White puffs of steam drifted up from his snout as his heated breath hit the crisp
morning air. Killian was nowhere in sight though his scent infiltrated his nose.

Quinn lifted his snout and howled, his concern rising by the second.
A loud clap rang out to his left, and he recoiled out of reflex. The fur on his back stood on end.

He sniffed the air again and crept in the direction where the scent was strongest, slowly making his
way through the underbrush. Killian had to be nearby.

He wandered another twenty yards or so and stopped abruptly when another loud clicking

sound rang out. What in the hell is that?

To change perspective, Quinn quickly shifted back into human form. Goose-bumps pelted his

skin as a frigid breeze chilled him. He searched the woods, looking for the source of the strange noise.
No animal he’d ever head sounded similar. “Killian?”

Quinn jolted when, from the corner of his eye, a sudden movement caught his attention.

Without warning, he was slammed to the ground, and hit the forest floor with a thud as a heavy weight
pressed down on top of him.

“Don’t move,” Killian whispered in his ear.
Quinn froze and lay perfectly still with only the sound of his booming heart and Killian’s

heavy breathing to disturb the area around them.

Footsteps stomped in the distance, and more clicking noises echoed through the trees.
Killian remained on top of Quinn as though shielding him. He pressed his finger to his lips

signaling him to remain quiet.

Quinn furrowed his brow, silently questioning the other shifter.
Killian whispered in his ear, “Hunters.”
Quinn jerked away. His first instinct was to run despite the danger.
Killian pinned him in place, shoving his shoulders deeper into the soft top layer of dampened,

leaf covered soil. His jaw thumped, and he shook his head no.

Quinn squeezed his eyes shut, hoping he was dreaming. He buried his face in Killian’s chest,

clinging to the strong sense of safety he felt in his lover’s arms. Killian hugged him close as they lay
there in the leaves and pine needles, cold and shivering. He stroked the back of Quinn’s head, easing
his fears with each reassuring touch.

“Shh.” Killian’s warning was as subtle as an exhale, but Quinn felt the urgency behind it.

They remained still, hidden under a cluster of yaupons until the sounds drifted off into the

distance.

Killian slowly loosened his grip and eased up onto his knees, but kept his hand on Quinn’s

shoulder, holding him in place. The gesture reminded Quinn of the way his mother used to reach out
and protect him when they crossed a street, or when he’d wandered too close to the railing as they
strolled over the foot-bridge at the park near their house.

“Okay.” Killian got to his feet, and motioned for Quinn to get up. “Are you all right?”
Quinn swallowed hard and nodded, his heart still racing.
“There shouldn’t have been anyone in the woods. This is private property.” He ran a shaky

hand through his long hair. His brow hitched, and he licked his lips. “They were definitely hunters, but
deer season isn’t for a couple for more weeks.”

Quinn dusted himself off. “Did you get a good look at them?”
“An older man and two, maybe three others.”
“I, um, I saw some guys behind the diner the other day. I didn’t think much of it, though.” It

wasn’t the whole truth, but there was no reason to make more of what he’d seen, especially if it had
nothing to do with them. “Think they could be the same guys?”

Killian didn’t look happy. “I don’t know, but the longer we’re out here like this the more

danger we’re in. We should shift back so we can move faster. Okay?”

Quinn nodded. Quinn had a lot to learn about sharing. When he was on his own, keeping

possible important information to himself wouldn’t be a problem, but having others to think about was
a game changer. He’d have to remember that.

“Stay close and don’t slow down until we get to the house. No matter what.”
“Okay.” An air of relief sifted down his back. It felt nice to have someone else to watch his

back, keep an eye out, and shoulder the some of the burden of trying to stay alive.

Following Killian came naturally as they made their way back to the house. When they arrived

and shifted back, Killian jogged toward the main house, and gathered his clothes.

Quinn watched curiously as Killian stopped and stared at a large set of bay windows on the

north end of the mansion. “Everything okay?” He didn’t expect Killian to answer, but he asked
anyway.

Killian breezed past him without a word and went into the guest house.
Quinn picked up his clothes and followed. He closed the door as Killian stepped into his blue

jeans and sat on the edge of the sofa. He rested his elbows on his knees, his shoulders hunched as
though he carried a heavy load.

His silence was a bit unnerving, and Quinn sat near him on the other end of the couch.

“Killian?”

Killian glanced over at him, his narrowed glare penetrating deep. “My father and I had words

this morning. It wasn’t exactly a warm welcome, but I don’t really care.”

“I’m sorry, man.”
“It’s okay. I want to talk about it, but not right now, if that’s okay.” His tone came across as

apologetic, though there was an agitated edge to it, which Quinn somehow understood. If Killian
didn’t want to talk, he didn’t have to.

Quinn lifted his hands in reassurance “Sure, man. That’s cool.”
Killian smoothed the back of his fingers across the crest of Quinn’s cheek. “Don’t get me

wrong. There’s a lot of shit I think I could say to you that I don’t think I could say to anyone else, but
right now? I can’t.” He cupped Quinn’s jaw. “Besides, we have much more important stuff to deal
with than my father.”

“The hunters?”

Killian nodded. “Do you think they’re the same hunters who killed your parents?”
Quinn’s blood ran cold at the mere mention of it. He scooted back, nausea swirling in his gut.

“I don’t think the guys I saw at the restaurant are the same men who…” He bit his tongue, unable to
finish the sentence.

Killian moved closer sand gripped Quinn’s shoulder. “It’s okay. We don’t have to talk about

that either.”

“Good, because I…”
“Come here.” Killian pulled Quinn close, and hugged him.
Quinn sank into Killian’s arms, retreating into that safe place where he’d found solace once

already. A place he’d return to again and again if Killian would allow it.

Hunters or not, in those few moments, Quinn felt more at home than he’d ever felt anywhere in

his life, and if that meant he’d started to develop feelings for the other shifter, then so be it. He’d
rather deal with those kinds of emotions any day.

Chapter Thirteen

Killian sat at Junior Cobb’s dining room table while Junior called his father.
“Yes, sir.” Junior glanced over at Killian. “He’s here, and so is the pup.”
Killian shook his head and squeezed Quinn’s knee under the table. Every time Junior referred

to Quinn as a pup or runt, Killian wanted to laugh, but he knew it had to piss Quinn off.

Quinn would soon learn that wolves were just that way. The younger members had to take their

licks as part of the hierarchy of the pack. Besides, Quinn was five years their junior and not enough
years had passed since his initial shift. His youth and inexperience were noticeable, especially to an
alpha.

Quinn folded his arms across his chest as his visible agitation with Junior increased.
Junior Cobb was a nice guy, and light-hearted teasing also meant that he liked someone. If he

didn’t, his attitude would have been drastically different. The kind of different that made one wonder
if they’d walk away alive and intact—or not. He wasn’t a violent man, but outsiders didn’t know that.
Junior played the part of alpha male flawlessly.

“Okay. I’ll tell him.” Junior hung up the phone. “My dad said he’ll gather a few of the guys

together this evening, make a sweep through town and see if they run across your hunters.” His
attention turned to Quinn. “How long ago was the attack on your family?”

Quinn cleared his throat and unfolded his arms. “I was sixteen. Six years ago.”
“Any chance they’re the same guys?”
“I don’t think I’ll ever forget the faces of the men who murdered my parents.” Quinn’s jaw

ticked. “But I didn’t recognize these guys.”

Under the table, Killian gently rubbed Quinn’s leg, doing what he could to comfort the other

wolf.

Junior cocked a brow. “Well if these sons of bitches are looking for shifters, and not the usual

wildlife, this will be their last hunt. That’s for damn sure.”

Killian’s stomach muscles tensed. “Are we prepared for that kind of trouble?”
“You might not be, rich boy, but the rest of us damn sure are.”
“I’m not totally useless, you know.”
Junior laughed. “We’ll see about that.”
“What’s gonna happen if these guys are after us?” Quinn’s voice cracked.
Killian looked over at him. The concern in his lover’s tone was understandable.
Junior drew in a deep breath and shook his head. “We haven’t had problems with hunters in

decades, but the old timers will know how to deal with it.”

“I’m sorry if these bastards tracked me here.”
“Any reason they would?” Killian leaned toward Quinn, sensing there might have been more to

the story.

“I don’t know. I remember that my dad argued with one of them before they made them…”

Quinn’s knuckles flared white as he balled his fist. “For some reason, I always felt like it was
personal. Like they knew my dad or something. I hid until after they left, but I guess there’s always a
chance they knew I existed. I mean, they’d have to if they were hunting us, right?”

“Maybe.” Junior sipped his iced tea. “But you’ll probably never know why they were hunting

your family, and stressing over that now isn’t gonna help.”

“Besides, if these hunters are killing shifters, chances are they’re after all shifters, not just

your family.”

“Good point, Kill. Either way, you’re here now, and under our protection.”
A shimmer gleamed in Quinn’s eye, and something told Killian that his young lover liked the

sound of that.

“I don’t want to cause any trouble for y’all.” Quinn’s baby-blues darkened, setting Killian’s

teeth on edge.

He nudged Quinn. “You’re not.”
“Of course, you’re not.” Junior’s wife, Melanie, slipped up behind her husband, and put her

hand on his shoulder. “This pack stands behind all shifters, not just those born here. We’re all
connected because of what we are.”

“That’s the truth.” Junior took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. “The wolf spirits know

what they’re doing. If you weren’t meant to be here, then you wouldn’t be.”

Killian’s heart pounded. Junior’s words echoed in his ears, reminding him of his heritage, and

the beliefs he’d denied for far too long.

He glanced over at Quinn, suddenly feeling an overwhelming urge to get him alone. “Well, we

better not overstay our welcome.”

“Impossible.” Melanie winked. “You’re both coming back for dinner tonight, right?”
“Tonight?” Killian shot questioning glances back and forth between Junior and Quinn.
Quinn shrugged, but Junior nodded as he stood. “Dad’s gonna wanna talk more about this, and

my mom’s been asking what night she needed to bake your favorite pie.”

“Tell her my mouth is already watering.” Killian rose from the table and shook Junior’s hand.
Melanie came around as Killian and Quinn both stood. She hugged him, and then Quinn.

“Dinner’s at seven.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Quinn flashed her that bashful grin Killian liked so much.
Junior walked them outside, and Quinn climbed inside the truck leaving Killian alone with

Junior.

“Listen, I didn’t want to say anything in front of Melanie. You know how close she was to

Caiden.”

Killian held his breath as nausea bubbled in his gut. “What about him?”
“Don’t think we won’t look out for the kid. You know? If you and he—well if this guy means

something to you. You have our support. Especially if this means you might follow through with my
dad’s plans to break off and start your own pack.”

Killian’s heart fluttered. Part of him wanted to cry, overcome by the sentiment, but was the

reaction because of Quinn, or because Junior had mentioned Caiden?

Quickly reining in his emotions, Killian did his best to remain composed. “I appreciate that,

but um…” He shot a quick look over at Quinn, who strummed the door with his fingers. “It’s not—
well shit, Junior, I don’t know what the hell it is.” It was the truth. Caiden aside, he had no idea what
to call the budding relationship with Quinn. Hopes were one thing, but reality might be something
totally different. Killian couldn’t bear to take the chance quite yet.

Junior laughed. “When you figure it out, let me know. I’ve been hoping for this since we were

eight years old. You and me? We’re gonna run this county someday, the way our fathers planned.”

Junior’s declaration made Killian’s blood burn in his veins, like a hot river of lava raging for

release. Becoming an alpha had never sounded so good. “See ya tonight.”

Killian got into his truck and gave Junior a little wave as he backed out of the gravel driveway.

He’d forgotten what it was like out in the woods, away from town and the hustle and bustle. Junior and
Melanie had built a life, a good life. Could he dare to do the same?

He adjusted his rearview mirror and pulled out onto the county road leading back to town as

old memories he’d tried to forget, slowly wound their way back into his head. Junior had opened the
door, and Killian, like a fool, stepped right through.

Then again, maybe coming home in the first place opened the door. Did it really matter

anyway? Memories of Caiden, and how they’d daydreamed about someday being together, swarmed
his mind. Had it really been a decade since those teenage dreams were first created?

Killian’s mouth went dry when darker images invaded his thoughts. Images of Caiden lying

lifeless in the field, his body limp, and void of anything resembling the once vibrant young man
Killian had loved so much.

Could he do this again? Give his heart to someone who had all the power in the world to

destroy him? What about Quinn? Would Killian do to him what he’d done to Caiden? Drive him to the
brink and push him over the edge? It essentially boiled down to Killian’s toxic love. Caiden’s death
proved it.

Fuck! Killian gripped the steering wheel.
He’d worked so hard not to allow those horrific thoughts rip him apart again. He knew better

than to keep blaming himself. Shouldering all the responsibility for what happened was unfair.
Caiden’s demons were there way before he and Killian had fallen in love. Killian might not have
recognized it at the time, but in hindsight, the truth was clear. Larry had even confirmed it.

“Killian?”
Killian bristled as Quinn’s voice brought him back to the present. “Yeah?”
“Are you okay?”
He shrugged and forced a smile “I’m good. Tired, I guess.”
“Who’s Caiden?”
Acid surged up into Killian’s throat. “Huh?”
“I heard Junior mention Caiden. Is he another member of the pack?”
Killian shook his head. “No, he wasn’t a shifter.”
“Wasn’t?”
“Yeah.” Killian swallowed hard. “He was Larry’s little brother.”
“I, um…” Quinn fidgeted. “I’m sorry, man. If I’d known, I never would have brought it up.”
Killian glanced over, holding firm to the fake smile he’d nearly mastered. “No, it’s okay. I

haven’t really talked about him in a while.”

“You don’t have to now either if you don’t want to.”
Killian nodded. Now wasn’t the time to rehash old skeletons. “Are you okay about these hunter

guys?”

Quinn turned his attention toward the passenger window. “There’s not much I can do about it.”

He strummed his fingers once again. “If they’re looking for me, the best thing to do would be to leave.
Get as far away from here as I can so they don’t find out about all of you.”

Killian’s gut wrenched. “You want to leave?”
“No, but if it gets them away from you then it might be best.”
“You’re safer here. The pack will protect you. I will protect you.”
Quinn stared at him for a long moment then leaned across the center console, shoved his left

hand between Killian’s legs, and rubbed his crotch. “Never thought I’d like the sound of something
like that.”

Killian cut him a sideways glance while trying to watch the road. His cock pulsed, and he

writhed in the seat, savoring the feel of Quinn’s touch. “So you’ll stay?”

Quinn rubbed a few seconds more then moved his hand back. “For now.”
Although Killian instantly resented the empty void left behind, he looked over at Quinn

repeatedly for a mile or so, disliking his vague reply even more. Would he stick around or not?

When they pulled into the driveway, Killian’s attention was drawn back to his father as he

caught a flicker of light in his father’s bedroom, right before the window went dark. The stubborn old
man had no one now. He’d pushed everyone away, treated Killian like some diseased ridden rat, but

still Killian felt bad for him. After all, he was his father.

“I need to call in and check my schedule.” Quinn opened the truck door and got out.
Killian eyed the other man as he walked toward the house, and then he got out and followed

him inside. He tossed his keys into the little bowl on the accent table in the entry way of his house and
hung up his jacket.

Quinn stood at the bar between the kitchen and living room, leaning on the counter with his

phone pressed to his ear.

“I’m gonna clean up.”
Quinn acknowledged him with a distracted nod.
Killian sighed. Domestic life. He remembered this from the couple of times he’d tried it over

the years. Things were always hot in a new relationship at first, but after a while things became
comfortable, predictable. His lovers paid less and less attention to him, and he’d become bored
quickly.

Not this time. He wouldn’t let that happen with Quinn, especially if there was even the

slightest chance that Quinn felt anything for him the way Killian had begun to feel for him. He stood
in the doorway to his bedroom, across the room from Quinn, and undressed.

Quinn glanced over and let the phone slip down the side of his cheek. His mouth gaped open,

and his expression hinged somewhere between surprise and downright lust.

Killian smiled and left the room, his cock already throbbing at the way Quinn gawked at him.
Stolen moments, alone in the cottage with Quinn, was probably the only time Killian escaped

the negative thoughts, pushed them away with ease, and allowed himself to become immersed in the
possibility of being happy. Nothing would prevent him from keeping whatever this was between them
alive and as hot as possible.

Chapter Fourteen

“How’s it going over at Killian’s?” Larry leaned on the door jamb separating the kitchen from

the dining room.

Quinn released the sink spray nozzle and wiped his cheek with the sleeve of his shirt. “It’s

good. I don’t think his old man’s too happy about me being there.”

Larry laughed. “That’s not surprising. He’s an ass.”
“It beats the hotel for sure.” He slid a rack of plates into the industrial dishwasher, closed the

doors and turned it on.

“So you and Killian, huh?”
Quinn’s cheeks flamed hot, and he folded his arms across his chest as the nerves along the base

of his skull tingled. He’d never really talked about his personal life with anyone, especially that part.

“It’s cool. I’m not gonna tell anyone if that’s what you’re afraid of.”
Quinn shoved his hands in his front pockets, feeling more and more uncomfortable, but then he

recalled what Killian had said about being friends with Larry’s brother. “It ain’t none of my business,
but was Killian and your brother…” The second the question left his mouth, Quinn regretted
mentioning it. “You know what? Never mind. It’s none of my business.”

“No. It’s cool.” Larry glanced back as though checking for privacy, then stepped closer. “My

brother and Killian were always close … long before either of them ever came out to anyone.”

The hair on the back of Quinn’s neck stiffened. No wonder Killian didn’t want to talk about it.
“Our parents were pissed as fuck when Killian’s dad caught them together. Killian was tough.

He stood up to his dad, but Caiden was different.”

Quinn tried to imagine how that must have felt. He was lucky. He could hold onto the idea that

his parents would have accepted him. At least, that’s what he’d always told himself. “That must have
been hard.”

“It was, and it didn’t get better until, finally, Caiden couldn’t take it anymore.”
A bitter taste surged into the back of his throat, making him feel queasy. “What do you mean?”
Larry’s pain-filled scowl said more than any words could have. “He and Killian got into it one

night, and Caiden took off toward the pack campground—” Larry shot him a knowing look. “Yeah, I
know about all of that, too.”

Quinn nodded. “Killian told me you did.”
“Well, I wasn’t sure about all of it.” He waggled his brow. “But now that I’m clear on both

accounts, you should know that you can trust me. Just in case you weren’t sure.”

“Thanks, man.” Quinn offered a nervous smile.
“Order up!” One of the other cooks called out from the main kitchen, interrupting their

conversation.

“We’ll talk later.” Larry patted Quinn on the shoulder and left him in the back kitchen.
Quinn opened the dishwasher and stacked clean plates on a tray then picked them up and

pushed through the swinging door. He left the tray on the counter where the waitresses prepped
everything for the dining room tables. As he turned to go, he caught a glimpse of two of the hunters
from a couple of days before, out in the dining room, talking to a waitress named Sherry. One of them
held up what looked like a photograph, and she examined it.

Quinn watched close, trying to make out what they were saying over the clinking sounds of the

restaurant. No such luck. The kitchen was far too noisy.

“Hey, Quinn? Got any clean grill scrapers back there?”
Distracted, Quinn barely glanced over at Larry. “Huh?”
“What’s up?” Larry sidled up next to him and looked in the direction Quinn stared. “Who’s

that?”

Quinn swallowed hard, his blood running cold. “Hunters.”
Larry grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the window. “What do you mean hunters?”
Confusion whirled in Quinn’s mind. Were they really after him, or was he letting his

imagination run wild over nothing? “It’s a long story, but we’re trying to figure it out.”

Larry patted him on the arm. “Stay here. I’ll take a closer look.”
Quinn clenched his jaw, and his heartbeat boomed. Why hadn’t they left town yet? Should he

make a run for it? Would it matter if he did?

Larry sauntered into the dining room and made his way over to the waitress station where

Sherry filled a pitcher of diet soda. Quinn held his breath while they spoke for a minute or two. Larry
took his time returning to the kitchen, but the second he came through the door, Quinn’s heart
dropped.

Larry puffed out his cheeks as he exhaled. “You better call Killian.”
“Why? What did she say?” Quinn’s palms itched with anticipation.
“She said they asked her if she’d seen some kid in a photo. She told them no, but now she says

it looked kind of like you, only younger.”

“What did you tell her?”
“I told her to give me a heads-up if they came back around again.”
“Shit.” Quinn gave the dining room the once over again. “Did they leave?”
“I think so.” He tossed a hand towel over his shoulder and leaned against the walk in freezer

door. “What the hell is going on?”

Quinn motioned for Larry to follow him into the rear kitchen area. When they were safely on

the other side, he paced back and forth on the verge a full blown panic attack. “I can’t explain it all
right now, but those guys don’t want to chat. They’re hunting wolves, and not the kind with fleas.”

“Why?”
Quinn stopped. “If they’re anything like the hunters who murdered my parents, then I’d say

they want me and every shifter around here dead.”

“Holy fuck.” Larry’s mouth fell open, and he splayed his fingers through his hair, appearing

much more anxious. “Call Killian, and have him meet you around back. You should get the hell out of
here.”

“No.” Quinn grabbed another rack of dirty dishes and shoved them into the dishwasher causing

the rack to crash against the back of the stainless steel machine. His anger had escalated beyond what
he expected.

How much longer would this bullshit be a part of his life?
He gripped the side of the sink for a second to gain control, and drew in a deep breath. “They

could still be here. Outside or across the street.” He carefully closed the door and turned on the
machine. “I’ll call Killian, but I won’t have him come until closing time.”

Larry shook his index finger at him. “I see your point. You won’t be leaving alone then, and if

we’re out there, you’ll blend in with a group.”

“Exactly.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out his phone. “I’m gonna give Killian a call to

warn him.”

“Okay, man. I’ll make sure nobody tells these guys anything if they come back.” Larry gripped

Quinn’s shoulder. “We got your back, man.”

His assurance eased Quinn’s worry a little, but nothing short of a miracle could make all of the

stress disappear. If these hunters had come for him, at least this time, Quinn wasn’t alone.
****

Quinn eased open the back door and scanned the alley way. Killian’s truck was parked where it

had been the day he took him to meet the rest of his pack. He stepped outside and walked around to get
in.

“Are they around?” He closed the door behind him.
“Haven’t seen anyone.” Killian sat with his left hand on the steering wheel and his right hand

firmly gripping the handle of a revolver.

“What the fuck is that?”
“A Browning forty-five.” He held it up as a glint of determination sparkled in his eyes. He

tapped the side with his index finger. “It was my dad’s.”

“Why do you have it?”
“Because we aren’t fucking around with these guys.” He laid the gun back in the carrying case

on the center console and started the engine.

Quinn picked up the gun and held it. It was not very big, so the heaviness surprised him. The

weight alone gave him an idea of the power behind it. “Have you ever used it?”

Killian turned onto the main street in front of the diner. “It’s been a while, but yeah. I’m a

pretty good shot.”

The lights from the dashboard cast an ominous glow across Killian’s handsome face. His jaw

ticked. He was serious.

Killian looked over at him. “Know how to use it?”
Quinn returned the weapon to the case and closed the lid. “No.”
“Want to?”
Quinn chewed the inside of his cheek. “Don’t I need a license or something?”
“Not to practice.” Killian glanced back and forth between Quinn and the road. “So you want

to?”

“Yeah.” Images of his mother, begging for her life, bombarded his thoughts. He clenched his

fist. “When?”

Killian flipped on his blinker and took a left off the main road. “No time like the present.”
Anxious, Quinn bounced his knee up and down and scanned the shadowy tree line as they drove

down a bumpy dirt road, much like the one they’d taken to get to the campground.

After a few moments, Killian parked the truck, but left the headlights on. He grabbed the gun

case, got out, and climbed into the back of the truck.

Quinn followed, but stood to the side and watched.
Killian picked up a clear plastic bag that clanked with empty aluminum cans. “I picked these

up earlier in case you wanted to shoot.” He hopped out, jogged ahead of the truck a few yards, then
placed several cans across the gravel road, and came back.

They both returned to the bed of the truck. Killian opened the gun case and placed it on top of

the truck cab. The bright headlights illuminated the cans lined up on the road.

“Here.” Killian offered the weapon to Quinn. “Don’t forget to take the safety off before you

fire.” He tapped the switch, showing Quinn where it was.

Quinn took the weapon and did as Killian instructed. Gripping the handle, he stretched his arm

out, closed his right eye, and aimed at one of the cans.

“Just a second.” Killian moved behind him and leaned over his shoulder.
As he shivered from Killian’s hot breath spilling onto his neck, Quinn’s cock twitched. He held

his breath and closed his eyes for a brief second, savoring the way it felt to have Killian’s warm body
pressed against him, alone, in the dark.

“Hold it firm, but not too tight.” Killian gently squeezed his hand around Quinn’s. “Then take

your other hand and prop it up under the butt like this.”

Killian stood with his arms wrapped around Quinn helping him hold the pistol properly. “Yeah.

Like that.”

Quinn exhaled, hoping to steady his stance.
“Now, when you’re ready, squeeze the trigger, don’t pull.”
The cans looked so small in the distance, probably impossible to hit. He lined up the sight until

the bead was flush within the gap. Counting in his head, Quinn squeezed on three.

A bright flash exploded at the end of the muzzle, and the gun kicked up a little, surprising

Quinn. He opened his eye to see if he’d hit anything. All of the cans were right where Killian had
placed them.

Shit.
“That’s okay. Do it again.”
Quinn wasted no time. He fired again, and this time one of the cans shot up into the air with a

zing. He laughed, thrilled he’d made contact.

“Good.” Killian stepped back. “Again.”
Quinn popped off another two rounds, connecting with his target each time. He flipped the

safety back on, set the gun back in its case, and turned to face Killian. His hand still vibrated from the
powerful kick. “That wasn’t as hard as I thought.”

Killian flashed a wide grin and inched toward Quinn. “You’re a natural.” He grabbed the front

of Quinn’s shirt and pulled him into his arms. “You looked pretty sexy. A little more practice and you
might even be a better shot than me.”

Quinn stared at Killian’s lips, his mouth watering at the thought of tasting him, but more

important things suddenly crossed his mind. “Those are cans. Can you kill a man?”

Killian froze in his tracks, and his eyes narrowed as he adopted a serious air. “If it means

keeping someone I care about alive? Yeah, I could kill a man.”

Quinn’s cock throbbed. His heart pounded, and he lunged for Killian’s mouth. Sucking in his

bottom lip, he jammed his tongue inside, deep. He wound Killian’s long hair around his fist, seizing
him in his grip.

Killian pushed him back, pinning him against the cab of the truck. “I want you so fucking bad.”

Killian kissed him again, and a growling sound vibrated in his throat.

“So do something about it.” Quinn suckled Killian’s neck, doing his best to leave a mark. The

thought of leaving proof of their passionate encounters on Killian’s skin made Quinn even hornier.

Killian gripped Quinn’s throat, the way he’d done in the woods.
Quinn’s cock pulsed harder. He fucking loved that feeling. “Hell yeah.” He dipped his fingers

inside the back of Killian’s jeans, clawing at his flesh.

Killian loosened his grip and moved his hand to the back of Quinn’s neck. “One of these

days…” He breathed into Quinn’s open mouth then nipped at his bottom lip.

Quinn ran his hand up Killian’s back, relishing the feel of bulky muscles flexing under his

touch. “I need you inside me.”

Killian stepped back and turned Quinn around, manhandling him roughly. He reached around

and unfastened Quinn’s jeans. His belt jingled as Killian pushed the jeans down.

Quinn flattened his hands across the truck cab and arched his back as Killian knelt behind him

and bit his left ass cheek. Quinn shuddered with pleasure. He closed his eyes and moaned, but a flash
of light snagged his attention. He opened his eyes and scrambled to pull up his pants, knocking Killian
down in the process.

“What the hell?”
“Somebody’s coming.” Quinn shoved his erect cock back into his jeans and fastened them.
Killian grabbed the pistol as headlights came toward them from farther down the road. “Stay

behind me.” He nudged Quinn back and hopped down out of the truck bed.

Quinn followed, his heart pounding so fast he could hardly catch his breath.
Killian motioned again for him to stay back, but Quinn wasn’t about to listen. If the hunters

were coming after him, he damn sure wouldn’t back down. He flanked Killian, fists clenched and
chest bowed.

“I thought I said to stay back.”
“This is my fight, too.”
Killian’s jaw hardened, and he glared over at Quinn, anger blazing in his eyes.
A large truck stopped about thirty feet from where they stood, right about where the cans had

been lined up on the dirt road.

“Kill?” Junior Cobb’s voice rang out over the sound of the truck engine. “Is that you?”
“God dammit, Junior! I could have shot you.” Killian tucked the pistol in the waistband of his

jeans and stalked toward the headlights.

“Not likely with your sorry aim.” Junior met him halfway.
“We were heading your way. Just stopped so Quinn could get a little target practice.”
Junior looked past Killian and nodded to Quinn. “He any good?”
“Yeah. A little more time and he’ll be a hell of a shot.”
“Good, we’re gonna need all the guns we can get.”
“What have you heard?”
Junior rubbed his jaw. “Better come on back to the house. Dad will fill you in.”
“We’ll be right there.” Killian turned and came back to the truck, his mood still not exactly

what Quinn would have considered friendly.

Junior made a quick U-turn in the middle of the road and sped away.
“What did he say?”
“Get in the truck.”
“Why?”
“We’re late for dinner.” Killian brushed past him and climbed back into the cab.
Quinn glared at him through the windshield, unsure why he was acting so mad. He stood there

a few seconds more until he heard the engine rev. Killian wasn’t mad—he was pissed.

He joined Killian in the truck, quiet but definitely on edge. They continued down the dirt road

with nothing but silence growing between them. Finally, Quinn had had enough. “What the hell is your
problem?”

“I don’t have a problem.”
“Really? You could have fooled me. Five minutes ago you were about to fuck the hell out of

me, and now you’re acting like you want to fucking choke me—and not in the way I’d like.”

Killian glanced over, his heated glare blazing, and his jaw jutted out. The vein in his forehead

popped. “How the fuck can I protect you when you don’t listen?”

Was he serious? “Protect me? I’m not a kid, Killian. I’m a grown man. I can fight my own

battles.”

Killian slammed on the brakes, and the truck skidded to an abrupt stop. “What’s it gonna take

to get you to see that you can’t fight these fuckers on your own? They will kill you, Quinn.”

Quinn scooted to the edge of the seat, the hair on the back of his neck suddenly electrified.

“You think I don’t know that?” He pounded the dash with his fist. “I watched them murder my parents
when I was sixteen fucking years old. If anyone knows how dangerous these bastards are, I do.”

Killian pressed his lips together, his jaw still thumping. “Look. We’re in this together. If

you’re taking chances then you’re endangering me, too.” He leaned against the steering wheel, his
demeanor calming by the second. “I can’t stand by and watch someone else I care about do something
stupid without at least trying to get through to them.”

Quinn bit back the rebuttal already forming in his mind when he noticed the pain in Killian’s

voice. Was he referring to Caiden? He swallowed hard. “I’m not trying to be reckless. I just don’t
want to stand behind you…” He reached out and touched Killian’s shoulder, giving it a little rub. “I
want to stand beside you.”

Killian drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes. “You are beside me, but things are different

now. This isn’t a horrible memory you have to live with. This is real, and if these guys have come this
far to find you after six years, they’re not stopping until they do.”

“Can we at least agree that if shit gets hairy, you’ll trust me not to do something stupid?”
Killian cocked a brow. “If you’ll promise to listen and do as I say when, and if, the time

comes? That’s how it’s gonna be, Quinn. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Quinn nodded. “I understand.” He did understand. He’d been on his own so long that

relying on someone else wasn’t easy, but he wanted it. He truly wanted to give Killian that power. If
only he could learn to let it go. Give in, and let it be the way his instincts already knew it had to be.

Killian motioned to him. “Come here.”
Quinn leaned toward him and met Killian halfway with a kiss.
“Understanding goes both ways. I’ve been on my own, too, and I know what it’s like to want

everything to go your way. That’s why I left home to begin with. I just hope you believe me when I
say this is how it has to be.”

Quinn sighed and nodded. “I’m trying.”
“I know, and I’m trying, too.” He raked the back of his knuckles across Quinn’s jaw. “You’re

just so goddamned hard-headed…” Killian winced as though Quinn’s defiant nature caused him
discomfort.

Quinn smiled, sensing that deep down, Killian actually liked his stubborn side.

Chapter Fifteen

Killian walked into Junior Cobb’s house with Quinn right behind him. He could smell the

anxiety radiating from his lover. Crowds were definitely not Quinn’s thing. He’d been alone a long
time. Too long, depending only on himself.

Killian understood. He also understood it would take Quinn some time to pick up on the

dynamics of a pack. If Killian ever became an alpha of his own pack, Quinn would have to learn to
submit if he wanted to stay. Of course, Killian had a lot to learn about dominating, too. He tried not to
let any of this worry him, but his growing feelings for the other shifter made it hard to simply set
aside.

The hunters had done more than force a family into exile. They had disrupted a very important

tradition that was essential to their kind. Families breaking away from an established pack on their
own was unheard of. Plenty of packs divided, and some members might have even been cast out for
various reasons. That kind of thing was very rare, though.

Quinn was about as close to an Omega wolf as one could get, without the negative

condemnation that usually accompanied it. All that was in the past though, and Killian wanted to make
sure Quinn’s future was much different.

James Cobb Senior stood as they entered the dining room. “Well, I’ll be damned.” He gave

Killian a firm handshake and patted him on the shoulder with the same affection he’d always shown.
He was everything Killian had ever wanted in a father, but never had.

“Good to see you, sir.”
James glanced over at Quinn. “Is this the troublemaker?”
Killian chuckled. “Yes, sir. Where he goes trouble seems to follow.”
“Nice to meet you anyway.” James shook Quinn’s hand next. “Don’t worry, young man. We’re

gonna get to the bottom of this hunter stuff.”

Quinn’s cheeks reddened, and he suddenly looked like the shy kid Killian had first encountered

in the bar the first night they’d met. “Thank you, sir.”

“I hope you boys are good and hungry. Francine and Melanie fried up a mess of catfish,

hushpuppies, and a heap of slaw.”

Killian’s mouth watered. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a proper helping of catfish.”
“Well, have a seat and let’s rectify that.” James gestured to the chairs in front of where they

stood.

“Everything looks and smells amazing.” Killian pulled out a chair and sat down.
Quinn and Junior did the same.
“You boys should start coming to Sunday dinner,” Francine Cobb said as she placed a basket of

piping hot cornbread on the table in front of Killian.

Killian glanced up, taking a second to appreciate her warm, loving smile. “From the looks of

this meal, we might have to take you up on that, Mrs. Cobb.”

She scrunched her nose. “You’d think after twenty years you’d learn to call me Francine.”
Killian’s cheeks warmed. He knew her name, but he also knew how he’d been raised. Calling

her anything other than Mrs. Cobb felt disrespectful. He grinned and nodded, but offered no reply.

Everyone settled and passed food around the table the way they always had, like some family

straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, only with wolves.

He shot a quick glance over at Quinn, who stuffed his face like he hadn’t eaten in days. Killian

laughed to himself. If he’d ever imagined how his own family would look someday—this was it.

After dinner, the men went out to the front porch where James could smoke a cigar without his

wife fussing about the odor. Killian enjoyed their banter as she complained about his health, and all

the things a wife should fuss about to her husband.

His own parents were like that at one time, though Killian had been too young to remember

anything in great detail.

Quinn sat across from where Killian was seated, and for a brief moment, he missed the feel of

the other wolf at his side. He could see him, but he wanted so much to touch him, smell him, and know
he was with him in all the ways that mattered.

“Been making calls to some packs out in New Mexico, and I might be on to something.” James

puffed on his cigar as white smoke circled over his head.

Killian’s heart skipped a beat as Quinn leaned forward, his expression taut and serious as he

glared in James’s direction.

“About the hunters?” Quinn bobbed his knee up and down as his obvious anxiety grew.
As though his lover’s emotions were his own, Killian’s insides tickled.
“Apparently, a few years back, a young woman had been promised to another wolf from a

nearby pack, but right before the wedding, she took off with a boy from her own pack. They’d been
sweethearts or something, and expected the spirits to bind them in the becoming, but things didn’t go
as planned.”

James rocked back and forth in the wooden rocker. “On their way out of town, they

accidentally ran a car off an old bridge, killing the mother driving the car, and putting the little girl in
a coma for six months or so. The girl survived, but she still ain’t right from all the oxygen she lost.”

“Were they related to these hunters?” Killian rubbed his palms on his jeans, a little unnerved

by the story.

Mr. Cobb loosely held his cigar between two fingers, and cocked a single brow. “The woman

and child were the family of an alpha from another county. They were on their way to a dance recital.”

Killian’s stomach sloshed. “The hunters are shifters?”
“No.” James took another puff on his cigar. “I’m saying the man looking for this pup is an

alpha, but the men he’s hired to do the job are human.”

Quinn scooted to the edge of the seat. “Why is he after me?”
James drew in a deep breath and narrowed his eyes. “If the story they told me is true, that

young woman was your mama’s little sister, and that man has vowed to wipe out your entire family
for what happened to his.”

Killian eyed Quinn as the color drained from his young lover’s face. “I have an aunt?”
“From what I’ve been told, you did, but we don’t know too much more about her.”
“So what…” Quinn stood and walked to the edge of the porch. “Do I tuck tail and keep

running? I’ve been doing that for years.” He shook his head and looked back over his shoulder at
James. “Is that how it’s gonna be the rest of my life?”

James sighed. “This alpha’s mission goes against pack laws. He’s murdered at least two

shifters that we know of … your parents. Other councils are looking for him to bring him to justice,
too.”

“What about our council? What do y’all say?” Killian’s nerves rattled.
“Our council has agreed to offer asylum to the pup. Take him in as one of our own on principle

alone. He’s innocent, and we can’t stand by and let another life be taken in the name of vengeance.
Everyone’s agreed, with the exception of one hold out.”

Killian grated his teeth, already knowing the name of the inflexible council member. “My

father.”

James nodded. “I’ve never seen anything like it. I’ve known your father most of my life. He’s

my best friend, but he’s the most stubborn son-of-a-bitch I’ve ever met.”

“Will the council still protect Quinn without my father’s vote?”

James looked over at Quinn. “You think you can control that wild streak tellin’ you to run?”
Quinn pressed his lips together and glared at the floor for what felt like an eternity. Then he

shot a questioning glance in Killian’s direction as though asking for his approval.

A thrilling surge of excitement zapped through Killian’s body for reasons he couldn’t explain.

He gave Quinn a crooked smile.

“Yes, sir.” Quinn stepped toward James with his hand extended.
James rose and accepted the handshake then hugged Quinn. “Welcome.”
“Of course, there’ll eventually have to be a ceremony.” Junior came over and patted Killian on

the shoulder.

“For what?” Killian gulped.
“You should know by now. We have ceremonies for everything.” James jammed his cigar back

into his mouth and returned to his seat.

“Yeah, you can’t remove a toenail around here without someone making a big fuss about it.”
Everyone laughed, relieving some of Killian’s apprehension.
“Don’t worry.” James rocked back and forth. “We got everything under control.” His gaze

burrowed into Killian as the mood on the porch suddenly took a sobering turn. “Which reminds me,
Killian. We need to talk.” He gestured to Junior. “Son, why don’t you take the pup inside and see to it
your mother sends him home with a big hunk of pie?”

Noting the instant concern in Quinn’s expression, Killian gave him a reassuring nod.
James waited until Junior and Quinn had entered the house before he turned his attention to

Killian. “Now, I ain’t one to get into your personal business, and you know I don’t agree with your dad
on the issue of your love life, but when it comes to the pack, we need to be clear on a few things.”

Killian pressed his lips together to hide his growing angst. He and Mr. Cobb had never really

discussed the plans for him to become an alpha. Killian had simply always known what James had
expected. “Yes, sir.”

James got up and walked over the railing next to Killian. “You’re meant to be an alpha. You

know it. I know it. Hell, half the damn county knows it.”

Killian’s heart raced. The reality of it was almost too much to absorb. “I’ve been gone a long

time. I have a lot to make up for.”

“Well, first things first.” Puffs of smoke encircled James’s head. “Have you claimed the pup

yet?”

Killian’s cheeks heated. He hadn’t expected that particular question. His cheeks heated, and he

cleared his throat. “No, sir, but I want to.” No statement had ever been truer.

James smiled. “Good. That’s natural. An effective alpha needs a strong mate. The boy’s young,

and you both have a lot to learn, but claiming him is the first step.”

“I have no idea what I’m doing though.”
“Your wolf spirit will guide you. You might not have shared in the becoming with the other

members of our pack, but what matters most is that you heed the call of the wolf when it counts.”

Killian’s nerve endings tingled as an unexpected excitement flashed across him. “Is it true that

if I claim him, he’ll really be recognized as my mate?”

“If he’s meant to be your mate, the council will honor that. He’ll be yours and your

responsibility.” He placed his hand on Killian’s shoulder. “He’ll be the first of many who’ll choose to
follow you. Some you’ll claim, some you won’t. Listen to your spirit wolf, and it will tell you all you
need to know.”

The thought of that left Killian with even more questions. “I don’t know about that. The urge

comes the strongest when—” He caught himself before he revealed the intimate details of his secret
desires. A slight panic zapped across his nerves. “It won’t be the same with the others, will it?”

James laughed. “No, probably not quite the same.” He waggled his brows as though he

understood what Killian meant. “But the outcome will be just as powerful.”

Killian leaned against the railing as he pondered this new information.
“Are you ready for all of this?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” He took a deep breath. “This would be so much easier if all of this

hunter stuff was behind us.”

James squeezed his shoulder. “You have my word, we’re gonna get to the bottom of that, too.”

****

Quinn didn’t say much as they drove back to Killian’s house. The information Mr. Cobb had

revealed was more than a little overwhelming. His mother was killed because of her own sister, a
woman he’d never even met. And for what? Some teenage romance gone wrong?

Bullshit! He balled his fist and rapped his knuckles on the door frame. What a waste of life. He

and his parents didn’t have anything to do with any of it.

Did that crazy bastard think annihilating an entire family would end his grief? Quinn shook his

head, chewing on the inside of his cheek. Damn. What about my grief?

“Hey.” Killian’s voice broke Quinn’s train of thought. “You okay?”
“Yeah.”
“You sure?”
Quinn looked across the seat at him. “It’s a lot to take in.”
“I know, but at least now you know some of it.”
Quinn nodded. “It’s weird.” He drew lines on the fogged over window with his finger. “I

thought knowing why they were killed would make a difference, but it doesn’t. They’re still dead, and
that can’t be undone.”

“True.” Killian strummed his fingers on the steering wheel, appearing more nervous than

Quinn had ever noticed before. “But you’re not alone now. You know?” He glanced back and forth
between Quinn and the road.

“You’re right.” Quinn rested the back of his head against the truck seat. Killian was right. He

wasn’t alone now. For the first time, he felt accepted. Mr. Cobb and his family, hell even Larry, were a
big part of that, but nothing compared to the way Killian made him feel connected.

There was something beyond animal attraction between him and the long haired, beautiful wolf

sitting across from him. Killian was different. He was special. The kind of guy Quinn actually
believed he could really trust, not an easy feat considering all he’d been through.

The more time he spent with the older shifter, the more he felt at home.
Quinn eyed Killian in the dark, recalling the way his chiseled jaw thumped when he clenched

his teeth, and the way his lips plumped a little when Quinn nibbled them. His eyes were the most
memorable. They darkened when that lusty air fell between them in the quiet moments before they’d
made love. It had only happened once, but with as many times as they’d been interrupted when they’d
tried to come together since, he knew when they finally did, it would be amazing.

His cock pulsed at the thought of it.
The truck came to a stop in front of the house, bringing Quinn’s thoughts back to the present.

They went into the house without speaking, which strangely made Quinn feel at ease.

“I’m gonna go clean up.” Killian closed the door behind them.
Quinn nodded and plopped down on the sofa.
After a few moments he heard the bath water running, and he realized Killian was in the

bathroom, naked, with nothing but a wall standing between them.

Quinn pursed his lips, overcome with wicked ideas. He’d have to do something about that.

Chapter Sixteen

Killian closed his eyes and rested his head on the back of the over-sized tub as he submersed

himself in the hot bath. Bubbles tickled his nose, and the water cascading over him filled his senses
with a surreal feeling of peace—like a fucking fairytale.

He drew in a deep breath, enjoying his ability to relax, without feeling guilty. Despite the news

about Quinn’s family, everything was going right, with the exception of his stubborn, narrow minded
father, but that was nothing new. He’d find a way to be happy whether his dad liked it or not.

Tonight, Killian wouldn’t even let thoughts of the hunters keep him from appreciating a few

moments of joy. An emotion almost as foreign as love, but somehow he dared to think, if only for a
few brief hours, that both were actually possible.

He opened his eyes to find Quinn standing in the doorway watching him with a hungry stare

that made his cock throb.

Killian sat up, heat flushing his face and neck. “What are you doing?”
Quinn sauntered in with his jeans unfastened and no shirt, looking smug, quite a change from

the somber expression he had on the way home from Junior’s house.

Goose-bumps covered Quinn’s skin and his nipples balled into hard nubs. “Waiting.”
“Waiting for what?” Intrigued, Killian’s stomach fluttered.
“For you to invite me in.”
Killian licked his lips. “You need an invitation?”
“Maybe.”
Killian rose from the water. Bubbles slid down his thighs, tickling his skin. “Well either you

do or you don’t.”

Quinn’s Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. He swallowed so hard Killian could hear it as his

gaze drifted downward.

Killian eased back into the water, amused by this new teasing game. He’d sensed Quinn’s need

to be led, maybe even a need to be dominated. Though he might have challenged Killian back on the
dirt road, this was different. Somehow Killian could sense it.

What did Quinn really want? Did he want Killian to dominate him? He damn sure liked it

rough. He’d even said as much when they argued earlier.

Getting a little rough was one thing, but Killian had yet to actually claim the younger wolf as

his own. What in the hell was he waiting for?

He’d come close that first night, but they hadn’t been intimate since. Not completely. They’d

messed around, and even slept in the same bed, but Killian had been too preoccupied by the run-in
with his father to initiate sex, much less something as serious as marking territory. He wanted to. No
doubt about that.

He knew how it was supposed to work, but he hadn’t exactly resigned himself to the idea of

following through. Maybe now was the time. Maybe Quinn was ready. Maybe he was ready.

“Come here.”
Quinn slowly walked toward him and stopped at the edge of the bathtub.
Killian eyed the other man as he stroked his cock under the water.
Quinn sat on the edge of the tub. “You look lonely in there.”
Killian offered a cocky smile. “Do I?”
Quinn reached into the water and moved Killian’s hand away from his cock and resumed

stroking it for him.

Killian rolled his eyes, grabbed Quinn’s arm, and dragged him into the bathtub. He cupped the

side of Quinn’s neck and gazed into the other shifter’s intoxicating orbs. “You make me crazy

sometimes.”

Quinn repositioned himself and straddled Killian in the spacious tub.
The wet jeans scraped his hips, and Killian winced. He gripped Quinn’s thighs and stared up at

him.

The silence between them became deafening as Quinn slid his fingers across Killian’s chest,

biting his bottom lip. His adorable expression made Killian even harder.

“You shouldn’t tease me so much.”
“Oh yeah?” Quinn cocked a brow.
“Yeah.” Killian sat up, causing Quinn to tilt backward. He clutched the back of Quinn’s neck

and drew the young shifter’s mouth down to his. Gently brushing his lips against Quinn’s, Killian
paused, taking a moment to savor the anticipation. “You’re overdressed.”

Quinn looked down at his jeans and unfastened them.
Killian watched, holding his breath. He squeezed Quinn’s thighs, hoping to encourage him to

take them off.

Quinn stood and stepped out of the bathtub, sloshing water over the edge. Dripping wet, he

wandered to the bathroom door then took off his soaked jeans, slowly and deliberately. Water beaded
on his ass when he bent to untangle his pants legs from around his ankles.

“Fuck.” Lusty thoughts of licking the moisture away sent heat rushing to Killian’s groin, and

he squeezed his balls.

Quinn cast a sideways glance over his shoulder then left the room.
Not one to be trifled with, Killian jumped up and grabbed a towel. He wrapped it around his

waist and hurried to catch up to Quinn. “Where in the hell do you think you’re going?” He grabbed
Quinn by the arm and spun him around.

Quinn playfully shoved him away and dove onto Killian’s giant bed.
“Teasing me isn’t a wise move.” Killian pounced on top of him. His wet hair fell over his

shoulder, and Quinn pressed the palms of his hands against Killian’s chest, holding him at bay as he
writhed under him.

“Oh, so now you’re gonna fight me off?” He craned his neck to kiss Quinn, whose arms gave a

little as he allowed Killian his pleasure. Killian tangled his tongue around Quinn’s, and they rolled
over on the bed.

Quinn, now taking the lead, broke from the kiss and peered down at Killian. “Where is this

going?”

“Um, some seriously hot sex?”
“That’s not what I mean.”
Killian sighed, knowing exactly what Quinn was getting at. “I’ve been wondering that myself.”

He caressed Quinn’s biceps. “What do you want?”

“Honestly?” Quinn ran his foot down the inside of Killian’s leg, rubbing his calf. “This is all so

new for me, but for some reason, I find myself thinking about this…” He made a gesture indicating
the way they were lying in the bed. “All the time.”

Killian ran his fingers through Quinn’s short blond hair, enjoying the way the unruly locks

shimmered in the silvery moonlight coming in through the window. “I do the same.” He propped up
onto his elbow. “At first it was all about getting in your pants, but now…” He grinned as he skimmed
his index finger across Quinn’s bottom lip. “Now I can’t imagine you not being here.”

“What about your dad?”
“Fuck my dad.”
“Rather not.” Quinn flashed him a toothy grin.
Killian laughed. “Seriously though, I’ve lived with guys before, and after a couple of weeks I

looked for ways to get them to leave.” He licked his lips. “But with you? I’m scrambling for reasons
to make you stay.”

“So make me stay, Kill.”
He searched the younger shifter’s eyes. Was Quinn asking what Killian hoped? “Do you

understand what that means?”

“I think so.”
“Claiming you means I’ll own you.” Killian’s heart raced. “You’ll belong to me and no one

else.”

Quinn swallowed hard. “I know.”
Butterflies swarmed Killian’s stomach. “Fuck.” His breathing hitched as his excitement grew.

Blood rushed through his veins, and his mouth watered. He wiggled out from under Quinn. “Turn
over.”

Quinn scooted around and lay flat on his stomach.
Killian recalled what he’d confessed to Mr. Cobb. He had no idea what he was doing, but like

James had explained, Killian would have to rely purely on his instincts, and trust the wolf spirits. In
his heart, he knew they wouldn’t steer him wrong.

He reached into the nightstand and pulled out his stash of lube and a condom. He then sat on

his knees and positioned himself between Quinn’s legs, forcing him to lie spread eagle. Smoothing his
hands up the backs of Quinn’s thighs, Killian memorized every curve, every hair, all the way up to
where Quinn’s skin turned silky, where only a few blond baby hairs covered the lower crack of his ass,
right above the taint.

Killian squeezed Quinn’s bare ass, then leaned down, kissing and nibbling his way up to

Quinn’s back. Tanned muscles rippled, firm and supple, his body the perfect specimen for a young,
athletic male.

Killian flipped open the lid to the lube and sprinkled it over Quinn’s tender flesh.
Quinn shuddered, and gooseflesh instantly flared across his body.
Massaging it in, Killian made sure to slather plenty of the minty liquid between his lover’s ass

cheeks, ensuring nothing would hinder what was about to happen next.

He bent and whispered in Quinn’s ear. “Are you sure you’re ready to be mine?”
With his eyes closed tight, Quinn nodded, replying with a little moan.
Killian opened the condom, rolled it down the length of his shaft, and then stroked, saturating

himself with the lube. The liquid heated a little more with each slide of his hand, exactly the way he
liked it. His cock would be good and hot when he sank inside Quinn’s ass.

His balls drew up at the thought, causing his thigh muscles to stiffen. Blood engorged his

prick, and his eardrums boomed from each desperate pulse.

His feelings for the other man were much deeper than he’d allowed himself to believe. Taking

him—No. Claiming him was more essential now than ever. There was no turning back. In moments,
Quinn Kelly would be his.

Killian climbed on top of Quinn and kissed his shoulders as he wriggled between Quinn’s legs.

“You’re so beautiful. The way your body conforms to mine, like you were made for me.” It was true.
The arch of Quinn’s back melded flawlessly with Killian’s body.

Killian rose up on his left arm while positioning his cock with his right hand. He slid the crown

up and down Quinn’s crack, poking and prodding his hole a little more with each pass. “Can you feel
how hard my cock is for you right now?”

Quinn nodded. “I want you so bad.”
“Tell me you’re mine.”
“Fuck, Killian.” Desperation spilled from his tone. “I‘ve always been yours. From the first

time you looked at me.”

This was also true. Killian knew it as sure as he knew he would never be the same after tonight.

He placed his finger over the tip of his cock and felt for the tight sphincter of Quinn’s hole to loosen.
He toyed with it a bit, dipping his finger inside a couple of times to tease his lover.

Quinn writhed and moaned. He arched his back, offering himself up like a sacrificial lamb.
The lubricant heated up as their touching skin created more friction. Killian kissed the back of

Quinn’s neck, gripped his shoulder, and pushed his cock inside, sinking only about halfway.

His lover bucked under him, groaning and pushing himself back onto Killian’s throbbing shaft.
“Take me all the way.”
Killian pumped in and out, sinking deeper with each dive until they both moved in unison,

rocking their bodies into each other, hastening the pace with each plunge.

“Fuck yeah.” Quinn’s breathy pants filled the room. “I love it.”
Killian ground in harder, shoving himself inside Quinn, down to the base of his shaft. He

jammed in with a heavy grunt, sweat beading on his brow, and his fingers digging into Quinn’s
shoulder as he held on for leverage. He put pressure on his left knee, raising himself higher so he
could dig in deeper. “So tight.”

“I fucking love it.” Quinn growled. “Fucking love you, Killian.”
Killian’s ears rang as Quinn’s words echoed throughout the room. His mouth ached, and his

throat burned. For reasons he could never explain, Killian knew exactly what to do.

Killian thrust himself in and remained buried deep inside Quinn. Then he lunged upward to

reach the back of Quinn’s neck with his mouth. His gums ached, and he could swear his canines
descended. That had never happened while still in human form.

He trembled as a slight flash of fear overcame him, but it was quickly replaced with a sense of

determination. Somehow, he knew and understood what had to be done. Without even thinking,
Killian clamped down and bit Quinn’s nape, sinking his protruding fangs in as deep as they would go.

Quinn jerked under him and yelped like a wild dog. He struggled, but Killian bit down harder,

growling and snarling as the beast inside him bucked for release.

Quinn shuddered until he finally began to roll his hips, prompting Killian to loosen his hold

and move himself in and out of Quinn’s ass.

The warm, metallic taste flooded Killian’s mouth, and he swallowed it, knowing all too well it

was Quinn’s blood. The heady liquid slid down his throat, leaving behind a succulent flavor, sweet and
fulfilling. Still embedded in his ass, he released Quinn’s neck, but continued to fuck him. Only now
Quinn did most of the moving, gyrating back and forth, and milking Killian’s cock with each clench of
his ass.

Killian licked away the droplets of blood seeping for his lover’s wound then hugged Quinn

tight. His cock swelled, and his entire body quaked as he began to climax.

“Please?” Quinn’s voice trembled. “Come inside me.”
The sudden explosion took Killian’s breath away, and a white light flashed behind his eyes. He

closed them tight and buried his face in the curve of Quinn’s neck. Panting, he tried to catch his breath
as he removed himself from the confines of Quinn’s ass.

They lay there for a few long moments. Killian’s heartbeat slowed as he recovered his energy.

He slid off of Quinn and kissed his shoulder. “Look at me.”

Quinn faced him, his eyes reddened and wet.
Killian wiped away a tear. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”
Quinn shook his head and sniffled. “It’s not that.”
“Then what is it?” Fear gripped Killian’s heart. Was Quinn telling the truth?
“I’ve never felt anything like that before.”

Killian’s heart thudded with relief. “That makes two of us.”
“I—I—” Quinn continued to shake his head as words seemed to escape him.
“I love you.” Killian drew him closer. “I love you so fucking much it twists my inside into a

thousand tiny knots.” He pressed his lips to Quinn’s and kissed him, then inched back to look into his
lover’s eyes again. “Wherever you go, whatever you do, I’ll be there. I’ll never let anything or anyone
ever hurt you again.”

Another tear slid from Quinn’s eyes as he touched the back of his neck.
Killian’s chest tightened, and air surged from his lungs. The taste of Quinn’s blood still

lingered on his tongue. What he’d done had to have been excruciating, and here he was telling Quinn
he’d never hurt him. “I didn’t mean to bite you. It just sort of happened. I’m so sorry.” The memory
made Killian sick to his stomach.

“No.” Quinn sat up. “It doesn’t hurt.” A strange expression sifted across his face as he fingered

the wound. “What the hell? It’s already healing.”

“What?” Killian scrambled to his knees and examined Quinn’s nape. The punctures were gone,

but four purplish-red scars, forming the punctures of a bite pattern, remained on each side of his neck.
“I don’t understand.”

“I don’t either. I heal faster now than before I first shifted, but this is crazy.”
“We all heal faster, but not like that.” He cupped Quinn’s neck and searched his eyes. “Maybe

this is something that’s supposed to happen after we find our mate.”

Quinn smiled and pressed his forehead to Killian’s. “Does this mean we’re mated?”
Killian leaned away and searched his lover’s eyes, wondering the same thing himself. Was that

really it? “Mr. Cobb said it was the first step. The way I feel … it’s like an undeniable need to take
care of you, protect you. Not because you need it, but because I need it.” He huffed out a heavy breath
as though relieved, and nodded to reassure Quinn. “If the way I’m feeling is any indication, you’re my
true mate, Quinn.”

Quinn brow bent as a sense of vulnerability seemed to sift over him. A tear puddled in his eye,

and he dove into Killian’s arms, hugging him tight. “Finally.”

Killian stroked the back of his head. “You don’t have to hide anymore. I’ve got you.”

Chapter Seventeen

Quinn awoke to Killian asleep beside him with his thick, dark mane splayed over most of the

pillow. He touched the silky strands, wishing more than anything he could twist it around his hand to
hold him in place while sinking deep into Killian’s ass.

Killian was his mate. He never thought he’d welcome that aspect of any relationship. To be

fair, he’d never had a relationship to begin with. Especially not one so emotionally and sexually
satisfying.

His attention returned to the perfectly rounded shape of Killian’s gorgeous ass. Quinn had

never topped anyone. Hell, he’d never done anything before Killian, but he wanted nothing more. He
lifted the sheet covering them and eyed the way Killian’s ass curved just so, hard and firm, like it was
meant for a good pounding.

Quinn bit his bottom lip. What I wouldn’t give to be balls deep I that ass.
Killian stirred. He turned and faced Quinn with a sweet smile. “So why aren’t you?”
“Why aren’t I what?”
“Why aren’t you balls deep in my ass?”
The hair on the back of Quinn’s neck stiffened. “Why are you asking me that?”
Killian rose up, his eyes still puffy and bloodshot from their amazing night. “You said you

wanted to be balls deep.”

“No I didn’t.” Quinn’s heart pounded. “I thought it.”
Killian sat back on his haunches with his mouth gaped open. “Son of a bitch.”
“What?”
“Some shifters can hear each other in wolf form, but in human form? That’s crazy. No one in

our pack has the ability.”

“So we can hear each other’s thoughts?”
“There’s only one way to find out.” Killian stared at him with his brow bunched as though

concentrating. After a few seconds he finally spoke. “Did you hear that?”

Quinn shrugged. “Hear what?”
“I tried to talk to you in my head.”
Quinn laughed. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation.”
Killian squeezed his knee. “You try it.”
“Okay.” Quinn closed his eyes and shook his head as though magically clearing his mind. He

opened one eye to peek at Killian, and tried not to laugh before thinking the first thing that popped
into his brain. Maybe if you’d let me top you, I could hear your thoughts, too.

“Maybe it’s not supposed to work both ways.” He rose up onto his knees and towered over

Quinn. “And you can top me anytime you feel man enough to try it.”

Quinn gazed up, his cock instantly rising to the challenge. “Seriously?”
Killian gave him a little kiss, and gently nibbled his bottom lip. “Seriously.”
His entire body quivered with excitement as he got to his knees. His cock throbbed, and he

kissed Killian deeper making wild sweeps of his tongue.

Killian whimpered as Quinn laid him back and climbed on top of him. “I want it to always be

this way.”

“How’s that?”
“Equal.”
Killian gripped Quinn’s biceps. “If I ever become alpha, that won’t be easy. You’re gonna have

to understand that.”

Quinn drew in a deep breath, prepared to strike a bargain. “How about, out there…” He

gestured toward the window. “You’re the boss.” Quinn leaned over and gave him a gentle kiss. “But
here, let me be myself.”

Killian sat up, pressing his chest to Quinn’s. “I thought you liked it when I dominate you.”
Quinn cupped Killian’s face. “You can fuck me stupid and I won’t ever complain.”
“Fucking you stupid is a given, but letting you top me is a gift you’ll have to earn.” He

clutched Quinn’s throat.

Quinn’s body tingled all over as Killian applied pressure. His cock throbbed. Nothing excited

him more than Killian exerting his dominance.

Killian’s eyes narrowed with a suspicious glare. “You really get off on this, don’t you?”
Quinn rubbed himself against Killian’s thigh, savoring the way it felt to be manhandled by his

lover. “You have no idea.”

Killian stretched upwards and engulfed Quinn’s mouth, kissing him with the same ravenous

appetite they’d experienced the night before. A low rumble vibrated in his chest. “Grab the lube.”

Quinn cocked a brow. “Have I earned the privilege?” He cautiously nudged Killian’s shoulder,

pushing him back onto the mattress.

Killian laughed and interlocked his fingers behind his head as a cocky grin spread across his

lips. “I’d say you’ve earned a chance to show me what you’re made of.”

Energized by the challenge, Quinn scooted lower on the bed and flicked the tip of Killian’s

cock with his tongue. He’d prove himself, and with any luck, Killian would reward him accordingly.

“Oh, hell yeah.”
He rubbed the semi-hard shaft and kissed the satiny skin as Killian’s heavy hand caressed the

back of his head, encouraging his effort. Quinn sucked Killian’s cock into his mouth and easily
swallowed it whole in its softer state. Once he’d hardened completely though, the task would require
much more work. Quinn knew that much already, and savored every inch of his lover’s well-endowed
cock.

Killian sucked air through his teeth, making a hissing sound, as Quinn quickened his pace. He

licked away the sweet pre-cum and jostled his dick to coax out more of Killian’s tasty essence. His
own cock ached until he couldn’t take it any longer.

Quinn got on his knees and crawled up the bed, stopping near Killian’s head. He gripped his

cock at the base and wagged it in Killian’s face.

Killian gently stroked him, making Quinn’s cock harden even more.
Quinn’s eyes rolled back when Killian finally took him in his hot mouth. He nudged himself in

deeper. Enjoying the way Killian looked up at him, cheeks hollowed with glistening wet lips. He
glided his thumb over the crest of Killian’s cheekbone. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

He brushed Killian’s hair back so he could watch his lover suck and slurp his cock, tease his

balls and flick the tip of his crown. Killian tongue fucked his slit until Quinn thought he’d come in his
face. He couldn’t lose his load now, not before he’d gotten what he wanted.

Quinn withdrew his cock from Killian’s mouth, but stuck it back in enough to rub the crown

across Killian’s tongue a couple of times. He bit his bottom lip and tilted his head back. Feels so
good.

“I’m glad you like that.”
Quinn glared down at him and grinned. Killian’s ability to hear his thoughts could come in

handy when things were too crazy to speak. “Get on your knees.”

Killian’s brows jutted upward as though surprised by the command, but he complied without

further hesitation.

Butterflies bombarded Quinn’s stomach as his need to please Killian grew.
He grabbed the bottle of lube and positioned himself between Killian’s legs. He sprinkled the

liquid over Killian’s ass and slathered it around with his fingers, taking his time to play. He spread his
cheeks and licked, intermittently probing and sucking. He nibbled the inside of Killian’s cheeks,
kissing and licking until his crack dripped with saliva and the rapidly-warming lube.

Quinn sank the tip of his middle finger inside Killian’s tight hole and slowly pulled back out.

He dipped in and out several times, working his way deeper, twisting and turning.

His cock throbbed.
Sure Killian’s hole had loosened enough, he gripped his cock at the base and bumped against

the gathered entrance.

Killian clenched, but arched his back, and his hole opened up. Quinn pressed in again, not sure

how fast would be too fast or how hard would be too hard.

“It’s okay, just follow your gut.”
Killian’s reassurance was all he needed. Quinn pushed in, his eyes blurring before he reached

halfway. “Son of a...” So fucking hot and tight.

Killian moved back, drawing him in even deeper, he moaned. “Yeah, that’s it.”
Quinn ground in, slow and easy, in no hurry to pound. He wanted it to last so he could savor

every second inside Killian’s body. Tingles skittered down his legs, and waves of pleasure washed
over him. His heart raced, and his breathing escalated as his body drew closer to climax.

On all fours, Killian jerked himself off, which added to Quinn’s excitement. If he held out long

enough, they would come together.

His cock throbbed, and his balls tightened. This was it.
“I’m gonna … come.” He could hardly speak.
Killian slammed back, forcing Quinn inside up to the root of his cock. He moved his ass from

side to side as though using Quinn’s dick to wallow himself out.

“So fucking good.” Quinn wrapped Killian’s hair around his fist, exactly as he’d imagined so

many times. He pulled back as he jammed in harder.

Killian grunted.
Quinn shoved in again and again, pounding with all the passion he could muster.
Heavy pants and moans echoed throughout the room until Quinn crammed himself in one last

time and held it as he exploded. The walls of Killian’s ass contracted around him as Killian milked
him dry.

They collapsed onto the bed, and Killian clenched his cheeks one last time, sending a

shockwave of pain through Quinn’s groin. “Fuck!” He growled as a twinge of anger rose to the
surface.

Killian rolled over and faced him. “Every time you fuck me, you better do it like that.” He

gripped Quinn’s head, then practically crammed his tongue down his throat.

Quinn accepted the fervent kiss and sucked Killian’s tongue harder. When they broke away,

their lips smacked, and Quinn dove in one more time, biting Killian’s bottom lip.

Killian winced and pressed his fingers to his mouth. “Yeah.” He nodded. “Like that.”
Quinn stroked Killian’s hair, gazing up at his lover and feeling more fulfilled than he’d ever

known possible. He sighed deeply. “I’m so glad I sniffed you out that night.”

Killian kissed Quinn’s chest and rested his head. “That makes two of us.”
“What are you going to do about your dad? He’s not gonna like this.”
“You let me worry about my dad.” He hugged Quinn’s torso.
Quinn closed his eyes, relishing the feel of Killian in his arms. He could get used to this, and

no revenge-filled shifter would keep him from it.

Chapter Eighteen

Killian sniffed the ground, recognizing his father’s scent. How long had it been since he’d seen

his father shift? He lifted his snout and inhaled deeply. His scent still lingered in the air, so Killian
must have barely missed him.

He barreled through the woods behind the house, realizing he hadn’t told his father about the

hunters trespassing on their land. The timing might not have been ideal, but he needed to know.
Besides, if he caught him off-guard, his father might actually act like a decent guy and have a real
conversation.

If only Killian could remind his dad of how close they once were. When he was little. Before

his mom died. Before his dad found him and Caiden that night. Before Killian knew what it felt to see
true disgust on his father’s face.

Digging his paws into the dirt as he ran, Killian rapidly gained traction and speed. He ran

toward the shallow creek a few hundred yards behind the house. It was usually dry in the summer
months, but enough rainwater managed to accumulate in fall and winter to create a trickle that flowed
into the pond near the pack’s campground.

Killian slowed to a trot when he reached the creek. His father’s scent was strong, so he knew he

was near. He shifted to human form and scanned the woods for movement.

“Dad?” He eyed the tree line along the banks of the creek and whirled around when a branch

broke behind him.

Although still in wolf form, Killian knew the wolf that crept up behind him was none other

than his father, Kenneth Masters.

His black onyx eyes narrowed, and he lowered his head in an ominous fashion.
“What?” Killian folded his arms across his chest, doing what he could not to look intimidated

by his father’s unfriendly demeanor. “Are you really going to attack me?”

Taut muscled rippled as the dark gray wolf moved to the right as though circling behind

Killian. His low and menacing growl would have proved alarming to any other man standing before
him, but Killian had faith that his dad’s paternal instincts would prevail even though his stubborn
brain might not want to.

He made no sudden moves, further convincing Killian his stance was for show.
“Are you going to shift or not?”
The wolf stood still with his head lowered.
“Fine. I only wanted you to know that we spotted some of those hunters nearby the other day.

Mr. Cobb and the council are looking for them, but you might want to think twice before shifting
around here for now.”

With that, Kenneth changed back into human form. His graying hair appeared damp and

mussed. He’d obviously been out there long enough to have worked up a lather.

Killian envied his father that freedom. Running through the forest without the bothersome

distraction of emotions, fears, or painful thoughts, would be an ideal way to spend the afternoon, but
that day wouldn’t be in Killian’s near future.

“Hunters were on my land?”
“Our land, and yes.”
Kenneth balled his fists. “That damn kid led them here.”
“That damn kid has a name. Quinn.” Killian clenched his jaw. “And it doesn’t matter why they

came. He’s been accepted into the pack, and he’s under our protection.”

“I didn’t vote for it.”
“And why is that, Dad?” Killian moved closer. “Because he was a stranger, or because I care

about him?”

“Doesn’t matter.” His father turned to go.
Killian grabbed his arm. “No. I’m tired of this bullshit. I’m your son, and if Mom knew how

you’re treating me she’d—”

Kenneth lunged and grabbed Killian around the throat, shoving him back into a large pine tree

behind them.

Cold, jagged, bark stabbed into Killian’s shoulder, cutting his flesh as it grated against his bare

shin.

“Don’t talk to me about your mother.” Kenneth growled, jamming his forearm into Killian’s

chest and pinning him against the tree. “You have no idea what she’d think of you or the life you’ve
chosen for yourself.”

Killian pushed his father off of him. “I do know what she’d say. She might not have used the

exact words, but she showed me time and time again that she loved me unconditionally.” Killian
bowed up to his father, feeling the words he needed to say surge up from his gut. “You’d know that if
you’d spent any time with us. But no. You were too busy making a name for yourself to ever see me
for who I am.”

Kenneth’s already profound scowl hardened. “You see all this?” He gestured to the forest

around them. “This didn’t all come from your mother’s side of the family. This came from years of
busting my ass to make sure you and your kids would always have what they needed.”

“This is all material crap. What I needed is what any kid needs, and that’s a father’s love and

acceptance, and that doesn’t cost a goddamned thing.”

“You’re asking too much.” Kenneth turned away from him. “The instant I saw you and Caiden,

I knew—” Disgust seeped from his voice.

Killian eased toward him, curiosity burning a hole through his stomach. “What? What did you

know?”

“I knew that this … this lifestyle wasn’t a phase.” He lowered his head. “And I can’t…”
“I’m still me, Dad.”
Kenneth sighed. “Get rid of these hunters.” He started to walk away, but stopped and glanced

back over his shoulder. “And tell James Cobb to call me. We have pack business to discuss.” He
shifted into wolf form and ran off in the direction Killian had come.

Killian shook his head, mentally kicking himself. He’d actually held out hope that his dad

would cave, give in, and be the father Killian needed him to be. He should have known better. Hell, he
did know better, but he’d allowed himself the hope anyway.

He shifted, too, and took his time plodding through the woods. There was no need to hurry.

Quinn had worked the early shift, but Larry had volunteered to bring him home so they could all watch
the football game. The distraction would take Killian’s mind off his strained relationship with his dad,
even if it was only for a couple of hours.

Killian hung his head low, not really paying any attention to the birds and other animals that he

usually crossed paths with when he adopted his wolfen form. Squirrels usually scurried up trees, and
rabbits scampered for the nearest hole whenever the big bad wolf was near. He’d always found it
amusing, especially when he’d never considered hunting any creature he’d come across. Unless his
survival required eating wild prey, the meat market in town had all the food he could ever need.

Today was different. The forest stood still, with the exception of a few scattered windblown

leaves or twigs snapping under the weight of his paws.

Killian stopped.
Silence.
Not one natural sound resonated anywhere near him.

What the hell? The thick fur around his neck stiffened as a particularly alarming scent invaded

his snout. His heart thudded, and he sniffed the air again to be sure.

Damn. The hunters were back, and Killian didn’t even know if his dad had made it home. Now

his heart pounded for new reasons. Killian bolted for the house to warn his father. He shouldn’t have
been too far ahead of him considering he’d only been gone a few moments.

Killian’s tongue wagged from panting as he barreled through the forest, weaving in and out of

thickets and clusters of small trees. Razor sharp leaves and thin branches slapped his face and sliced
through his skin. He didn’t let it stop him, though. His dad’s safety was more important than a few
cuts he could patch up later.

His heavy paws jabbed deep into the soft, pine-needle covered ground. The traction he’d

gained earlier from similar soil, had now become a hindrance as he hit splotches of standing water
from recent rains. Mud kicked up behind him, and he slipped a few times, knocking himself off
balance.

“Over here!” A man’s voice echoed through the woods.
Killian panicked at the sound of men shouting back and forth.
“Take the shot!”
A loud, deafening blast was immediately followed by a burning sensation that seared through

his right shoulder. Killian stumbled and flipped head over heels, landing with a violent crash.

He rose up and shook himself off, taking a moment to right himself. Pain shot through his arm

and chest, and Killian whimpered. The smell of blood wafted through the air, and after a few
confusing seconds, he realized it was his own.

“Did you get him?” A muffled voice echoed in the distance.
“Not sure yet.” The reply sounded closer.
Unable to run, Killian dragged himself toward a rotten log a good ten feet in front of him.
“I think it ran over there.”
Traumatized and overcome by fear, Killian froze. They were close. Too damn close. Injured

and powerless to prevent his shift, Killian drew his legs to his chest in an attempt to make his human
form appear as small as possible. Staying hidden was his only hope.

“I don’t see any blood.”
Killian squeezed his eyes shut and held his breath. This was it. A moment he’d never imagined

possible.

Footsteps crunched fallen leaves on the other side of the log where he’d hidden.
Suddenly, a loud, boisterous howl resounded from the direction of the creek bed, followed by

another in the opposite direction.

“What the hell?”
“You must have missed the dammed thing.”
Heavy footsteps stomped all around him, and Killian prepared for the worst.
“Over here!” A third voice rang out.
Quick-paced footsteps tramped through the woods leading away, followed by two consecutive

gunshots in the distance.

Killian waited a few moments then rose up on one elbow and peered over the log. Through the

trees, he made out the blurry shapes of three men heading toward the creek. He remained still,
listening until all signs of a threat disappeared.

He sat up, wincing from the pain. Blood trickled down his arm, and Killian dared to look. “Son

of a b—” He bit back the word, gritting his teeth.

Another gunshot echoed through the trees, sounding even farther away. Killian got to his feet

and scanned the forest around him to get his bearings.

He clutched his useless arm and stumbled through the brush.
“Killian?”
His heart thudded when his father’s voice rang out in his ears. Had he imagined it? He leaned

against a small pine tree as the steady stream of blood dripped from his fingertips. His vision blurred,
and he rubbed them with his other hand.

“Killian?”
“Dad?” He took another step, but his knees buckled. He reached for the tree, but couldn’t

manage to grip the side. He slid to the ground and lay on his back staring up at the sky through the
treetops.

“Oh, God. You’ve been shot.”
Killian extended his hand and touched his father’s arm. “Is that you?”
“I’ve got you.”
His father tugged on his arm and hoisted Killian to a standing position. He draped Killian’s

arm over his own shoulder, supporting him under his arm.

Once they started moving, their steps became easier and Killian became more coherent. “I

don’t think it’s bad.”

“There’s a lot of blood. We’ll know soon enough.”
Killian took a deep breath, reassured by his father’s familiar cologne. Memories flooded his

mind of the many nights he’d pretended to fall asleep on the sofa so his parents would have to carry
him up to his room and tuck him in. He cherished those few memories of them standing quietly by his
bed, doting over their only child.

They’d been a happy family. Once.
As they entered the clearing behind the house, Killian lifted his head.
“Holy hell.” Larry came running toward them and helped Kenneth carry Killian inside the

house. “I’ll get some towels.”

Kenneth led Killian to the sofa and helped him sit back. He examined the wound.
“How bad is it?” Killian tried to look, but too much dried blood had caked around the actual

hole.

“A nasty flesh wound. Deep, but not deadly.” He stood up as Larry returned with a handful of

towels and a first aid kit from Killian’s bathroom.

“I found all this.” Larry laid it all out on the sofa including a pair of Killian’s jeans he’d slung

over his shoulder. “These, too.”

Kenneth grabbed a small pair of scissors, made a cut in the end of a towel, and then ripped it

into strips. “This will work for now.” He tied a strip around Killian’s arm above the bullet hole.
“Looks like they used a small caliber rifle. A Remington two-twenty-two, maybe.”

“Why not a shotgun?” Larry opened a bottle of alcohol and handed it to Kenneth.
“If they’re a good shot, either could take down a deer. Definitely a wolf. Maybe they weren’t

looking to kill.” Kenneth took the alcohol bottle from Larry. “This is gonna hurt.”

Killian growled and stomped the floor in front of the sofa as the excruciating sting burned his

arm. “Fuck!” He sucked in and huffed out large gulps of air. Despite the pain, he quickly scanned the
room for Quinn. “Where’s Quinn?” He tried to get up, but his father pushed him back down.

“You need to sit still.”
He glared up a Larry, sensing immediately that something wasn’t right. “Where is he, Lare?”

He recalled the howl of another wolf in the forest and the sound of more gunshots.

“We were on our way here when we spotted those guys parked on the side of the road. He told

me to come here and call Junior Cobb, and then he…” Larry’s gaze dashed back and forth between
Kenneth and Killian. “He jumped out and took off after them.”

Killian tried to get up again. “I heard more shots.”
His dad gestured to Larry and pointed toward the hallway. “Go call Junior and have them take

a look.”

Larry left the room, and Killian grabbed the jeans from the coffee table and clumsily slipped

them on, while his father cleaned the blood from his arm. He eyed his dad as he tied the towel strips
around his shoulder. “Why did you come back for me?”

“I heard the shots.” His father glanced over, meeting Killian’s gaze. “You’re my son. I wasn’t

about to let some crazy bastard hurt you, or worse.”

“I thought they’d shot you.” Killian sat up with a grimace. “They came out of nowhere.”
“You said they were on our property once before?”
Killian nodded.
His dad narrowed his eyes as though deep in thought as he tied off the end of the towel, pulling

it taut.

“Gaahd.” Killian sucked air through his teeth and jerked away. “That fuckin’ hurt.” He rubbed

his upper arm, doing what he could to soothe the ache.

“You’ll live, but make sure you have that looked at.” Kenneth stood. “Your friend being here

isn’t a good idea.”

Killian glared up at him. “Well he’s not going anywhere, so you’re gonna have to deal with it.”
“It’s too dangerous, Killian.”
Killian got to his feet. “You didn’t want him here to begin with. Don’t use this as an excuse to

get rid of him.” He walked toward the front door. “He’s protected by the pack, so he stays.”

Kenneth lingered for a moment. “Look, son.” He ran his hand through his graying hair and his

brow seemed to bend with worry, but he didn’t finish his argument.

“This is who I am, Dad.” He opened the front door. “Take it or leave it. The choice is yours.”
Kenneth slowly walked toward him. “This isn’t over. The council will need to reassess this

situation.”

“Now that I actually agree with.” Killian opened the door to find Quinn walking up the

driveway putting on his t-shirt. His heart pounded. “Are you okay?”

Quinn gave him a cocky grin. “Are you?” He slipped through the door, scraping his chest

across Killian’s. “Thought they’d—” He stopped as he crossed the threshold. “Shit, you are hurt.”
Quinn examined Killian’s arm.

“Only a flesh wound. My dad found me.”
Quinn glanced back and immediately moved away from Killian. “Yeah, I uh…” The confident

swagger he’d entered the house with quickly faded, and he suddenly resembled a nervous little bunny
in a house full of hungry hounds.

“Sir.” Quinn extended his hand.
Kenneth looked down his nose at Quinn the way he often did most of Killian’s friends, but

made no effort to introduce himself.

“It’s okay. He was just leaving.” Killian opened the door wider. “Right, Dad?”

Chapter Nineteen

Quinn bristled as Mr. Masters slowly eyeballed him from head to toe, disdain apparent in his

icy glare. “You’ve brought a hailstorm of grief to my front door. See to it that it blows away as swiftly
as it arrived.”

Guilt weighed heavily on Quinn’s heart. He couldn’t have agreed more. He glared at the floor

and defensively crossed his arms across his chest. “Yes, sir.”

Killian moved in front of Quinn, obviously acting as a buffer. “Don’t.” His jaw-line hardened

as he squared his shoulders.

Kenneth stepped up and seemed to study Killian’s eyes for a long moment before relenting and

easing back. “Stay out of the woods for now.” He then shot a hard look in Quinn’s direction. “And
refrain from shifting if it can be helped.” His attention returned to Killian. “In fact, don’t leave our
property or pack lands if you don’t absolutely have to.”

Killian nodded and closed the door behind his father.
Quinn’s stomach dropped and he rushed to him. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Killian took Quinn’s face in his hands and kissed him. “Yes. I’m fine. Sore, but I’ll live.” He

pressed his forehead to Quinn’s. “Did they see you?”

“I stayed low and led them away. They popped off a couple of shots, but none were anywhere

near where I was.”

“That was way too close, man.” Killian walked over to the sofa. “We need to put an end to this

bullshit and soon.”

“Where’s Larry?” Quinn followed behind, half hoping their friend had left so they could be

alone.

“In the bedroom talking to Junior.”
“He’s right you know.”
Killian leaned back. “About what?”
“Me bringing all this trouble.”
Killian rolled his eyes. “I’m not arguing with you about this, Quinn.”
“Good. I don’t want to argue either, but it’s still true.”
“Look. You had nothing to do with any of this. It’s all about payback. Some guy seeking

revenge to ease his own pain, and that shit can only lead to one thing—destruction.”

Quinn gently brushed his fingers above the bandage on Killian’s arm. “His or innocent

bystanders?”

Killian sighed, in no mood to continue the conversation. “Quinn, I’m fine.” He gripped

Quinn’s knee and squeezed.

“Junior and his dad are on the way.” Larry strolled from the hallway and stopped when he

looked up from his cell phone. “Holy shit. You’re back and in one piece.”

“Barely.” Killian released Quinn’s knee.
“I made enough noise to lure them away from here, and then I cut back, and circled around to

get my clothes by the road.”

“A little warning next time would do wonders for my health, dude.” Larry smiled. “It’s been a

while since I’ve seen anyone shift.”

“Sorry about that, man.” Quinn left the sofa and went to the kitchen. “Beer?”
“Sure.”
“Yeah.” Killian propped his feet up on the coffee table in front of his sofa.
Quinn grabbed three beers from the refrigerator and passed them out. “So what now?”
“Now?” Killian twisted the cap off his bottle. “We wait for Mr. Cobb.”

****

“The council’s gonna do a little more investigating,” Junior said as he leaned against the bed of

Killian’s truck. “My dad’s made some more calls, and he’s trying to set up a meeting with this other
alpha.”

“What’s that gonna do?” Killian stood next to Junior poking the tire with the toe of his boot.
“Hopefully, he’ll listen to reason.”
“And if not?” Quinn swallowed hard as the tension grew.
“The council’s prepared to take this all the way.” With his thumbs hooked through the loops of

his jeans, Junior spat on the ground, demonstrating his true good ol’ boy charm. “His fate was sealed
when he murdered innocent shifters.”

“What does that mean?” Killian asked the same question Quinn was about to.
“Normally, he’d be shunned. He’d never be allowed anywhere near another pack for the rest of

his life. If the cops catch up to him, though, his punishment will be more severe.”

The hair on the back of Quinn’s neck pricked his collar. “Like what?”
“Can’t risk locking a shifter up in prison.” Junior cocked a brow. “He’d need to be dealt with

permanently before it ever got that far.”

“Then I hope the cops are hot on his trail for killing my parents.” Acid surged up in the back of

Quinn’s throat.

Junior gripped Quinn’s shoulder. “Be careful what you hope for, runt.”
“Those men showed my parents no mercy. They all deserve the same.”
“Agreed, and that’s what the alpha’s gonna get.”
“And the humans who helped him?” The acidic swill in Quinn’s stomach burned hotter.
“That’s gonna be a bit trickier. They obviously know what we are, so we have to be careful.”
Killian sighed deeply. “We’ll have to make sure the right evidence falls into the right hands.”
“How?” Quinn’s curiosity escalated.
Killian and Junior looked at each other and grinned.
“I’ve told you time and time again. Packs are important to every shifter.” Killian winked,

easing Quinn’s frustration some.

“And we have a way of taking care of our own.” Junior nudged Killian, and the pair laughed.
“I hope so, but what do we do for now?”
“Now, we wait until the council has made contact.”
“Will I be allowed at the meeting?”
Junior squared his shoulders and leaned away as he spat again. “I think you have as much right

to be there as anybody. We’ll have to clear it, but I don’t see any reason why not.”

Quinn smiled as his anticipation grew.
“I better head on home before Melanie sends out a search party of her own. You two stay put.

A couple of my guys are gonna park outside the gate in case our friends get stupid and return.”

Killian shook his head. “Thanks, man, but we got this.”
“Kill, I wasn’t asking, and until this becomes your territory, I’ll decide who’s got what.” Junior

lifted a brow as though daring Killian to object.

Killian rubbed his shoulder and snarled his lip as he winced. “I’m in no shape to argue tonight.

In case you missed it, I was shot today.”

Junior laughed and slapped Killian on the back, inches from his gunshot wound. “Pussy.”
Killian shook him off. “Asshole.”
“Later, runt.” Junior climbed into his truck and drove away. He waved and honked as he

reached the gate, then turned left and headed toward town.

“You okay?”

“Yeah.” Killian moved his shoulder in a circular motion. “Might need something for the pain,

though.

“I have just the thing.” Quinn led him in the house and locked the door behind them.
Killian plopped down on the sofa, propping his feet up on the coffee table. “Never been so glad

to hear silence in my life.”

Quinn stretched out next to him.
“When you weren’t here earlier, I thought for sure…” Killian pursed his lips as though

struggling with the negative thought.

Quinn lay on his side and rested his head in Killian’s lap, facing him. “You were the one who

was shot.” He closed his eyes as Killian stroked his hair, making him feel safe and cared for. He’d
missed that.

“Yeah, and that’s how it’s supposed to be.”
“Oh, so you’re that guy?”
Killian chuckled. “I’m definitely that guy.”
“That guy is sexy.” He lifted Killian’s t-shirt and kissed his stomach. “That guy gets…” He

kissed him again, this time squeezing his meaty sides with his left hand.

“What?” Killian’s voice sounded more like a gasp.
“That guy gets this.” Quinn turned his head and mouthed Killian’s crotch, savoring the swell

that immediately followed.

“Mmmm.” Killian bucked his hips, encouraging him.
Quinn bit down through the jeans and nibbled the growing prick. He used his chin to apply

pressure, and rubbed his jaw against Killian’s balls.

Killian unfastened his jeans and pulled his cock out. He stroked it a couple of times, biting his

bottom lip.

Quinn kissed the crown and tongue fucked the slit. “I love the taste of your cock.” He lapped

up the shaft, taking his time as Killian squirmed. He eased backward, slipped onto the floor, and
repositioned himself between Killian’s legs. He worked Killian’s cock, stroking and sucking while
Killian caressed the back of his head.

“So good, baby.”
Killian’s words fueled Quinn’s efforts.
He swallowed the cock, slurping and sucking him into a slick lather. He then gripped the base,

extended his tongue flat against his chin and slapped the head against it, as he jacked him off faster.
The smacking sounds echoed.

Killian sucked air through his teeth. “Fuck, yeah.” He took over slapping his cock against

Quinn’s tongue.

Quinn then sucked it hard, bobbing his head up and down with his cheeks hollowed out

ensuring he didn’t miss a drop of pre-cum.

Killian thrust his hips upward, bumping the back of Quinn’s throat as he fucked his mouth.
Quinn’s eyes watered, and he gagged a little but didn’t stop. He wanted Killian to come in his

mouth, douse him with a hot load.

“I’m gonna—” Killian jammed upward.
Warm, thick seed spurted in the back of Quinn’s throat, and he immediately swallowed, still

sucking and licking.

Killian shuddered and thrust himself up, and again, another shot of cum filled Quinn’s mouth.
Quinn swallowed hard and released his lover’s cock then wiped his mouth on the back of his

hand. He gazed at Killian through heavy eyelids, feeling drunk on the emotions whirling though his
mind and body. What right did anyone have to feel so happy with so much going on? Bringing Killian

to organs made Quinn feel complete, whole. Like all he was ever meant to do in this world was please
his new lover.

Killian rubbed Quinn’s shoulders and caressed the side of his head behind his ear. “You’re

getting too fucking good at that, baby.”

Quinn furrowed his brow. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“It is.” Killian slid his thumb over Quinn’s bottom lip, pressing it inside his mouth enough to

touch his tongue. “Neither of us will get much done with my cock shoved in your mouth twenty-four
seven.”

Quinn sucked in Killian’s thumb then pushed it back out playfully. “Sounds fun to me.”
“Note to self. Take a bullet for the guy you love, and get the best fucking head of your life.” He

chuckled.

Quinn crawled up between his legs and met him face to face. “You don’t have to get shot to get

me to suck you off, you know.”

Killian tapped Quinn’s nose with his index finger. “I thought it was a bit over the top, too.”
Quinn gazed up at him as he knelt between his legs. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah.” He skimmed his palm down Quinn’s jaw-line. “Are you?”
“Yeah. I’m ready for this shit to be over.”
“It will be soon.”
Quinn kissed Killian’s palm and closed his eyes as he inhaled his lover’s scent. Everything

about their relationship felt easy, like it was meant to be. They had a lot in common, and not just the
sex. They fit together, or at least, it damn sure felt that way.

Was he blind? Had he read more into Killian’s actions because of the hunters? Relationships

based on drama rarely lasted after the dust settles and the smoke cleared. That’s what he’d heard,
anyway.

His heart damn sure ached when he wasn’t with Killian. He’d felt the void deep in his bones.

And earlier, when he’d seen the hunters’ truck parked along the roadside, something had come over
him, something Quinn couldn’t quite explain. An overwhelming protective feeling he’d never
experienced before had slammed into him like a runaway freight train. Where that train was headed
was anybody’s guess. Were they barreling toward a safe place, or right off the edge of a cliff?

“Hey?” Killian stroked his cheek. “Where are you?”
“Thinking.”
“About?”
“About what’s coming next.” His reply was as honest as he could be without getting too sappy

and deep.

“It doesn’t matter what’s coming next. You belong to me, therefore, whatever the future holds

is meant for both of us.”

Quinn glanced at the bandages on Killian’s shoulder. “I don’t want you hurt.”
“Haven’t you heard?” Killian leaned into him. “I’m destined to be an alpha someday. So, like

it or not, this is nothing compared to the danger I could face before that happens.”

Quinn’s heart immediately boomed in his chest. “Why?”
“All alphas are tested. If it’s meant to be, then scars come with the territory of gaining a

territory.”

It made sense, but that didn’t mean Quinn liked it. “That power comes at a price thing?”
“Exactly.” Killian tugged on Quinn’s arm, coaxing him back onto the sofa. He shoved his cock

back into his pants as Quinn resumed his previous place with his head in Killian’s lap.

“What do you think is gonna happen when this is all over?”
Killian looked down, and gently rubbed his thumb along Quinn’s cheek. “I think we’ll take one

day at a time, and I hope they’re all like this one.”

“With the exception of you being shot.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Preferably.”
Quinn drew in a deep breath and sighed. He’d never imagined the possibility of true happiness.

Was this what it felt like? He damn sure hoped so.

“Maybe we should make this our daily thing. You. Me … This.” Killian gestured indicating

their positions on the couch. “No matter what the day brings, good or bad, we end it together,
remembering what’s most important.”

Quinn hugged him close. “I like the sound of that.”

Chapter Twenty

Killian stood in the field on the outskirts of town, watching the scene unfold, and once again,

like so many times before, he couldn’t do a thing to stop it. He’d relived this moment a thousand
times over the last few years. The dreams had all been the same never-ending loop, but this time it
appeared more vividly, as though not a dream at all.

“Caiden.” Killian stepped forward, but when the boy he loved so deeply turned to look in his

direction, his heart dropped.

The blank, icy stare held nothing more than fragments of the unspeakable horror, Killian knew

was coming. He knew because he’d watched it play out time and time again, always with the same gut-
wrenching ending.

“They said I’m evil. That we’re evil.” Caiden sobbed and shook his head.
“Caiden, please.”
Killian glanced over to where the voice originated.
Larry stood helpless, with tears streaming down his face. Desperation gripped his expression,

pinching his brow, aging him right before Killian’s eyes, making him appear far older than twenty.
“Don’t do this, man.”

“It’ll all be okay, Caiden. I promise.” Killian had to make him see. He had to make him listen.
The flicker of a gun barrel caught Killian’s eye right as he’d made his move, but he couldn’t

stop. He had to try.

Killian lunged.
Caiden jumped back. “Don’t!” His hand trembled, and he waved the gun back and forth. “Why

couldn’t you leave it alone, Kill?” His shoulders shook as he cried harder. “Why couldn’t we have left
it alone? Never said the words. Never let it go so far?”

“Because I love you and you love me, Caiden.” His heart boomed in his chest. “We’ll figure

this out.”

His face reddened as an angry scowl seized Caiden’s expression. “Stop saying that!” His shout

echoed through the trees surrounding the clearing.

“Killian, man, back up.” Junior Cobb stood on the other side of where Caiden had made his

stand. He’d come to help, but Killian wasn’t sure anything would. “Caiden, man, look at me.”

Caiden cut his eyes sideways. “Don’t fuck with me, Junior.”
His icy tone sent shivers down Killian’s spine.
Junior eased up. “I’m not, man. Look at me. Just for a second.”
Caiden shook his head. “No.” He wiped away tears with his left hand, and tightened his grip

on the pistol in his right. “I gotta end this. It hurts too bad.” Desperation bled through his words
further solidifying the gravity of the situation.

“Caiden, please?” Larry’s voice cracked, and he slowly dropped to his knees. His love for his

brother had never been more evident, but the fear enveloping his every syllable twisted Killian’s
insides unmercifully. “Mom and Dad don’t understand, but they will.” The hope in Larry’s tone made
Killian almost believe his words were true.

“You didn’t hear what they said.” Caiden’s tight grimace softened, and he stared blankly, off

to the right of Killian. The transition happened quickly, as though Caiden had come to some unknown
realization. “They said the punishment for people like us is…” He squeezed his eyes shut, trembling
from head to toe.

“No.” Killian shook his head. “They need a little time. That’s all.”
“He’s right.” Junior inched closer.
Caiden suddenly opened his eyes, and he whirled around. “No!”

Startled, Killian flinched. He dragged in a deep breath, feeling as though he might choke on

the air before it ever made it to his lungs. He’d never been more terrified in his life. He couldn’t give
up now. They were too close. “Put the gun down, Caiden. We can talk about this.”

“I want Junior to talk about it. Talk about how his friends laugh behind our backs. Talk about

the things his buddies say in the locker room when I’m dressing out for practice.”

Killian knew exactly what Caiden was referring to, but he also knew that whatever crazy

thoughts were going through his mind wouldn’t diminish by adding more fuel to the fire.

“I know what they say. They say it to me, too, but we can talk about it. Figure a way to handle

it. Together.”

“Killian’s right.” Junior shook his head and held up his hands. “Tell me who did what, and I’ll

take care of it.”

Caiden’s shoulders slumped. “You can’t fix this, Junior.” His tone sounded even more agitated

as he clenched his jaw. “You can’t fix any of it. My own parents hate me.”

Killian eased up, but Caiden was still too far out of his reach. If only he were close enough to

grab him and get the gun away, then they could calm him down and talk, reason with him.

“We won’t know unless we talk about it, man.” Junior obviously hadn’t given up either.
“Listen to them, Caiden.”
Caiden turned in response to Larry’s plea. “I love you.”
Larry cried harder as he got to his feet. “I love you, too, little brother.”
Caiden became still as a bone chilling silence blanketed the field.
For a split second, Killian thought Larry had gotten through, but his heart dropped when

Caiden raised the gun and pressed the barrel to his head. He slowly blinked, his gaze locked onto
Killian.

“No, Caiden. Please don’t do—” Before he could get the words out, Killian’s eyes were drawn

to a sudden movement on the other side of Caiden.

Junior Cobb had made his move.
It happened in the blink of an eye, but in that instant, the world seemed to come to a screeching

halt.

Caiden whirled around, pointed the gun at Junior, then—

****

Killian shot up from the bed. “Caiden!” His heart pounded, his ears rang, and sweat beaded on

his skin.

“What?” Quinn rubbed his eyes as he sat up. “What happened?’
Trembling, Killian eased back down. His mind whirled, and he shook his head to clear his

thoughts. “Nothin’, man. Just a bad dream. Go back to sleep.”

Quinn grabbed his arm. “That sounded like more than a dream.”
“It’s okay. It’s over now.” He drew Quinn closer and hugged him.
“You yelled Caiden’s name.”
Killian clenched his jaw and glared back at him, his emotions more conflicted than ever.

Should he tell him, or let it go? Neither felt right.

“When are you gonna talk about it?”
“Talk about what?”
“About what happened.”
“I’m not. It’s done and over with.”
“Obviously not.”
Killian left the bed and went into the bathroom to splash some water on his face and to create a

bit of distance between himself and Quinn’s burning questions.

“You can tell me anything, Kill.”
Killian gripped the edge of the sink, letting the water stream down the drain. “Please don’t call

me that.”

Quinn had called him Kill once already, but it hadn’t bothered him then. Larry and Junior had

also called him by the nickname since Caiden first came up with when they were all kids. But now?
Now it hurt to hear the nickname, especially coming from Quinn.

“I’m sorry.”
Killian looked up to see Quinn standing behind him in the mirror’s reflection. He grabbed a

towel and dried his face. “You don’t have to apologize.”

Quinn leaned against the door jamb, staring at the floor. Profound sadness radiated from him, a

sadness Killian could almost feel.

“It’s nothing you did, Quinn. It’s just hard to talk about.”
“I get that, and I know you loved him.”
Killian’s teeth vibrated in his head. “Larry must have told you.” He sighed, partly from relief,

and partly from Quinn knowing something about the darkest moment of his life. He hadn’t kept it a
secret. He simply preferred to keep the pain to himself, stashed away, and out of sight.

“Yeah.” Quinn’s fingers grazed Killian’s as he walked back into the bedroom.
“It’s pretty cut and dry, really.” Killian sat on the edge of the bed and scratched his head. If he

kept to the facts, leaving emotions out of it, he could get it over and done with. “Caiden was my best
friend growing up. We were inseparable, but as we grew older, that friendship grew into something
more. He was my first everything.” He swallowed hard.

“Right after my mom died, my dad … he um … he found us together.” The memory bit into

his heart as though it had just occurred, but he squared his shoulders and continued. “He was furious,
so naturally, he ran straight to Caiden’s parents and told them all about it.” Killian folded his arms
across his chest as the animosity he’d felt for his father for so long bubbled up and regained its
foothold.

“They were worse than my dad. They gave Caiden hell for a couple of months. Even threatened

to send him to one of those wellness hospitals that deal with troubled kids who think they’re gay.” He
furrowed his brow as he fought back the burn in the back of his throat. Fresh on his mind, flashes of
the dream, mixed with the reality of what had actually occurred, flickered in his head. “I tried to talk
to him, but he shut me down. I even tried to get him to run away somewhere with me.”

Killian shook his head, his emotions started to get the better of him. “Nothing I said worked.

Caiden became depressed. Withdrawn. Come to find out, he’d had issues way back when we were
kids. Issues they thought he’d outgrown, had under control, but then everything was right there again,
bigger than life…”

Quinn sat on the bed next to him, and the heat of his body suddenly felt too much to endure.
Killian scooted over. “When he reached his boiling point, he did something that nearly

destroyed all of us. Larry, me … his parents. Hell, even Junior Cobb.”

“Junior? What did he have to do with it?”
Killian stiffened. The relief he should have felt instantly turned to dread. Telling the story, all

of it, felt like an invasion of privacy, as though he’d betrayed Caiden in some way by revealing the
darkest moment of their lives.

“Caiden decided to end his life. Right in front of us, but when the final seconds came, Junior

rushed him. He tried to get the gun away, and it…” Killian stood up, and went to his bedroom window.

“When the gun went off, we didn’t know who’d been shot because Caiden was lying on top of

Junior. Blood was everywhere … then Junior moved, and we knew.”

As he looked out at the stars in the sky, he recalled the look on Junior’s face when Killian and

Larry pulled Caiden’s lifeless body off of his. Junior had never looked more stunned. His eyes had
appeared blank and void of emotion. Nothing like the vibrant man he was today.

It had taken years for Killian to accept everything that had happened that day, but Junior’s eyes

had always haunted him. Knowing Junior was okay now had possibly helped more than Killian first
imagined.

“I’m so sorry.” Quinn placed his hand on Killian’s uninjured shoulder.
“Caiden was pronounced dead at the hospital, but he actually took his last breath in my arms.”

Killian wiped away tears he hadn’t even realized he’d cried. He sucked in a deep breath and turned to
face Quinn. “I never want to go through anything like that again, so we’re going to deal with this alpha
the right way. Okay?”

Quinn nodded.
“Your life is valuable to me. You are valuable to me.” He inched closer. “You’re mine, and I

will protect you.”

“I don’t need—”
Killian pressed his finger to Quinn’s lips to quiet him. “I know you don’t need protecting, but

I’m going to provide it anyway.”

“Okay.” Quinn pulled Killian to him. “I really am sorry for your loss.”
Killian kissed the side of Quinn’s head. “I’ve never told anyone that story.”
Quinn clutched him closer. “I’m glad you trusted me.”
Killian led him to the bed, and they stretched out in each other’s arms.
He glared up at the white ceiling as he caressed Quinn’s back, drawing circles on his skin with

his finger. New thoughts entered his mind. He’d let too much time and bitterness keep him from
having a relationship with his father. No matter the past, Killian had to find a way to change the
future.
****

“I’m going to see my dad today.” Killian stood in the kitchen and poured himself a cup of

coffee.

“Is that a good idea?” Quinn slinked up behind him and kissed his injured shoulder.
“I could have died yesterday, but he came back for me.”
Quinn squeezed Killian’s ass cheek through his boxers as he rubbed up against him. “I don’t

think you would have died.” He lightly bit Killian’s neck. “But I get it.”

“Will you be okay with Larry taking you to Junior’s?”
“Yeah. We shouldn’t have any problems.” He slapped Killian’s ass then grabbed a coffee mug

from the cabinet and poured himself a cup.

Killian glanced over at his lover, savoring the confidence and ease Quinn displayed. “You’re

pretty full of yourself this morning.”

Quinn grinned. “Last night made me realize how much time I’ve wasted being alone and afraid

of my own shadow.”

Killian hopped up onto the counter top, letting his long legs dangle. He eyed Quinn up and

down, noting a particularly strong scent wafting from him. “You’re sexy when you’re horny.”

“Horny?” Quinn’s brow furrowed deep, and his cheeks reddened. “Who said anything about

being horny?”

“Your confidence and that intoxicating scent you’re throwing off there, man.”
Quinn sniffed himself. “You’re full of shit.”
Killian stretched his leg out and grabbed Quinn around the waist, dragging him closer. “I’m

gonna fuck the hell out of you tonight.”

Quinn’s grin immediately quivered, and his eyes seemed to dance in the morning light as he

gazed up at Killian. “I do like the sound of that.”

“Good.”
He cocked his head sideways. “Do you really love me, or do you think it’s just the amazing

sex?”

Killian took a deep breath. “I think I fell in love with you the second you sat down at Molly’s

that first night.”

“That was probably the pheromones.” He licked his lips. “Or the new chew toy you thought

you’d found.”

“You’re not a chew toy.” Killian brushed a lock of hair away from Quinn’s eyes. “If that had

been the case, I would have chewed you up and spit you out by now.”

“Haven’t you?”
“No.” He shook his head. “You’re one of those gifts a man unwraps one layer at a time. The

more layers I peel away, the better the prize inside.” He locked his ankles together behind Quinn’s
back. “I haven’t even scratched the surface of your layers yet.”

“Is that so?”
“I’ve claimed you, but I haven’t unleashed you.”
Quinn pulled back a little. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I’m not sure myself, but I think it has to do with whatever this bond is we have. I feel it in my

gut, and something tells me that once you’ve truly been unleashed, we might not be able to tell who’s
claimed who.”

Quinn lifted his chin and gently kissed Killian.
Killian leaned into it, plunging his tongue deep. When he broke away, he stared into Quinn’s

baby-blue orbs. His stomach fluttered, and his cock instantly pulsed. “Damn.”

“What?”
“Looking at you right now, I totally get Shakespeare.”
Quinn chuckled. “You’re crazy.”
“It’s corny, I know, but the words parting is such sweet sorrow seriously flashed in my head

just now.”

“You know they didn’t have a happily ever after, right?”
Killian laughed. “Yeah, but I’m not worried.”

Chapter Twenty-One

“Hey.” Quinn glanced over at Larry as they drove to Junior’s house on the other side of town.

“Killian told me about your brother, man. I’m really sorry for your loss.”

Larry nodded. “It’s all cool, man.” He made a left onto the highway. “It took a long time to get

over it, but after the police investigation blew over, we all managed to find our own way to grieve.”

“Investigation?” Killian hadn’t mentioned anything about that.
“Yeah.” He kept his eyes on the road. “My parents couldn’t deal with a gay son, and then later

they couldn’t deal with a son who committed suicide, so they blamed Junior.”

“Junior?”
“Yeah. They wanted so bad to prove Junior and Caiden had fought or something. Tried to make

it seem like something it wasn’t, but Killian finally convinced the police that Junior was innocent.”

“Damn.”
“Tell me about it. My parents wouldn’t even speak to me after I told the truth to help clear

Junior.” He shrugged. “That suited me just fine. I didn’t want anything to do with them either.”

“The whole thing was fucked up.”
“See, people make assumptions based on what they think they know. My parents couldn’t get it

through their heads that Caiden didn’t choose to be gay, he simply was.”

“Too bad Killian’s dad doesn’t get that either.”
Larry laughed. “Oh, he knows. He just puts his image before his son’s happiness.”
“Killian thinks he can get him to change that.”
“Killian’s always hoped for a better relationship, but I’m not holding my breath.”
“What about you? Don’t you miss your parents?”
“Sometimes, but I’m nearly thirty now, and I’ve lived a little. No matter how I try to see it

from their point of view, I remember the pain in my brother’s eyes, and I wonder how, as parents, they
could see that every fucking day of his life, yet did nothing to stop it.”

“Maybe they didn’t know how.”
Larry nodded. “Maybe, but that doesn’t excuse it.”
Quinn thought about what Larry said. He was right. Parents were supposed to love

unconditionally, like Mr. and Mrs. Cobb. Maybe they did have it easier because their son wasn’t gay,
but the affection they showed Killian was real. Hell, they’d opened their home and even their pack, to
Quinn, a virtual stranger. That was much more than Larry’s parents seemed to have shown for their
own flesh and blood.

The contrast between parents’ reactions only made Quinn wonder more about his own. Maybe

they wouldn’t have been as accepting as Quinn imagined. The idea of it hurt too much to contemplate.
Quinn needed to make peace with it, but how? Would peace ever be possible?

Then again, maybe it was a wolf thing. Maybe the bond with humans was different, more

superficial. Who knew?

“Hey, do you mind if I pull into the gas station up here? I need a pack of cigarettes.”
“No, man.” Quinn shrugged, welcoming the interruption of his thoughts. “It’s cool. I’ll grab us

something to drink while we’re at it.”

“Cool.”
They pulled into the gas station and entered the store. “You have a restroom?” Nature called

the second he walked in the building.

A tall, lanky guy with short spiky hair looked up from his iPhone. “Yeah, man. It’s out back.”

He removed a key from a hook behind him and tossed it on the counter. “You’ll need this.”

“Thanks.” Quinn grabbed the key attached to a long plastic stick that read Men’s Room . “Be

right back.” He nodded to Larry.

Quinn left the store and walked around to the side of the building. The midday sun beat down,

warming him through his jacket. The heat felt nice, reminding him of how much warmer his body
temperature was when he shifted into wolf form. He wouldn’t be able to do that for a while. Fucking
hunters.

He found the door to the men’s room already open. “So much for this.”
“Excuse me?”
Quinn bristled the instant he heard a man’s unexpected voice behind him. He slowly turned

around. “Yeah?”

“Can you tell me where interstate forty-five is?” The guy was small in stature, his dark hair

long enough to cover his ears, and he held a crinkled map in one hand.

“Sure.” Quinn pointed down the road. “Head up that way for about three miles and then take a

left. It’s the only road around, and it’ll take you straight to the interstate.”

“Thanks.” The guy folded the map and stuck it in his back pocket.
“No problem.” Quinn spun on his heel and headed back toward to bathroom.
“Say, um…” The man called out again.
Quinn sighed, and shook his head, becoming a little agitated. Can’t he see I’m headed to the

bathroom? “Yes, sir?” He looked back over his shoulder.

“You see any wolves ‘round these parts lately?”
Quinn’s heart boomed. He slowly turned and froze dead in his tracks.
The man stood with his feet separated and a sawed-off shotgun hanging at his side. “You’re a

crafty little fucker, I’ll give you that, but you had to surface sometime.”

“I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.” His throat burned, and he quickly glanced around

looking for an escape.

“Sure you do.” The guy lifted the barrel enough to show off. “There ain’t nowhere to run.”
“You’re making a big mistake, mister.” Quinn licked his lips, desperate to figure a way out of

the dangerous situation. He stepped back, but that only made the man raise the shotgun and point it
directly at him.

Quinn lifted his hands. “Careful where you point that thing. Somebody might get hurt.” His

mouth had already gone dry, and his gut twisted into painful knots.

“Oh, somebody’s gonna get hurt all right.” He motioned with the barrel prompting Quinn to

back up. “Ease on back there.”

Quinn did as he was told. He took three steps backward and felt for the building’s brick wall to

guide his path. “Okay, I’m going, but you have no idea the shit-storm you’re about to stir up.”

“I think I do.” He kept the shotgun aimed directly at Quinn’s midsection.
Quinn didn’t know much about weapons, but at that close range, it wasn’t hard to figure out

that the spray pattern would be tight enough to seriously injure, if not kill him.

They moved past the bathrooms, and a third door, which Quinn assumed opened to the back of

the store.

“That’s far enough.” The man nodded. “Is this him?”
“Yeah, that’s him.” A deep, raspy voice answered behind them. “Let’s get him back to camp.”
Panic seized Quinn. “Wait!” He charged the man with the gun, despite the immediate danger,

but before he made it a full step, a heavy blow landed against the side of his head. Quinn dropped to
his knees, his head bursting with agonizing pain. His vision blurred, and his ears rang.

“Drag his ass to the truck and get him tied before he tries that shit again.”
He tried to wriggle loose as two men jerked him up by his underarms and dragged him through

the dirt. He blinked away the liquid trickling down his face, and quickly realized it was blood the

second the scent hit his nostrils. Quinn tried to gain his footing, get some leverage so he could put up
some semblance of a fight, but someone kicked his legs out from under him as they continued to drag
him. He hung from their unrelenting grip, at their mercy, unable to gather enough strength to break
free.

They lifted him and tossed him over the side. His head slammed against the bed of the truck,

and he strained to sit up.

A large shadowy figure blocked the sun’s rays from his eyes as someone towered over him.

The last thing Quinn saw was a huge, balled fist coming at him right before everything went black.
****

“Something on your mind?” Kenneth looked up from his desk.
Killian strolled into his father’s office, confident but not as cocky as he had been the last time.

This time was different. Before, he was under the assumption of his father downright hated him. Now,
he was sure there were enough feelings between them that rebuilding, starting over, might actually be
a possibility.

The cold feeling he’d felt the last time he darkened his father’s doors had warmed, even if only

a couple degrees. “I only wanted to let you know I’m fine.” He managed a wave using his injured arm.
“Sore and stiff, but not gonna lose the arm or anything drastic like that.”

“I see.” Kenneth reclined in his chair, his eyes narrowing, and a slight smirk appeared on his

lips. “And what about the stray wolf? Planning to lose him anytime soon?”

Killian bristled and pressed his lips together, doing his best to bite back the snide remark he

could have so easily pulled out of thin air if he wanted to. “That’s what I’m here to talk to you about.”

“I think we’ve talked about this enough.”
“Dad, can’t you take my feelings into consideration? Just once?”
Kenneth glared back at him.
“I love him, and he loves me.” Killian sat in the leather chair on the opposite side of his

father’s desk. “I can’t change that.” His frustration grew. “I’m your son. Your only child, and I want
you back in my life.”

“Killian.” Kenneth leaned forward. “Why do you keep forcing this issue?”
Tears threatened his eyes causing his nostrils to flare and burn. “This issue? Dad, the issue is

my life. My future.”

“Exactly, so why do you insist on choosing a path that can only cause you grief?” He rose up

and shoved his hand into his pocket. His loose change jingled. “That other boy, all those years ago, do
you think that kind of pain is normal for someone so young?” He walked to the side of the desk. “Do
you think that if he’d been normal, he’d have gone to such lengths to prove his point?”

“He wasn’t proving a point. He was silencing the pain. His parents left him no choice. In his

mind, at least.”

“They left him several choices, and he chose the one that ended in tragedy.”
Killian got to his feet. “Dad, they told their own child he was evil and should be put to death.

They told a seventeen year old kid who’d been diagnosed with manic depression years before, that he
was worthless and should die.” Killian shook his head. “They gave him the choice that was easy for
them. Not for him, and not for me.”

“But you don’t have that kind of mark hanging over your head. You aren’t depressed, and you

don’t have a father telling you that you’re evil.”

“Aren’t you?” A tear slid down his cheek. “Aren’t you telling me with every disapproving

glare that I’m worthless because I’m who I am? I’m gay, Dad, not the devil incarnate.”

“I never said you were.” The lines across Kenneth’s forehead furrowed deep.
“Ten years, Dad.” Killian sighed deep. “It’s been ten years, and not a day has gone by in those

ten years that I haven’t needed your support. I’ve wished and wished that you would look at me the
way you did before…” He took in a deep breath, his emotions escalating to the point of eruption.
“Before you found us that day.”

Kenneth’s scowl deepened. “I don’t want to discuss this, Killian.”
“I need to discuss it, Dad.” He wiped his eyes. “That day was the last time I truly felt loved.

Being with Caiden made me happy, and until now, until Quinn … I never thought I would feel that
way again.”

Kenneth continued to shake his head, and his eyes watered.
“Can’t you see me?”
“I see you, Killian. I just don’t think you understand. Plans were made. Plans that involved our

family, and the direction James and I agreed to take the pack years ago. Back when you first started
showing the potential to be an alpha.” Kenneth sat on the edge of the desk. “It could have been me, but
I chose business over the pack. James saw something in you that I never had. You’re selfless and a
natural born leader. I never could put the pack first, but you? You’ve always been loyal and true.”

“I know I’m meant to be an alpha.” He squared his shoulders. “But, I’m gonna need my father

in my pack, by my side. Supporting me and acting as my counselor when tough decisions have to be
made.”

“The others will never give it to you. They might have let a couple of wolves get by with a few

ceremonies, but those shifters weren’t groomed to be alphas.”

“So is your contempt about me being gay, or not being what you consider to be alpha

material?”

Kenneth stared at the floor and pursed his lips as he seemed to contemplate his reply. “I’m a

man, and I honestly don’t understand the attraction. It feels wrong.”

Relief slowly sifted over Killian as he realized that for the first time in nearly a decade he and

his dad were actually having a sincere discussion, a discussion that was long overdue and more
important now than ever before.

“Did it ever occur to you that being with women doesn’t feel right to me? Trust me, I’ve tried

it.”

Kenneth’s left brow arched high. “You’ve been with a woman?”
“A couple actually.”
“So there’s a chance that—”
Killian lifted his hands. “Let me stop you right there. I see that flicker of hope in your eyes, but

it’s not gonna happen.”

“But if you’ve—”
“Dad.” Killian shook his head. “I won’t ever be straight. I’m sure of it.”
His father stood again, returned to his chair behind his desk, and sat back down. “What about a

legacy?”

Killian eased back into his chair. “I haven’t thought that far ahead.”
“Well, I have, and—” The phone on Kenneth’s desk rang, interrupting their conversation. “Just

a second.”

Killian sighed. It wasn’t the first time business had come before family and wouldn’t be the

last. He tried not to let it make him mad, especially since they had made so much progress.

“Are you sure about that?” Kenneth shot up from his chair. “We’ll meet you there.” He hung

up the phone, and opened his desk drawer.

“What is it?”
“The hunters.” Kenneth pulled out a metal box and placed in on his desk then unlocked it with

a key from his pocket.

“Where?” Kenneth jumped up, too. “I need to call Quinn.”
“Son.” Kenneth pulled his pistol from the box and stuck it in the back of his jeans. “The

hunters took him.”

Killian’s head spun. “What?” It had to be a lie. “No way. He’s with Larry at Junior’s.”
Kenneth shook his head. “They stopped off at a gas station, and that’s where they grabbed

him.”

Killian slammed his fist on the desk. “I’ll kill the bastards.”
“Wait.” Kenneth came around to Killian’s side of the desk. “Going off half-cocked won’t solve

anything, and it won’t get your friend back.”

Panic washed over him. “I can’t go through this again, Dad.”
Kenneth placed his hand on Killian’s shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze. “You’re not

going through anything again. At least, not alone.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

“Have you picked up the trail?” Killian rushed to where James, Junior, and a couple of other

shifters stood behind the gas station examining a set of muddy tire tracks leading east, away from the
parking lot.

“Two of my guys left about five minutes ago. They have a scent, but they can’t exactly run

along the highway sniffing the ground.”

Killian eyed Junior. “Is he alive?”
Junior shook his head. “There’s a little blood, but not enough to be life threatening.”
Acid surged up from Killian’s stomach, singeing his throat. “How long?”
“Half an hour, tops.”
“Where’s Larry?” He scanned the parking lot.
Junior leaned in. “I couldn’t have him here with all the others around. Not everyone likes the

idea that he knows about us in the first place.”

Killian nodded, understanding Junior’s reasoning. “Is he okay?”
“Pissed that he didn’t see anything, but other than that, he’s fine.”
“Killian.” James Cobb approached with Killian’s father. “The minute we know anything, we’ll

be on it.”

“Yes, sir.” He stood tall, knowing the importance of showing no weakness. “Have they made

any progress locating this crazy bastard?”

“No, but taking Quinn might mean he’s nearby, and if that’s the case, we’ll probably hear from

him.”

“Unless he plans to kill him and move on.” Killian couldn’t ignore the possibility no matter

how sickening the thought.

“That’s why we’re tracking Quinn’s scent.” James patted him on the back. “He’s young and

strong. From what I’ve seen and heard, he’s pretty clever, too.” He glanced over at Junior then back at
Killian. “Together, we’ll outnumber, outgun, and damn sure outsmart this guy. We have to remember
not to act on emotions like he’s done.” He tapped his temple with his index finger. “If we use some
good ol’ common sense, Quinn will be back home in no time.”

His words made Killian feel a little better mentally, but did nothing for the gnawing in his gut.

“Yes, sir.”

“You two go to the house and talk to your friend. See if there’s anything he might have noticed

that he hadn’t thought about earlier.”

“Okay.” Killian nodded again. “Are y’all staying here?”
“Your dad and I are gonna search on foot. We’ll check in a while.”
Killian studied his dad’s rigid expression. Was he going along with the search because James

Cobb told him to, or because he really wanted to? “Are you sure you want to help?”

Kenneth glanced up at Killian then over at James. “Yes. I’m sure.”
“Thanks.” Killian shook his hand. “I appreciate it.”
Kenneth’s jaw-line softened. “Go talk to Larry.”
“Let’s go.” Junior gave him a little slap on the arm.
They left in Junior’s truck, and Killian stared off into the distance, his mind wrapped with guilt

and worry. If he’d been with Quinn, none of this would have happened. He’d given his word, made
promises he was obviously incapable of keeping.

“We’re gonna find him.”
Killian glanced over at Junior as they turned onto the long driveway leading to his house. “I

know. It just…”

“Stirs up old memories?” Junior narrowed his eyes.
“Yeah.”
“This isn’t like that, Killian.”
“I know, but my emotions have been really raw lately. It’s like coming home brought it all

back.”

“Standing in that field with you the other day was a bitch.” Junior glanced back and forth

between Killian and the road. “I drive by there all the time, but until you were there, too, I’d been able
to forget.”

“I’m sorry you’ve been dragged into my bullshit again.”
“No, man. You saved me. You could have run from the fight, but you stood your ground even

though it forced you to come out of the closet before you were ready.”

“I should have never been in the closet any more than you should have been put in the position

you were in.” Killian gripped the door handle. “That’s all on me, too.”

Junior shook his head. “You didn’t do any of that. Larry’s parents were in pain. They gotta live

with what their hatred did, but you kept it from destroying more lives.”

“I only told the truth.”
“I know, and that’s part of why you’re gonna make a great alpha. Your pack is gonna need

someone they can count on to tell it like it is, and do the right thing even if it’s hard.”

Killian drew in a deep breath. “Well, nobody’s gonna want to follow me if I get another man

killed.”

“Hey.” Junior’s tone became harsh. “This fight was brought to us, not the other way around.”
“But Quinn…”
“Quinn was brought to this town for a reason. He’s right where he’s meant to be.” He offered a

shaky smile. “Well,” he shrugged, “with the exception of being abducted by a psychopath.”

“Thanks, Junior. Way to brighten the mood.”
Junior meant well, and Killian knew that. He’d always been one to use humor in tense

situations. That kind of attitude had defused a lot of hot-headed arguments that could have escalated
into real feuds over the years. A true gift.

“Look, all I’m saying is that you’re a good man, and we’re gonna get through this together.”

He stuck out his hand, and Killian gave him their secret handshake.

As they pulled into Junior’s gravel driveway, Larry hopped off the front porch and met them.

“Find anything?”

“No.” Killian slammed the truck door. “Have you remembered anything? Something you might

not have thought was important before?”

He nodded. “Yeah. When we pulled in, another truck pulled in behind us. It was an older

model, Ford maybe, and had a roll bar with search lights across the top.” He walked back to the house
with Killian and Junior.

Killian took a seat on the porch railing. “What color was it?”
“Beige or light brown.” He leaned on the railing next to Killian. “I remember it because it was

covered in red mud, and I figured it was kids who’d been out to the gravel pits or someplace like that.
You know, where we used to mud-hog back in the day.”

“Over behind the old sawmill?” Junior pulled his phone out of his back pocket. “The tire tracks

were the kind for handling all that red clay on that side of town.”

“Yeah, I remember.”
Junior dialed the phone and made a call. “Dad, check out the old sawmill and that abandoned

farm off of Jefferson Road.” He gave Killian a thumbs-up as he listened to his father on the other end.
“Yes, sir.”

A few “Uh-huhs” and “Yes, sirs” later, Junior hung up the phone. “He said Phillip Morse

called. They lost the scent they’d been following about a mile from Jefferson Road. That could be
where they are.”

“What does he want us to do?”
Junior grinned. “Well he damn sure doesn’t want us to sit here on our asses.”
Killian jumped off the railing. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go.”
“What about me?”
Junior looked Larry up and down. “He didn’t say you couldn’t come, but if you do, you have to

remember this is pack business, so if I ask you to stay back, it’s nothing personal.”

“Understood.”
All three men hurried to the truck.
Every nerve in Killian’s body tingled. His chest felt heavy, and his head pulsed with every beat

of his heart. Anger and fear rivaled for top billing, and his mind raced, overloaded with unspeakable
thoughts of all the ways this could go wrong. One thing remained unmistakably clear—losing Quinn
wasn’t an option. Not now. Not ever.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Quinn sat against a tree watching the man who’d set all of this into motion sharpen a large

knife on a whetstone he held between his legs. The others called him Mr. Dean, but one man referred
to him as Simon.

Simon Dean. Quinn tried hard to remember if he’d ever heard the name before. Nothing came

to mind. He was a stranger to Quinn, with the exception of the one memory he did recall—his face.

He was definitely the man who’d killed Quinn’s parents.
He was older, of course. His leathery skin had weathered some, and his eyes held a coldness

that could only come from somewhere dark and lonely. It was a place Quinn had come close to going a
time or two, and would have entirely, if memories of his parents hadn’t kept him from breaching the
wall.

Quinn would never pity the man. Simon Dean’s pain meant nothing. Any other poor soul

who’d suffered his loss might have garnered some sympathy, but not this man. His kind of evil
couldn’t be forgiven, overlooked, or excused.

He scanned the camp where they’d taken him. The remains of a dilapidated barn sat off to the

left near what looked like the burned out shell of a house. An overgrown hay field was behind that, and
forest surrounded them on all sides with the exception of the dirt road where they’d entered the site.

Quinn didn’t know how far they’d driven down the dirt road before they arrived at the clearing,

but from his limited view in the back of the truck the treetops had narrowed overhead for at least ten
minutes.

The afternoon sun beat down warming him from the slight chill, and his throat scratched from

thirst. No one seemed to pay him any mind, which only stoked his curiosity as to what this Simon guy
had in store for him.

He drew his knees to his chest and folded his arms across them so he could rest his head. He

welcomed the short reprieve from having to look at the man who had destroyed his childhood. He
really wanted to kill him, strangle the life right out of him with his bare hands, but he was
outnumbered six to one.

Killian had to be looking for him by now. He’d been gone at least three, maybe four hours. The

sun had already peaked in the midday sky, and started its afternoon descent. This whole thing would
be over soon. He felt it in his gut.

“You.” A gruff voice called out.
Quinn ignored it.
A few seconds later someone approached him. “I’m talking to you.”
Quinn lifted his head to see the skinny guy from the gas station standing over him, but he

didn’t respond.

The guy reared his boot back and kicked him hard.
Deep pain shot through his thigh, and Quinn jumped to his feet. “Touch me again and I’ll—”
The guy shoved the sawed off shotgun in his face, nicking his bottom lip as the barrel jammed

into Quinn’s mouth. “You’ll what?”

The metallic taste of blood seeped onto his tongue. Quinn licked it away and glared at the man.

Given the chance, he’d rip his throat out without a second thought. He glared at him, clenching his jaw
taut.

“Mr. Dean wants to have a word with you before we start.”
“Start what?”
The guy laughed. “You’ll see.”
Quinn glanced over at the bastard in charge. Two of the other men were now sitting with him.

“Move.” The skinny guy nudged him with the shotgun.
Quinn slowly walked toward where Simon sat still sharpening his knife. He stood as Quinn

approached. “Do you have any idea why I brought you here?”

“Let me guess. You get off on abducting young men from public restrooms.”
Simon narrowed his eyes. “You’re a bit cockier than your father.” He pointed the sharpened tip

of his knife blade in Quinn’s direction. “But your mother? Now that one was feisty.”

Quinn lunged, but the other two men grabbed him and forced him to his knees. The skinny guy

jabbed him between the shoulder blades with the butt of the shotgun.

“Fuck!” He winced from the pain. “God dammit.”
“If you think that hurts, try being trapped in your car along with your child, gasping for air as

water fills the inside. Imagine the pain of thinking that child was going to drown right before your
eyes, and knowing that you’d die the same horrific way.”

Quinn’s nostrils flared. “Try being a sixteen year old kid witnessing his parents’ murder, and

not being able to do anything about it.” He jerked away from the men holding his arms. “You didn’t
witness anything horrific. Your wife died, but your daughter didn’t, and you’re a sick, twisted, coward
to kill in their names.”

Simon threw the knife toward him, and it stabbed into the ground between Quinn’s knees. He

yanked him up by his shirt and growled in his face.

Quinn swallowed hard as Simon’s eyes sparked a golden hue, indicating how close he was to

shifting.

“You think you know something about me?”
“I know you’re acting against your pack and every pack within a thousand miles of here.” He

drew in a deep breath, doing his best not to show any fear. “Your vendetta isn’t sanctioned, and they
will stop you.”

Simon grinned. “That may be, but not before I’ve showed your family what it means to lose the

people they love.”

Quinn’s chest tightened as his heartbeat sped up. “What family? You killed every member of

mine already, and we had nothing to do with what happened to yours.”

“You mother’s sister is still out there somewhere.”
“You’re punishing a woman I’ve never even met.” Quinn shook his head. “She probably

doesn’t even know I exist.”

Simon reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a faded photograph. “Guess again.”
Quinn eyed the photo of a young woman with golden blonde hair, blue eyes, and the same

dimple in her left cheek as his mother, who held a little boy in her arms at a birthday party.

“That’s your mother’s sister.” Simon tapped her face with his finger. “And the kid looks an

awful lot like you.” He tilted it back and looked at it himself. “Looks like she knows you after all.”

Quinn had no memory of the photo or the birthday party. So much of his life had been

destroyed along with his parents. He’d survived on the money his dad stashed in the hotel along with
some emergency credit cards, but all of that had run out within the first few months. He’d been
traveling and doing odd jobs here and there ever since. He had nothing of theirs to remind him of
anything before that day.

“If she knows my parents are dead, she probably thinks I am, too.”
Simon tucked the picture back into his pocket and glared down at Quinn. “She does know

they’re dead, and I know exactly where she is. I’ve sent souvenirs over the years whenever I’ve found
other members of their families.” His eyes held an air of great satisfaction as he gloated. “I actually
thought I’d completed my mission, but then, I came across that photo, and I knew … I knew I had to
find you before finally ending them the way I’d planned.”

“Then why don’t you just kill me and get it over with?”
A wicked grin spread across Simon’s face. “In the beginning, that’s what I’d planned, but then

I realized I had a statement to make. I needed her to understand her worth compared to what I’ve lost.
You see, in the animal kingdom, there’s something known as culling. A way for breeders to weed out
the less desirable whelps in a litter, or separate the weak from a herd. Our ancestors called it a purge
when humans tried to do the same with our species. Shifter hunting shifter is unheard of, but when
everything I’d ever loved was ripped right out of my arms, I suddenly understood the true need to
weed out the less desirables for the good of our kind. Destroying your family has renewed my faith in
nature’s law. Survival of the fittest.”

He paused, glaring at Quinn with a vague, detached expression, one now void of emotion and

anything resembling rational thought. “These men live for the hunt, and I’m gonna give them what
they came for.” He picked up his knife and wiped it off on his pants leg. “As soon as the sun goes
down, these boys are gonna have a little wolf hunt, just like they had with your parents.”

Quinn swallowed hard. Fuck!
If Killian didn’t come soon, his head would end up mounted on a wall of one of these assholes’

houses for sure.
****

The sun had started to set over the trees as Killian, Junior, and Larry reached the roadside park

right outside of town. The later the hour, the more nervous Killian became. For all he knew, they
might already be too late.

He did his best to stay positive, but until Quinn was safe, he wouldn’t be able to think of

anything else.

“Have you found them?” Hot on Junior’s heels, they rushed to join other members of their

pack gathered around James Cobb and his dad, awaiting instructions.

James Cobb looked up. “They’ve set up camp right where you thought.” He spread a map out

on the tailgate of someone’s truck and scratched his head. “Phillip and Scott got pretty close. There’s
only six of them, and they’re all armed. They don’t look like they’re leaving anytime soon.”

Is that all? “We outnumber them, easily.” Killian’s confidence level soared. “What are we

waiting for?”

“We do outnumber them, and we’ll end this tonight.” James folded up the map and passed it to

Kenneth. “As soon as they bed down, we’ll take ‘em.” He started toward walking his truck.

Killian followed. “That could be hours from now.”
James stopped and put a reassuring hand on Killian’s shoulder. “Do you trust me, son?”
Killian glanced over at his dad, wondering for a split second how his father felt about James’s

affectionate gesture, another man taking over his role as parent. “Of course.”

“Then trust that I’m not gonna let anything happen to your friend. That boy’s been through

hell, and I mean to put an end to it tonight.”

Pinpricks worried the nerves along the base of Killian’s skill. He sighed and reluctantly

nodded.

“Good.” James turned back toward his truck. “Now, your dad and I are going to take the lead.

We need to take these guys alive, so we can turn this maniac over to his pack.”

Killian’s first response was to argue, but he knew better. “And if they’ve hurt Quinn?”
“If he’s hurt or worse…” James’s right brow arched and he leaned in close. “All I can say is,

hunting accidents happen all the time.”

That was all Killian needed to hear.
Larry stood over by Junior’s truck. He looked so out of place, but he’d stayed out of the way

like Killian and Junior had asked. Killian had spent too many years away, too many years running

from the pain. But not Larry. He’d faced it every day, and yet, here he was, helping Killian deal with
something highly emotional and potentially dangerous.

Larry was a couple of years older than Caiden, and had never really hung out with them, but he

was good to his brother and to Killian. Even now, Larry looked out for him. That meant something to
Killian, maybe even more than Larry would ever know.

Some guys might have had a hard time being around the people directly involved with the

death of a loved one. Hell, the crazed guy who held Quinn was proof of that. That guy chose revenge,
but not Larry. No, he embraced the people affected by his brother’s death. He’d remained behind,
alone, long after his parents packed up and left.

Killian respected and admired him for that. He made his way through the pack members

meandering around. “Are you sure you want to stick around?”

Larry nodded. “Those guys took my friend, so yeah, I’m good right here.”
“Okay, but if anything goes wrong, I want you to get the hell out of here.”
Larry took a deep breath and rolled up his long sleeved shirt. He twisted his arm around

revealing the inside of his forearm. “You see this tat?”

Killian leaned in. He’d never seen the completed canvas that now covered every inch of skin

on Larry’s arm, up past his elbow. He recalled a couple of tattoos Larry already had, but he hadn’t had
this many when Killian left.

Larry’s arm was covered by several small pieces that seemed to weave in and around one

another, including a football bearing Caiden’s name.

Killian examined the breathtaking work of art, fascinated by the beauty and exquisite details.

As his gaze trailed higher, his heart skipped a beat when he discovered the majestic imprint of a
howling wolf. The word Brother and the initials K.M. were scrolled across a full moon over the wolf’s
head.

He looked up at Larry, his nostrils burning from the tears threatening a breach. “That’s for

me?”

Larry took a deep breath. “Yeah, well, you’re the closest thing I got to a brother.”
“I don’t—” The words tangled on his tongue.
“Don’t get all sentimental.” He quickly rolled his shirt sleeve back down and buttoned the cuff.

“I thought you should understand how far I’m willing to go not to lose another brother.”

“I get it.” Killian slapped him on the arm. “And that sentiment goes both ways, so if and when

fur starts to fly, keep your damn head down. That’s all I’m asking.”

“That I can do.” Larry looked around timidly. “Never been around so many of y’all at one

time.”

Killian laughed, thankful for a few moments of distraction. “Just don’t freak out if they start

shifting.”

Larry puffed his cheeks out and stepped back toward Junior’s truck. “Don’t remind me. You’re

big as fuck when you turn.”

“I told Quinn I was huge. Now I have confirmation.”
Larry smiled. “Don’t drag me into your pissin’ contest, little broth—”
Killian closed his eyes as those two little words slammed into him like a slap to the face.
Larry didn’t finish the sentence, and Killian pressed his lips together not sure how to respond.

The air between them grew slightly uncomfortable as though both had so much more to say, but
neither had the courage or strength to say it.

Killian drew in a deep, cleansing breath instead. “I better get over there and see when we’re

heading out.”

“I’ll be here, ready to do whatever you need, man.”

Killian smiled, and turned to walk away. “Hey,” he spun back around, and walked backwards

toward Junior and the pack. “Let me know where you had that done. Might consider getting one
myself.”

Larry gave him a nod. “You got it.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Quinn chewed the inside of his cheek to offset the uncontrollable pain tormenting his body

from the waist down. The numbness in his knees and thighs had faded, and was now replaced by a
stinging tingle. He’d been forced to kneel in the same position with his hands bound behind his back
for over an hour, at least. His muscles burned and trembled involuntarily. When they did set him free,
he wasn’t even sure if he’d be able to walk, let alone run.

Simon glared at him, his eyes transitioning from wolf to human as though he couldn’t make up

his mind which form he preferred. From what Quinn could tell, one was as dangerous as the other.

The other men didn’t talk much. They meandered about, cleaning their weapons and drinking

coffee, but kept to themselves. One man stared at him more than the others, leaving Quinn with an
uneasy feeling that if he had him alone, he’d do much more than end Quinn’s life. He tried to ignore
the sickening thought.

Other than the creeper, it appeared Simon had coordinated a team of loners. If Quinn knew how

to use that to his advantage, he would, but none of them seemed to give a shit one way or another that
they were about to hunt him.

Quinn shifted his body weight from one leg to another, doing what he could to relieve the

discomfort, even if it was only one section at a time. He’d need every advantage possible when they
untied him.

He braced for the moment as Simon came toward him. “Get him up.”
Two of the men came over and lifted him under the arms. His legs throbbed as he gained his

footing. The ache intensified as the nerves slowly came back to life. He wiggled his toes inside his
boot, hoping to recover faster.

“Just so you know…” Simon handed his knife to one of his men. “This is nothing personal.”
“Nothing personal?” Quinn glared at him, wishing he was within reach to strike. “You killed

my parents, and God only knows who else, and now you’re gonna hunt me? It doesn’t get any more
personal than that.”

“For you perhaps, but for me, it’s simply closing another chapter in the life your aunt carved

out for me when she chose to go against pack laws and run away with another man.”

“Why can’t you see that it was an accident?”
Simon jerked Quinn up, cupping the back of his neck. “They knew what they were doing when

they broke from their pack. Anything that happened after they made that choice, they’re entirely
responsible for.”

Simon would never see it. He would never listen to reason, and no matter how many lives had

already been lost, until he was stopped, more were certain to die. Quinn understood that now as he
stared into those hollow eyes once again. Although he had done far worse, to Simon, his actions were
justified.

“Cut him loose.”
Quinn’s arms hung at his sides when they cut the ties binding them behind his back. He

clenched his fists, repeating the same method of regaining muscle control and feeling to his arms as
he’d done with his legs. Another few moments and everything would be functional again, though not
quite back to normal.

“These men are good. They’ve hunted everything from lions in Tanzania to polar bears in the

Arctic. Wolves barely rank as target practice, but the bounty on your head keeps them interested.”

“I’m not shifting, so you better hope they get off on hunting men, too.”
Simon nodded to one of the men.
The guy walked over to a duffel bag near where Simon had been perched all day. He pulled out

a long metal stick with a plastic handle and two prongs protruding from the end, and handed it to
Simon.

“You’ll shift on your own, or I’ll make you.”
What the fuck? Quinn squared his shoulders and flexed his jaw, eyeing the device. No way in

hell would he give the bastard the satisfaction of thinking he’d struck fear in Quinn’s heart. Crazy
bastard.

“We can do this the hard way or the easy way.” Simon held the stick inches from Quinn’s

stomach.

Quinn bristled, expecting the blow to be severe, but instead Simon poked him in the gut right

beneath his ribcage.

“You’ll make it easier on yourself if you undress.”
“Like hell.” Quinn crouched, prepared to lunge, but once again, a violent blow landed square

between his shoulder blades nearly knocking him back onto his knees. “Fuck!” He rotated his
shoulder, wincing from the shock of pain radiating across his back. He glared over his shoulder,
snarling his upper lip as a deep growl vibrated in the back of his throat.

“The few seconds it will take to disrobe before you shift will only hasten your demise.”
Who talks like that? Quinn furrowed his brow. “I’m not shifting.”
Simon jabbed the stick into Quinn’s stomach again, only this time he pressed a button Quinn

hadn’t noticed on the handle. Sparks flew from the tip, sending jolts of electricity throughout Quinn’s
body.

Quinn gritted his teeth and fought through the ricocheting tremors assaulting him. His mouth

watered, and he squeezed his eyes shut until the current stopped and he slumped, immediately drained
of energy.

“This is a low setting. Shall I turn it up?”
Quinn shook his head. He dragged in a painful breath, and his nostrils flared from the intense

exhale that followed. He pulled his t-shirt over his head. His nipples instantly hardened from the cool
evening air, and gooseflesh riddled his skin as he unfastened his pants. He slowly bent and unlaced his
hiking books, then slipped them off, and kicked them to the side.

Regaining some of his moxie, he bowed out his chest and lifted his chin as he stood before the

men gathered around him. “Happy now?”

“I’d be happy to help him with the jeans, Mr. Dean.” The creepy guy who’d been staring at him

all day stepped forward.

Quinn glanced over to see the man standing behind the others, eying him up and down again

and pursing his lips. The thought of the slime-ball touching him at all made Quinn sick to his stomach.
“That’s okay. I can manage.”

Quinn lowered his jeans and stepped out of them. Only his boxers remained. “That’s as far as I

go.” He cupped his crotch and tried not to think about the creeper mind-fucking him.

Thoughts of Killian filled the dark void instead, giving him all the strength he needed. Where

the hell is he? He scanned the darkened tree line. They should have come by now.

Simon touched the cattle prod to Quinn’s chest and zapped him again.
Quinn sucked air through his teeth.
“Walk.” He poked him again, electrocuting him in short, painful bursts as he nudged Quinn

where he wanted him to go as though herding him like cattle.

They stopped just beyond their vehicles. “It took me six years to find you. Six years of

wondering what this day would be like. There’s nothing but forest for at least eight miles on all four
sides of this farm.” Simon pointed toward the woods. “You’ll die out there somewhere, just like your
parents, and soon, your aunt will meet the same fate.”

Quinn narrowed his eyes and leaned in. “You better hope I don’t find you first.”
Simon smiled. “Even better.” He snarled his upper lip, jabbed the prod into Quinn’s chest, and

held it there.

Quinn convulsed, and it took all he had not to crumble. He balled his fists and clenched his

teeth. He nearly collapsed the instant the electrical current stopped. Quinn’s vision blurred. “You
fucking…” He couldn’t even finish his threat. All energy had drained from his body, and his head
swirled. He spat on the ground in front of him and wiped away the unshed tears in his eyes.

“They’ll wait until you hit the woods, but after that, you’re on borrowed time.” Simon eased

back.

Quinn studied Simon, looking for any signs of a bluff. They could easily kill him the second he

flinched, but something sparked in Simon’s cold, dead eyes that told Quinn he got off on the chase as
much as the hired hunters.

A wolf hunting another wolf. An appalling defiance of shifter nature.
Quinn’s memory of the morbid details of his parents’ deaths still remained a little fuzzy, but as

he stood there, moments away from the fight of his life, the similarities haunted him to his core.

He held on to an unyielding belief that, somewhere off in the darkness, Killian was coming for

him. Without that hope, Quinn knew he wouldn’t see another dawn. He was sure of it.

He took a deep breath and made a desperate dash for the trees. Leaping into the air, he shifted

in mid-flight, and all four paws hit the ground with a heavy thud. Running had always been his release,
an instinctual need that made him feel whole, at one with nature. Tonight though, running held more
meaning than it ever had.

Tonight, Quinn ran for his life.

****

Killian leaned against the tire well of Junior’s truck. The sun had set, and the roadside rest area

was dark except for the glow of the dashboard light inside the cab where Larry sat texting his
girlfriend.

“You’re sure gonna be in trouble when you get home.”
Larry shrugged. “I’m the king of my castle, and she better remember it.”
Killian chuckled. “Yeah, right. You’re so full of—” Killian jolted as a gunshot rang out in the

distance.

“What was that?” Larry ducked his head out of the window.
“It’s them.” Killian glanced up. “Stay here.”
“Killian.” Junior’s voice carried over the other members’ mumbling.
“I’m here.”
A spine-tingling howl echoed through the night, and Killian jolted. “Quinn!” He charged

toward the woods, but was jerked back by his arm.

“Son.” Kenneth clutched Killian’s bicep. “Wait a second.” He cocked his head to the side as

though listening.

“He’s out there, Dad.” His mind reeled. Quinn was in imminent danger, and they weren’t doing

anything about it.

Another shot blasted, this time much closer.
Kenneth released him. “And now we know where.”
The others gathered around.
“He must have escaped.” Junior offered the closest thing Killian had heard to good news all

day.

“Split up.” James Cobb eagerly gestured in the direction from where both shots and Quinn’s

howl had originated. “You and Kenneth come with me.”

Killian followed, undressing as they sprinted away from the rest area. They all shifted within

seconds of each other, then fanned out several yards apart as they made their way into the woods.

Trees blurred as Killian raced through the forest. He sniffed the ground and the air, searching

for any hint of his lover’s trail. Where the hell are you?

Another gunshot blasted so close to where they ran, his ears rang. He skidded to a halt. Dirt and

leaves scattered. Killian crouched low, cautiously scanning the area around him.

Footsteps sounded to his left, quick paced, but heavy. Definitely human and very close. He

crept toward them, but after a few seconds, the forest became silent. Killian lowered his head as the
hair on the back of his neck stood straight on end.

He saw the movement out of the corner of his eye a split second before he heard the gun cock.

He turned to see a hunter, less than ten yards away, aiming a shotgun right at him. Fuck.

Killian reared back to leap, but right as he did, a growling snarl roared, and another wolf

attacked the hunter, slamming him to the ground.

Dad?
Kenneth Masters grabbed the man by his throat and viciously shook him. The scent of blood

filled the air, and droplets splattered on Killian’s face. He licked his muzzle and joined the fight.

His father ripped at the man’s arm, and Killian repeatedly nipped at his thigh and sides until he

stopped moving. They both backed away, still snarling.

Kenneth settled down and whimpered. He came toward him, and licked the fur around the

scruff of his son’s neck.

Killian wanted so badly to shift, tell his father how much he loved him, and thank him for

saving his life. If only they had time.

He looked away as more sounds of conflict echoed through the trees. Another shot rang out,

followed by a yelp.

Quinn!

Chapter Twenty-Five

Quinn barreled through the woods, driven by the feel of other wolves nearby. Killian had come

for him, but Quinn had no way to warn him about the hunters. It hadn’t seemed to matter much
because the snarls and growls of wolves, followed by the helpless cries of men in the distance, assured
him they were already aware.

He hadn’t found Killian yet, but it was only a matter of time.
He’d zigzagged as best as he could when he reached the woods, but with six men chasing him,

he could smell them everywhere he turned. Their scents saturated the leaves and pine-straw covered
ground making it very confusing and difficult to get his bearings. The sooner he hit open road, the
better his chances would become.

Quinn sniffed the air hoping to catch a whiff of Killian. He ran another hundred yards or so,

and then, just as he’d wished, a familiar, heady essence blanketed the air in front of him.

Killian.
He was close. Quinn followed the trail until he came upon the highway where Killian’s trail

blended with the fragrance of others. There were too many to distinguish one from another. The entire
pack must have banded together, exactly as Mr. Cobb had said they would.

When he reached the pavement, Quinn slowed and trotted along the road, sniffing and

searching for the slightest inkling of Killian’s exact path. He picked up one scent, and then another,
branching off into different directions leading back into the woods. Checking all of them out would
only be a waste of time and nearly impossible.

He plodded along the highway and stopped when he caught a glimpse of vehicles parked at a

small roadside rest area. He’d seen some of the cars and trucks before, but none were as familiar as
Junior Cobb’s.

Quinn hurried toward them.
As he approached, he picked up a trace of Simon Dean’s scent. He hunched low to the ground,

leery and even a little startled.

A loud crack sounded off to the right, and Quinn froze as the hunter who’d mind-fucked him

all day, broke through the tree line thirty or forty feet away. The hunter headed straight for the rest
area.

Quinn followed, keeping his head down. Simon’s scent still lingered, and although it had

grown weaker, he remained cautious. Stalking the hunter kept his mind focused and his blood racing
through his veins. The closer he got, the more excited he became until every muscle in his body
wanted to pounce. By the time he was close enough, Quinn salivated and his heart pounded. He’d
never experienced this kind of thrill. Perhaps he even enjoyed it too much.

A deep-seated growl rumbled in his chest, and the unsuspecting hunter whirled around, wide

eyed from obvious surprise. He staggered backwards, tripping over his own feet.

Quinn leapt and knocked him onto the ground, but the hunter jammed the butt of his rifle into

his ribs. It hurt like hell, but the pain only enraged Quinn more. He bit the man’s arm, ferociously
shaking his head, doing his best to tear the skin. The guy managed to shove him off, but Quinn
charged again, this time going for his face.

A violent, unexpected blow landed against his temple. His front legs gave, and he buckled for a

split second. Slightly stunned, Quinn rebounded and shook it off. He looked up and growled as the
man regained his own footing, and dropped a large rock at his side. Blood gushed from a gash in his
cheek from where Quinn had bitten.

“Fucking cock sucker.” He lifted his rifle, still clutched in his left hand, and aimed it directly

at Quinn.

Tires squealed off to the left, but it wasn’t until blinding headlights caught Quinn’s full

attention out of the corner of his eye, that he realized a vehicle headed straight for them. It happened
so fast, he barely had time to jump out of the way before Junior Cobb’s truck smashed into the man.
The body sailed a good twenty feet and bounced into the ditch like a limp rag doll. The rifle flew in
another direction and landed in the middle of the road, busting into bits.

What the fuck? Who ... how? Quinn stood there, trembling and unable to move, reeling from

the shock. Had it really happened? Had he been saved? He glanced back at the truck, now idling on the
side of the road as his mind slowly caught up and sorted it all out.

Was the guy dead?
He had to know. He crept forward hardly noticing the sound of the truck door slamming behind

him or footsteps rushing up.

“Is he dead?”
Quinn recognized the voice, but it hadn’t quite clicked yet. The bright high-beams kept him

from making out the driver’s face, but as soon as the driver reached him, Quinn couldn’t believe his
eyes.

Larry?
Larry looked down and scratched behind Quinn’s ear like a long lost friend. “You okay?”
Quinn whimpered.
“Not sure which one you are, but I damn sure wasn’t gonna let him blow your friggin’ head

off.”

They both eased toward the body.
Larry grimaced. “Damn.”
The guy was definitely dead. No doubt about it.
“Won’t be getting that image out of my head anytime soon.” Larry turned away. His skin

whitened, and he looked like he might become ill.

Quinn nudged his hand with the bridge of his snout then licked it.
“I’d do it again if I had to.” He scratched Quinn’s ear again.
Quinn wanted so badly to shift and thank his friend properly. He also wanted to reassure Larry

that he’d saved him from a man who had probably done unspeakable things, and would have certainly
continued to do them in the future. He didn’t have time, though. He needed to find Killian.

“Go on. There’s probably still more of them out there.”
Relieved, Quinn barked, as if Larry could understand him, and then he shot off into the woods.
After a few minutes of tracking, Quinn came across a couple of the other wolves. Both looked

a bit ragged, and one had blood splattered across his coat. He sniffed them and knew right away that
one was Junior, and the other was his father, Mr. Cobb.

They remained in wolf form, and continued to trudge through the forest together, spaced only a

few yards apart, but within each other’s view.

Soon, three became a dozen as the rest of the pack began to regroup. James Cobb shifted first,

followed by Junior, and then Quinn.

“Is everyone okay?” James perused the group as the last few changed into human form.
A myriad of nods and verbal affirmations sounded throughout the pack.
“And you?”
Quinn nodded, too. “I’m fine. I got away, but where’s Killian?”
“We were somehow separated from him and his dad.” Junior perused the group. “But we’ll

find them.”

James drew in a deep breath, then pointed to a few members of his pack. “Go back to the rest

area and begin a sweep toward the farm.” He then gestured to the others. “Y’all come with us. We’ll

go to the farm and counter back.”

“Um.” Quinn stopped them. “For those headed back to the rest area, you might want to do

something with the body on the side of the road. Larry saved my ass.”

Junior’s eyebrows jutted upward, appearing surprised. “Damn. For a human, Larry has some

balls.”

Quinn laughed. “Yeah, he does—oh, by the way…” He slapped Junior on the shoulder. “Your

truck’s definitely gonna need to be washed.”

Junior’s expression soured, and he shook his head. “Well, at least you’re safe. That’s all that

matters.”

“Come on. We still need to find Kenneth and Killian.”
James was right. There would be time to talk and explain everything soon enough.
Standing there, surrounded by others of his kind, Quinn’s confidence soared. After years of

being alone and hiding, he’d absolutely understood how much better off he’d be in a pack. Killian was
right, and he’d make sure he knew that as soon as they found him.

They shifted back into wolfen form and made their way through the woods.
Quinn stopped right before they reached the hay field behind the old farm house and barn, and

shifted back to human form.

The others did the same.
“They had a camp set up over there, near what’s left of a barn.” He indicated where they’d held

him all day.

“And there were only six?”
He answered Junior’s question with a nod.
“The other five have been dealt with, so he must be alone now.” James motioned for the

remaining pack to circle around.

The others obeyed without question.
They all shifted into wolf form again and skulked through the field.
As they neared the campsite, Quinn froze, not sure what to make of what he saw.
Killian sat on the ground, naked, with his father, still in wolf form, lying beside him. Killian

kept a protective hand on the scruff of the wolf’s neck. “Don’t worry. I’ll get us out of this.”

Killian’s voice was faint, but Quinn definitely heard what he’d said.
He ducked behind a pile of rubble with Junior and James, as two more wolves crouched on the

other side of a broken down tractor closer to the campsite. The remaining wolves stayed low as they
each approached from other directions.

Simon Dean stood over Killian and Kenneth, waving his large knife.
Quinn bristled when he spoke.
“You might as well come out. I can smell you.”
Killian perked up, wide eyed. He looked around, enthusiastically searching the darkness around

them.

James Cobb stepped out first followed by his son. Quinn stayed close, but kept far enough

away so that Killian could clearly see him as they entered the campsite.

“There’s no need for more bloodshed. I only want the boy.” Even surrounded, Simon hadn’t

changed his tune. He was as crazy as ever.

They were still a good distance away, which increased the gnawing in Quinn’s gut to be so

close, but unable to do anything to get to Killian.

James and Junior shifted to human form, and James stepped in front of his son. “We won’t be

making any trades, Dean.”

Simon whirled around. “You know my name, but it seems I’m at a disadvantage. I don’t know

yours.” He sighed as though it were an average evening visiting with a new acquaintance. “I apologize
for infringing upon your territory without the usual invitation or request.”

“Seems you’re not much on following pack laws of any kind.” James Cobb, however, didn’t

sound quite as friendly.

Simon laughed and wiped his brow with the back of his hand. The silvery blade of his knife

flickered in the moonlight. “Didn’t exactly have time for formalities.”

Quinn eyed James as he eased closer, in awe of his cool demeanor. “You know that you’ve

crossed some lines that can’t be undone. The young man in front of you there is gonna run half of the
county someday, and his father is my oldest friend.”

“That may be … but him?” He pointed at Quinn. “His family owes my family a debt that I

intend collect.”

James glanced back over his shoulder at Quinn. “The boy is one of ours, and he owes you

nothing.”

Simon walked around behind Killian. “That one’s bleeding out, and this one … the pretty one

with the hair?” He nudged Killian’s leg with the tip of his boot. “He won’t be leading any packs
anywhere if I don’t get that boy.”

Simon’s threats set Quinn’s teeth on edge, and it was all he could do not to attack Simon

himself. Shit. Killian, just hang on.

His heart raced with excitement when Killian flexed his jaw and nodded.
Hell, I forgot you can hear me. Quinn leaned over and whispered to Junior. “Killian can hear

my thoughts.”

Junior looked back at Quinn like he’d said something crazy, and quietly mouthed, “What?”
He nodded to confirm, and watched as Junior relayed the announcement to his father, whose

expression seemed as astonished as Junior’s.

Quinn shrugged apologetically. He probably should have mentioned that to someone before

now.

“I don’t have all night.” Simon’s tone grew more agitated.
“Okay, okay.” James eased back and motioned for Quinn to come closer.
Quinn walked passed Junior and stood next to James.
James pulled him in for what would have probably appeared to be a hug to Simon or anyone

else. Taking advantage of their close proximity, he gave Quinn instructions. “Tell him to shift as soon
as you reach the tractor. That’s when we’ll all charge.”

“Yes, sir.” He repeated the plan in his head as he said goodbye to Mr. Cobb and turned away.

Got it? He watched for Killian’s response as he slowly walked toward him.

Killian lowered his head, his golden eyes already glowing in the moonlight. One … Quinn

reached the large, deflated back tire of the tractor. Two… He passed the mid-section where the
steering column had once been. Now!

In the blink of an eye, Killian shifted, distracting Dean. The next thing Quinn knew, James

Cobb had shifted and leapt over his head, tackling Simon Dean before Dean even had a chance to
react.

Killian morphed back and returned to his father’s side. “Dad?”
Quinn joined him, not paying any attention to what happened between Simon and Mr. Cobb.
“Is he alive?” James called out as he straddled Simon.
Simon bucked beneath him, struggling to break free.
James looked down and punched Simon in the face, as he gave Simon a piece of his mind.

“Come into my fucking territory and threaten someone in my fucking family?” He jerked Simon up.
“You’ll be lucky if you even make it back to your pack.”

“Dad.” Junior patted his dad on the back. “We got this.”
James spat on the ground in front of Simon. “Sorry son of a bitch.” He kicked him in the ribs.
Simon laid there bruised and bleeding, curled into a helpless ball. Even pathetic and defeated,

Quinn felt no sympathy toward the shifter. He’d get what he deserved.

Quinn then observed James Cobb. Without warning, the seemingly docile man who’d opened

his home and pack to a stranger had become a dangerous force of reckoning. Now, one of the nicest
men Quinn had ever met, stood over Simon like a general on a battlefield surveying the spoils of war.

The rage vanished as quickly as it had appeared, revealing once again the familiar character

Quinn preferred. “How is he?” James’s attention turned to Killian and his dad, and he rushed to them.
“Kenneth, you sorry bastard. Wake up.”

Kenneth remained in wolfen form, and his breathing appeared labored. Blood soaked the

ground beneath him.

Quinn rubbed Killian’s shoulder. “He’s gonna be okay.” He honestly didn’t know one way or

another, but he said it anyway. He’d say anything to reassure Killian.

“He was in wolf form when we crossed his path, so we decided to split up. I approached from

the other side, and when my dad started toward me, this guy came out of nowhere, pounced, and tried
to gut him from behind. I couldn’t help it. I shifted back. My first thought was to stop the blood. ”
Killian’s voice cracked. “He’s lost so much.” He slowly shook his head, as the shock of it became
more apparent.

“Scott?” James called out for one of his guys. “Go get the cars.”
Scott and a couple of others shifted and sped off back toward the road.
Quinn scanned the camp and spotted a large duffel bag over by his pile of clothes. He went

over and rummaged through the bag looking for anything to help Mr. Masters. Tossing ammunition
and other useless items aside, he pulled out a couple of shirts, and ripped one into strips. “Here. Apply
pressure to the wound with this one.” He handed one to Killian and tied the strips together to wrap
around.

Mr. Cobb helped lift his friend’s body as Quinn tied it tight.
“I had to learn the hard way how to patch myself up. Never could go to a hospital or clinic

because I figured they’d discover what I was.”

Mr. Cobb smiled. “That’s why we rely on our own kind when there’s a problem.” He squeezed

Quinn’s shoulder. “Good job.”

By the time they’d stopped the bleeding, Scott and the others had returned with the cars and

everyone’s clothes.

They all quickly dressed, and then Quinn helped Mr. Cobb and Killian load Kenneth in the

back of Junior’s truck. Some of the other pack members shoved Simon into the backseat of another
car.

“Hey, just a minute.” Quinn walked over to the opened back door, reached into Simon’s

pocket, and pulled out the photograph of his aunt and himself as a child. “This belongs to me.”

Simon lowered his head, his expression as close to catatonic as Quinn could imagine possible.
The other shifters got into the car and left the campsite.
Quinn had no idea where they were taking him, and he really didn’t care.
He jumped in the back of Junior’s truck with Killian and Mr. Cobb.
Larry rode in the front and looked back at them periodically as they drove. He had no idea

Quinn was the wolf he’s saved. He’d tell him, and thank him later, after the dust had settled.

For now, Quinn kept a close eye on Killian. He hadn’t spoken a word to Quinn yet, which

weighed heavily on his mind. Had his haunted past ruined Killian’s hope of a future with his father?

Killian glanced over at him, then looked away, showing no signs of what he might have been

thinking, leaving Quinn to sit there and worry.

Quinn’s heart thudded. I’m so sorry.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Killian clenched his jaw, unable to say what was really on his mind. This wasn’t the time or the

place. As soon as he had a few moments alone, though, he’d damn sure let Quinn know how much he
loved him.

Right now his father had to take priority, but he’d need Quinn to help him get through

whatever the next few hours had in store for them.

Killian unlocked the door to his father’s house and helped take him up to his room.
“Doc’s on the way.” Junior announced as he hurried in behind him.
“He hasn’t shifted back yet.” Killian grabbed towels from his dad’s bathroom.
“He will as soon as Doc patches him up properly. He’s in shock. Probably needs some blood.”
“I’ll give him some of mine.” Quinn took a towel from Killian and pressed it to Mr. Masters’s

seeping wound. “If I’m a match.”

Killian forced a smile, when what he really wanted to do was yank Quinn up and kiss the hell

out of him for even suggesting what he had. He fought the urge, though he wasn’t sure why. Everyone
there knew how he felt about Quinn.

Still, there was a time and a place, and it hadn’t come yet.
“You might need to.” James pulled back the bandage and exposed the wound on the wolf’s

back.

Blood dripped onto the towels Killian had laid down. The puncture wasn’t very wide, but the

dark blood trickling out could have meant that the blade had nicked a lung. They wouldn’t know for
sure until the doctor arrived.

Minutes ticked away like hours, and Killian paced back and forth. He glanced over at Quinn

who sat in a chair in the corner. His glare penetrated deep, and his thoughts bounced around in
Killian’s head.

I love you.
Killian walked over and stood beside him, instantly feeling comfort from the heat of his

lover’s body. He placed his hand on Quinn’s shoulder.

Quinn responded by leaning toward him, but not quite touching his shoulder to Killian’s side.

That was enough. Killian couldn’t take any more contact than that, until he had him alone.

“Kill?” Junior entered the room and brought him a glass. “It’s the good stuff. Maybe your old

man will smell it, and it’ll piss him off enough to wake up.”

Killian laughed and took the glass. He then lifted it as if to make a toast. “Here’s to one more

fight with dear old dad.” He downed the scotch, savoring the burn.

“He’ll make it.” James walked over to the window and peered out as the sound of a car door

slamming echoed from the driveway. “The doc’s here.”

Killian’s nerves tingled as relief washed over his tensed body. Now all he had to do was wait.

****

Killian rested his head on his folded arms on the edge of the mattress. He’d stood vigil all

night, waiting for signs that his dad would be okay.

James was right. As soon as the doctor stitched him up, administered a heavy dose of

antibiotics and pain medication, his father had shifted back into human form. His pale skin had even
regained some color, and he seemed to breathe easier.

Exhausted, Killian closed his eyes for a moment, but jumped when he felt a hand on the back

of his head.

Killian looked up. “Dad?”
Kenneth blinked and swallowed hard. “What happened?”

“You were stabbed.” He reached for the glass of water Quinn had set on the nightstand for

Killian. “Here. This might help.”

His dad sneered as he sat up a little and took a drink of water. “Did you get the bastard?”
“Got all of ‘em, actually.”
“And your friend?”
“Fine. He’s in the guest house.”
Kenneth nodded and lay back down. “Did you kill the guy?”
Killian shook his head. “He and one other guy survived. The council is dealing with them.”
“And the rest?”
“Taken care of.” Killian set the water glass back down.
“That’s why James is the boss.” He smiled. “And why you’ll be a good one, too.”
Killian’s eyes burned from the sound of affection in his father’s tone he’d yearned so long to

hear. “I have a lot to learn.”

“James is a good teacher. You’ll see.”
Killian placed his hand on his father’s shoulder and caressed him with his thumb. “I’d rather

learn from you.”

His dad stared at him as tears welled in his eyes. “I probably have more to learn from you,

son.” He touched Killian’s cheek with a shaky hand. “Your mother made this all look so easy.”

Killian shook his head as he fought back tears. “I haven’t made it easy.”
“No. You’ve always followed your heart. I was always too busy worrying about what others

thought.”

“It doesn’t matter.”
“It does matter, Killian.” Kenneth drew a deep breath. “It took someone trying to kill you for

my instincts to kick in. Instincts that should have been there all along.”

Killian didn’t know how to respond. He’d never expected his dad to ever say what he said now.
A soft knock sounded at the door interrupting their intense conversation.
Killian leaned back. “Come in.”
James Cobb walked in with Junior and Quinn behind him. “Is he awake?”
“Yeah, I’m awake.” Kenneth sat up, grumbling as he did.
Killian propped another pillow behind his dad and moved out of the way as James approached

the bed.

“Good.” He nodded his head as though assessing his old friend’s condition. “You’re too damn

mean to die.”

Kenneth laughed. “You got all the heart. I got the looks.”
James chuckled and scratched his head. “Yeah, well it all evens out, don’t it?”
Junior smiled and nudged Killian.
“I came to tell y’all that the council convened, and Simon Dean is on his way back to New

Mexico. His hired hand is on his way to jail, and the others …” He sighed deeply. “Well those poor
fellas won’t be turning up anytime soon. From what we know, no one will be looking too hard for
them anyway.”

“What will they do with Simon?” Quinn shoved his hands in his pockets. Killian could tell he

was worried.

“That’s nothing for you to be concerned with. He won’t ever bother you again.”
Quinn nodded. “I wish there was some way to reach my mom’s sister and let her know she’s

not in any danger anymore.”

“We might be able to help with that.” James cocked a brow. “Of course, if someone had the

resources to look into it, they might find her sooner rather than later.” He directed his attention to his

old friend.

Kenneth scanned the faces in the room and rolled his eyes. “Okay, dammit.” He then made

actual eye contact with Quinn, and Killian held his breath. “As soon as I get back on my feet, I’ll have
my people do some digging.”

A wide grin spread across Quinn’s face. “Thank you, sir.”
“All right then.” James slapped Junior on the back. “We better head out.” He started out the

door, but turned back. “The three of you better come to dinner as soon as he’s better.”

Killian looked over at his dad, who scowled like a grumpy old codger and nodded.
“We look forward to it.” Killian spoke for all of them.
“We can let ourselves out.”
“Later, Kill.” Junior gave them a little wave as he followed his father out of the room.
“I’m gonna go, too.” Quinn headed for the door.
“No.” Kenneth called out with a crackling voice. “You wait.”
Killian stiffened, and his stomach flip-flopped as Quinn paused at the door. His ears reddened,

and he looked about as uneasy as Killian felt.

“I haven’t been a good father. Hell, I haven’t even been a good friend, but I used to be.” He

fidgeted in the bed. “Losing your mom, and then that whole tragedy with Caiden…” He closed his
eyes for a second, and pressed his lips together as though finding it hard to speak. “I don’t want to lose
what little I have left over anger or not understanding. I’m not a genius, but I know real when I see it,
and when my son looks at you … I see something real. That kind of love can’t be faked. Not like that.”

Killian eased closer to his father. “Dad?”
Kenneth looked up at him. “I want you to stay.” He then glanced over at Quinn. “Both of you.”
Killian’s heart raced. “Thank you, Dad.”
Quinn inched closer. “If you don’t mind me saying so, your son is a really good guy. He had to

have gotten that from somewhere.”

“His mother, I assure you.”
Quinn laughed. “If you say so, sir.” His posture relaxed, but his expression adopted a serious

air. “Thank you for trying, and for listening to Killian. It means a lot to him.” His cheeks reddened,
and he glanced over at Killian. “I’m gonna go.”

Killian nodded then looked down at his dad. “Thank you.” He took his dad’s hand and

squeezed. “Get some rest. I’ll be back later to check on you.”

“I’ll be fine. You take care of yourself.”
“I will.” He followed Quinn to the door. “Love you, Dad.”
“I love you, too, son.”
He closed the door behind him.
Quinn waited for him at the top of the stairs. “You okay?”
Killian strolled over to him, cupped his hand behind Quinn’s neck, pulled him close, and

kissed him. “Let’s go home.”

“Sounds good to me.”
They started down the stairs. “Hey, how’s Larry?”
“He’s fine. Wait until I tell you what a badass he is.”
Killian laughed. “Can’t wait to hear it.” He stopped Quinn halfway down the stairs and

abruptly pinned him against the wall. “But let me show you what a badass I think you are, first.” He
inhaled deeply, his mouth watering, and his cock nearly burst through his zipper.

He took Quinn’s hand and rubbed it against himself. “Get the picture.”
A wicked grin spread across Quinn’s face. “I think I’ll understand better once we get home.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Killian clutched Quinn’s throat as he laid him back onto the bed. “Still want it rough?”
Quinn shook his head. “I don’t care as long as you mean it.”
Killian stretched his neck out, giving all he had to the kiss. He made deep sweeps with his

tongue, tangling it around Quinn’s with passionate swirls. “I love you…” He plunged again. “So
fucking much.”

Quinn rose up to meet the kisses. His bare chest glistened in the moonlight pouring in through

the window. “Full moon tonight, baby.”

Killian glanced up. “That would explain this hard-on from hell.” He stroked Quinn’s cock

through his jeans. “Take them off.”

“You take them off me.”
Killian cocked a brow, squeezed Quinn’s jaw then gave him a gentle slap. “Oh yeah. You

definitely want it rough, don’t you?” He bit down on Quinn’s bottom lip, tugging it as he pulled away.

He rose up beside Quinn, and propped himself up on his elbow as he trailed his fingers across

his lover’s skin.

Gooseflesh beaded, making Quinn shiver. He laughed playfully and bit his bottom lip as he

rolled his eyes.

Killian ventured lower, dipping his fingers under the waistband of Quinn’s jeans. “I’ve missed

this.” He unfastened his pants and dove deeper. “Your hot skin.” He kissed Quinn’s shoulder. “Your
big blue eyes gazing at me like I’m some sort of god.”

“You’re my god.”
Killian grinned. “Your sex god.” He poked at his lower abdomen.
Quinn’s stomach muscles tightened as he laughed, curling himself up in self-defense. “That

tickles.”

Killian gazed down at him, and the room became silent. God, I love this man. The only sound

came from their short, anticipating pants. “Promise you’ll never leave me.” He managed a whisper
before his emotions overtook him. Gulping down a massive ball of air, Killian dragged in a deep
breath to settle the tremor mounting up inside him.

How could anyone love someone so strongly and not lose their fucking mind? If anything

happened—No! Killian shoved it from his mind. These thoughts had no place there. Not when
happiness was finally within their grasp. Not when a future looked so promising and possible. Nothing
would sour this moment or any other if he could help it.

“I’m yours, Killian.” Quinn ran his hand up Killian’s arm. He paused for a second and gently

touched Killian’s nearly healed bullet wound. “I’d die for you, you know.”

Killian clenched his teeth, and glared at Quinn. “I don’t want that.”
Quinn’s brows furrowed. “Why?”
“Because I wouldn’t want you to sacrifice yourself for me.” He searched Quinn’s eyes, hoping

he would understand.

“But you were willing to die for me.” He shook his head. “How is that any different?”
“It’s not, but we made a deal. In here, you’re my equal. Out there, I’m your alpha, and that

means I lay my life down to protect what’s mine, not the other way around. Like Mr. Cobb said when
he challenged Dean.”

He could tell Quinn wanted to argue, but he could also feel the battle raging inside his lover

not to. He respected Quinn’s strength to obey. “Tell me you understand.”

“I do.”
Quinn’s firmly locked jaw still hinted at defiance, but Killian knew how to smooth that over.

He moved his hand up the inside of Quinn’s thigh. “Come for me.” Quinn’s cock hardened more as
Killian rubbed it. “Show me how much you love me.”

Quinn slipped his jeans off and kicked them onto the floor. He cupped his balls and gently

squeezed them, then wrapped his hand around his cock. He began slow and easy, staring at Killian the
entire time.

Killian glanced down a time or two. “So hot.” His heart pounded from the thrill. “That’s it,

baby.” He flicked Quinn’s nipple with his tongue. “Give it all to me.”

Quinn’s breathing increased, and he stretched his legs out. Stiffening, he pointed his toes

downward. “I love it when you watch.”

“Good.” Killian sat up and grabbed a condom and some lube from the nightstand. “Put this on,

and go slow.”

Quinn took the golden packet from Killian and placed it between his teeth. With his blue orbs

set on Killian’s gaze, he tore it open, and spat out the corner of the wrapper.

Killian licked his lips as Quinn rolled it down his shaft, taking his time, and stroking himself

as he went. When it was on all the way he jammed his head into the mattress and resumed jerking
himself off, quickened his pace.

The luscious sound was almost more than Killian could take. He had to have him, feel him

inside of him again. He squirted the lube onto his hands and smeared it between his ass cheeks,
dipping his middle finger inside a couple of times to loosen himself for Quinn. “Do you really love
me?”

Quinn nodded and moaned, jacking off wildly.
Killian kissed him again, and hovered a few centimeters above his face just to feel Quinn’s hot

breath on his lips. “Fuck me,” he whispered into Quinn’s open mouth.

Quinn lifted his chin and sucked Killian’s bottom lip into his mouth, biting and suckling it

between swipes of his tongue. He looked down at his cock, and held it at the root, raising his ass off
the mattress enough to offer it to Killian. “Sit.”

“Fuck yeah.” Killian kissed him hard. Their teeth clacked together as he swung his leg over

Quinn’s midsection and straddled him. He then rose up onto his knees, positioning himself over
Quinn’s shaft.

Quinn eyed him closely and guided himself toward Killian. He waggled his cock and smacked

it against Killian’s ass a couple of times before jamming upwards. “Now.”

Killian eased back, squirming a bit as they blindly came together. Quinn’s crown pressed in,

but it wasn’t until Killian sat back and applied pressure, that he broke past his sphincter and sank in.

Both men shuddered, and Quinn gripped the base of his shaft, slowly moving his hand away as

Killian lowered himself down.

“Oh God.” Quinn moaned.
Killian placed his hands flat against Quinn’s chest for balance, working Quinn’s cock deeper

inside, before rising back up. He relaxed the muscles for deeper penetration, but tightened as he rose,
clamping himself around Quinn’s cock and causing him to curse.

“Mother. Fucker.”
Killian laughed. “Just reminding you who’s in charge.”
Quinn laughed, too. “No shit.”
Killian took a deep breath and eased all the way down. He sat astride Quinn, and rocked back

and forth, loosening his ass more and more. He shivered each time Quinn’s cock grazed his prostate.
“Fuck yeah, baby.”

Quinn bucked beneath him, jamming himself upward. He grunted and clawed Killian’s thighs.

“I love being inside you.”

Killian arched his back, loving the feel of Quinn bottoming out.
“Over.” Quinn lifted his ass up so high Killian nearly lost his balance. “On your knees.”
Killian studied Quinn’s eyes, surprised by the commanding tone he took. The blue had faded,

and a golden glow sparked around the edges of his irises. Was he about to shift? The thought that
Quinn was that worked up, made Killian even harder. He eased off of him, and Quinn shot up, grabbed
him by his hair and pulled him close.

He kissed Killian, his tongue diving deep. Heat radiated from Quinn, warming Killian’s skin.
Killian had to push him off so he could catch his breath. “Fuck you’re hot.”
“I know.” He offered a cocky grin. “And it’s about to get hotter.”
“No.” Killian backed away. “I mean you’re burning up.”
Quinn’s skin had reddened, and sweat beaded on his lip. He looked down at himself. “What’s

wrong with me?”

“I’m not sure.” Killian guided him into the bathroom and turned on the faucet. He dragged him

into the shower and placed him under the stream.

Quinn pressed him against the wall and kissed him again. “Where were we?”
Killian kissed him back, though something inside told him to wait. Water soaked them both,

and Killian loved the feel of their bodies slip-sliding together. The warm water only added to the
thrill, and cooled Quinn’s skin enough to relieve Killian’s concerns.

Quinn nudged him into the wall. The cold tile caused goose-bumps to scatter. Then Quinn

licked the back of Killian’s neck and nibbled.

Killian stroked his cock, loving his lover’s assertive behavior. He flatted his palms against the

wall and stuck his ass out for Quinn, who didn’t disappoint.

He squatted behind him and licked Killian’s crack, burying his face between his cheeks.
“Yeah.” Killian pushed backward, encouraging him more.
Quinn probed his hole and spread his cheeks wider.
Killian sucked air through his teeth, stroking himself even faster. Pressure started to build, and

the more Quinn tongue fucked him, the closer he came to orgasm.

He had to hold him, feel him close. Killian turned around, and pulled Quinn to him, hiking one

leg up onto his lover’s hip. Quinn’s erection jammed against Killian’s. He clasped them both and
jerked Quinn and himself off simultaneously.

Quinn held himself up by pushing against the wall on either side of Killian’s head, dipping in

for little kisses between deep ones. Their bodies moved together in unison. Nothing had ever felt more
right. Nothing felt more complete.

“I’m gonna come.” Quinn’s lips pursed, and he closed his eyes. “Damn, baby.”
Killian shuddered, and he leaned into him. “Come for me.” Killian’s excitement rivaled the

electrifying jolts zipping through his body as he watched cum spurt from his cock onto Quinn’s.

Quinn slicked his fingers through the spunk and took over jacking himself off. He shoved

against Killian’s thigh and after a few seconds, ropes of cum shot from his cock, too.

Killian dropped to his knees and licked Quinn clean then rose up and kissed him.
“I feel—” Quinn inched back. “Different.”
Killian slicked his hair out of his face and eyed his lover up and down. “Are you okay?”
Quinn nodded. “I think so.”
“Come here.” Killian turned off the faucet and stepped out of the shower. He handed Quinn a

towel and grabbed one for himself.

They returned to the bed, and Killian motioned for Quinn to join him. He wrapped his arms

around the younger wolf, his heart beating wildly. “Feel that?”

Quinn touched his chest. “Damn.”

Electricity sparked the instant Quinn’s fingers touched him. He jerked it back.
“Must be the weather.”
“It is cold in here.”
“That’s because you’re still warm.” Killian pulled the blankets back and invited Quinn to

cuddle underneath.

Quinn laid his head on Killian’s chest.
He ran his fingers through Quinn’s hair, relishing the feel of being together without any

negative outside forces creating drama. “I think I’m gonna like this domestic crap.”

“Domestic crap?” Quinn pinched his side. “Just wait until you eat my cooking.”
Amused, Killian smiled. “You can cook?” There was so much he didn’t know about his young

lover.

“No. That’s the crap part you’re gonna have to like in this domestic partnership.”
“Partnership?”
Quinn shrugged. “I guess that’s what you call it.”
Nothing had ever sounded more right, which sparked a crazy idea. Killian sat up. “Come here.”
Quinn joined him in the middle of the bed, and Killian took his hands.
“What are we doing?” The corner of Quinn’s lip turned up with a twitch.
“Are you nervous?”
“No.” His brows bent, one a little more than the other.
“Don’t be.” Killian caressed the back of Quinn’s hand with his thumb. “When the wolf spirits

chose my mom for my dad, she told me it was like magic.” Killian swallowed hard as he remembered
the way his mother’s eyes danced every time she told him the story when he was young. So full of life
and seemingly immortal to a young kid. “She said that the real magic happened later, when they were
alone.” His face reddened, and he laughed a little, realizing how that might have sounded. “And not
when I was conceived, if that’s what you were thinking.”

Quinn laughed, too. “No.” He squeezed Killian’s hands. “Go on.”
“She said that they made their vows in private, long before they were married, the way most

mates do. My dad told her he would make her dreams come true, and she admitted that he’d not only
done that, but that he’d exceeded his promise.”

“I wish I could have met her.”
Killian’s eyes watered. “I wish all of our parents were here. I’d especially want my mom to

know that I found my special someone, and that the same promise my dad made to her is the same
promise I’m making to you.”

Quinn tilted his head to the side and closed his eyes for a moment as though allowing his mind

to absorb Killian’s words.

“I promise to love you, protect you, and give you anything and everything you ever want or

need.” He searched Quinn’s eyes, losing himself in the bottomless blue abyss. “Where you go, I go. I
need you beside me, and in my arms every night. I want to wake up to your goofy smile every
morning. I need your stubbornness to keep me in line, and your strength to lean on when I have
doubts.” He pressed his lips together, not sure what more could be said. “I love you.”

Quinn’s expression had morphed into one of wonderment. His hands trembled, and his eyes

glistened. “I never felt like I belonged anywhere, but then you touched me, and I knew what it was to
be alive. I’ve hidden in the shadows for so long, but until you, I never understood that there’s light in
the world. If there is such thing as destiny, this is it. You make me want to try new things, things I
never knew existed. You make me believe in possibilities, and give me a sense of purpose I never had
before.” He leaned in and pressed his forehead to Killian’s, tightly squeezing his eyes shut. “I love you
from somewhere so deep it’ll take a lifetime to dig to the bottom of it, and even then, more love will

fill its place. I promise to follow you anywhere. Put my loyalty to the test anytime you wonder, and
I’ll prove every single time exactly how truly devoted I am.”

Killian cupped Quinn’s face in both hands. “I can’t doubt you. I see it in your eyes, in the way

you look at me.” His lips ached as his need to kiss him grew stronger.

“I’m yours, but not because you claimed me. I’m yours because the spirits did this. We might

not have shared our becoming, but they still brought us together. What we have is sacred and
sanctioned by our ancestors. I feel it deep in my heart.” Quinn captured Killian’s mouth with his own
and plunged his tongue deep.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Killian gently laid him back and stretched out down the length of his body. They clung to each

other with an intimacy that superseded any emotion they’d shared so far.

They faced each other, their bodies intertwined, coming together amid soft caresses, passionate

kisses, and gentle, slow grinding. Having Killian inside him again filled Quinn with so much more
than physical pleasure. Their bodies moved in unison, perfectly intersected by a connection that could
only be felt.

They made love for hours. Each explosive orgasm was followed by silent stillness where the

only sounds were of their breathing, and the pounding of their heartbeats.

Quinn fell asleep in Killian’s arms and awoke to his sleepy, handsome face. “Good morning.”
Killian’s lips curled at the edges, his skin literally aglow. “Morning.”
He sat up and grabbed his jeans from the floor.
“Where are you going?”
“Back to the real world.” He stood, pulled his jeans up, and fastened them.
“What do you mean the real world?”
Quinn laughed. “Some of us have to work for a living.”
“You’re going back to work?”
“Yeah.”
Killian got to his feet. “You don’t have to, you know.”
“Yeah, I do.”
“Haven’t you heard? I’m loaded.”
Quinn slinked toward him and ran his hands down Killian’s torso. “And I don’t want or need a

sugar daddy. I want to work.”

Killian took a deep breath. “I know better than to argue with you once you’ve made your mind

up.”

Quinn offered a satisfied grin. “Good.”
“Can I at least drive you until we buy you a car?” He followed close behind Quinn as he headed

for the shower.

“You can drive me until I buy me a car.”
Killian’s shoulders deflated. “You’re not going to take advantage of anything I have to offer,

are you?”

Quinn turned around and eased up to Killian, reached down and stroked the length of his

flaccid shaft. “I’ll take advantage of whatever’s handy, but I won’t be kept like some gold digger.”

“Fair enough.” Killian lifted Quinn’s chin with his index finger and dropped a soft kiss onto

his lips, then smacked his ass.

“Hurry up. I have stuff to do today, too.”

****

“Ask Larry if he wants to grab a beer at Molly’s tonight.”
A wide, toothy grin spread across Quinn’s face, and he laughed.
Quinn’s happy look made Killian’s stomach flutter. “What?”
“We’re really doing this, huh?”
Killian shrugged. “It’s what we both want. Right?”
Quinn nodded. “Yes.”
“Then let’s do this all the way.” He glanced back and forth between Quinn’s cheesy expression

and the road, enjoying the easy feel of being normal. “Hey, by the way, whenever you’re ready, we can
start looking for your mom’s sister.”

Quinn pressed his lips together. “That’s okay. I’m good for now.”
His reply kind of surprised Killian. “I thought you’d want to get on that right away.”
“I do, but there’s been so much going on, I’d like to keep things as boring as possible for a

while before we set off on some adventure.”

“Boring?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Yeah. I do.” They pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. Killian jumped out of the truck

and waited for Quinn to exit.

“You’re walking me to the back door?”
“Don’t particularly want to say goodbye yet, but I promised to keep you happy.”
Quinn looked around the alleyway then grazed Killian’s fingertips. He smiled as he inched up

beside him. “I’ll return the favor tonight.”

Killian’s cock twitched as Quinn’s hot breath poured over his neck. “Damn.” He slicked back

his hair, trying his best not to shove Quinn against the truck and take him right there. Given half the
chance, he’d get Quinn to shift, chase him into the woods, track him down and make love to him on a
bed of pine straw all day. “Go before I get greedy and do something that could get us arrested.”

Quinn backed away and grabbed the doorknob to the back door with a smug gleam in his eyes

that snagged Killian’s curiosity. “You know what?”

“What?”
“I’d rather let you chase me at night so we could make love under the stars.”
Killian’s heart skipped a beat. “How did you—”
“It started last night after the fever broke.”
Holy shit! He pulled him close, not concerned in the least about being seen “I had a feeling it

would happen eventually.”

“It does come in handy, doesn’t it?”
Killian kissed him. Can’t wait to talk dirty to you when we’re in public.
“We should have dinner with your father soon.”
“Oh, hell. That would be some shit.”
Quinn opened the door and stepped inside. “See you tonight.”
“I’ll be here.”
Quinn nodded. “I know.”
Killian eased away as Quinn closed the door behind him. He climbed back into his truck, but

glanced over at the door before he started the engine. I love you, Quinn.

I love you, too.
Killian smiled to himself, and drove away. Whatever the future held, he’d be ready for it, and

with Quinn by his side, life had never looked so good.

The End

www.tylerrobbins.org

Other Books by Tyler Robbins:

www.evernightpublishing.com/tyler-robbins

If you enjoyed this book, you may also like:

Lifting Tail for the Alpha by Jenika Snow

The Dragon’s Lover by Marie Medina

Trickster by Nicola Cameron

Evernight Publishing

www.evernightpublishing.com

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