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  “Oh yeah, I’m all yours, stud.”

  Ryker was still pretty stretched from their earlier lovemaking and didn’t really need to be stretched more, so he wasn’t alarmed at all when he felt his mate’s cockhead push at his entrance. As Ryker relaxed and pushed back, Rudo’s cock pushed through his tight ring, and he slid all the way down the heavy shaft to the base. His butt cheeks flattened against Rudo’s hips, and Ryker’s cock was pinned between their bodies.

  Rudo kept his hands squeezed around the globes of his ass, guiding Ryker in the motion and rhythm he wanted. Ryker enjoyed his beloved taking control. It turned him on, so he was happy to comply. Rudo did most of the work, pumping his hips up while holding Ryker mostly in place. This allowed Ryker’s dick to be rubbed between their bodies during the whole thing.

  Ryker licked and kissed up his mate’s chest and neck, all the while making sure to be as vocally encouraging as he could. Pleasure warmed a path through his heavily pumping bloodstream, and he felt his release growing closer. Just as he began to fall over the nirvana edge, he felt Rudo’s cockhead grow, then the heat from his release shooting inside him. Ryker bit down on Rudo’s neck again and drew in a few swallows. Rudo shouted, and more hot semen filled Ryker’s tight channel. His cock exploded all over his and his beloved’s stomachs and chests.

  After licking his bite mark closed, Ryker rested his head on Rudo’s heaving chest as they both lay catching their breath. After a short time, he slowly sat up and grimaced as the cum that he’d shot all over their torsos was starting to get a bit itchy. Ryker got up on his shaky legs, grabbed the shreds of his shirt, and wiped himself off, then used it to wipe off Rudo.

  “Come on, stud, let’s head into the house and take a shower. You can wash my back, and I can wash yours,” he said, and smiled, then wiggled his brows.

  Rudo laughed and sat up, rubbing his extremely short black hair. “I haven’t had a proper shower since before I was abducted.”

  Ryker held out his hands and helped Rudo up. “Oh honey, I can tell you for certain that you have never had a proper shower, because you were never with me. After our time under the spray, you’ll easily be able to tell the difference.”

  Rudo laughed again as they began to get dressed. Ryker had planned ahead, making sure there were clothes for both himself and his beloved, here in the stall. He was grateful he’d thought to do that, because even though he hated seeing his beloved cover up his perfect ripped body, he didn’t want anyone else to see it for any longer than they had to. All those luscious chocolate covered muscles were his. He was so caught up in staring at his beloved’s finer features, he didn’t notice Rudo’s fiery, lusty stare, and was caught by surprise when he grabbed him by his upper arms and pinned him to the wall of the stall. Thick and full hot lips covered his, and Ryker lost all train of thought.

  Chapter Two

  Enzo sat in his lupine form, watching pack-members carry equipment and furniture into the new clinic. He knew he should be helping, but he had been in a bad mood lately, and he was having a difficult time getting over it. Even watching Kace, struggling to carry the infamous portable x-ray machine, didn’t stir a chuckle.

  Seriously, what kind of person wouldn’t find it funny watching him struggle with the thing? Enzo grumbled to himself. He couldn’t even find it in him to so much as grunt in amusement knowing that Seamus was going to wait until the move to show Kace his newest toy, a handheld portable x-ray device. It was so evil, it was hilarious, and yet here he was, pouting. What’s wrong with me?

  It was all irrational really. He knew he should be happy with the news that he not only had a destined mate, but that he knew where he was … sort of. Many mates never found each other, so it was the ultimate gift, and yet here he was, sulking. Again, what’s wrong with me? he thought, as he let out a heavy sigh.

  He easily sensed his alpha, and best friend, Alphy, approach. Alphy squatted down next to him before he sat on the ground and leaned against a tree. His knees were bent, and he rested his arms on them.

  “What’s eating at you?”

  Enzo walked his front paws forward until he was resting on his belly, then laid his head on his paws. He gave a slight shrug in response.

  “I’ve backed off, and given you time to work through your shit, but you need to talk about it and get it dealt with, because you’re the second highest ranking member, so it’s starting to affect the pack negatively.”

  Enzo sighed and let his shift pop and snap back to his human form, then sat on his heels. “I don’t know, really.” He paused, and Alphy stayed quiet, letting him gather his thoughts. “You remember how I told you about my family?”

  “That part where they banished you because you were gay?”

  “Yeah, well, they agreed with the alpha about how gay shifters didn’t have fated mates. They hammered that into my brain. I guess they hoped that if they could convince me of that, that I would turn straight again, or something.”

  “But you knew they were wrong.”

  Enzo looked down at the forest floor, but all he saw was the events of his past playing out. “I never truly believed I could ever have a destined mate. If it wasn’t my destined mate, I just wasn’t going to get involved with anyone.” Enzo looked up again and watched the pack working together. “I was getting so lonely, I guess I gave up on that, and let myself get attached to Ryker.”

  Alphy leaned his head back against the trunk of the tree. “Ryker expressed to me how he feared your reaction. He didn’t feel you would hurt him, not physically anyway, but he was afraid of hurting you.” Alphy’s voice wasn’t judgmental.

  Enzo’s shoulders slumped. He could see the little guy’s perspective, but the sting, nonetheless, didn’t ease.

  “It was my idea to do it publicly, Enzo. I saw how close you were getting to him, and I felt it would be the best way to encourage you to hold in any outburst or protests that might have unintentionally hurt Rye. The heat of the moment sort of thing.”

  Enzo nodded. “I get that. I even get how fast Rye transitioned his dedication. It still doesn’t ease the pain. What kicks my ass is why am I, knowing I have a mate, still having trouble letting go? You’ve got those two right next to me now, and it pisses the ever-loving-hell out of me every time they do anything, which is a lot since they are newly mated. And then I feel so much guilt for still having a thing for Ryker. I shouldn’t be feeling anything for him. Why can’t I just move on as fast as Rye did?”

  Alphy paused for a moment and sighed. “Maybe because you only just barely scented your mate. You have yet to find him, to see, touch, or hear him even, to fully erase those doubts your family put into your head. It is hard to have faith in something that you were led not to believe in, especially when there isn’t much to go on, just a scent. Don’t let this get to you right now. Wait until we find your mate. Then revisit your feelings. I bet you would accept him as fast, if not faster, than Rye did.”

  Enzo rubbed his thumbs against his fingers and thought about what Alphy said. It made sense, and yet he still doubted. One thing he’s right about, I need to stop thinking about it right now. He nodded his head and turned to give Alphy a smile.

  “Thanks, man.”

  Alphy returned his smile. “You good?”

  “For now. You’re right, one thing at a time.”

  Alphy stood. “Good, now let’s go help with the move. I don’t want to miss Seamus’s surprise for Kace.”

  Feeling better, Enzo laughed out loud.

  “Seriously though, what can you do about the never ending fuck-fest next door to me?” Enzo asked, as they began walking towards the new clinic.

  “I’m thinking of turning the upstairs apartment into our security office. I was thinking Ryker and his mate could live up there in the bedroom.”

  “Mm, that wouldn’t work too well. With our business starting up, we could use the entire space as a full time office. And with our pack growing so large, it would be ideal to do all the business from there.”

&nb
sp; Alphy looked down at his feet and rubbed his chin. “True. Then I guess we all stay crammed in the house for now.” Alphy gave a heavy sigh but shook himself off. “Glad to have you back, Enzo. Uh, are you going to be walking around like that?”

  Enzo looked down to where Alphy was pointing, and noticed he was still naked.

  “I guess not. I’ll hurry to the house in my shifted form, and be back on two feet, and dressed. Don’t let Sea start the fun without me.”

  “All right, but hurry then.” Alphy headed towards the new clinic, and Enzo shifted and trotted to the house to change into some clothes, feeling better than he had in days. Alphy was right. I needed to talk about it.

  ****

  Heath wiped the grease off his hands with a rag as he took a final look at the undercarriage of the vehicle he had just finished working on. Pleased with his work, he walked over and pressed the button that would lower the lift. As it hissed, letting the vehicle down, he looked out across the road at the field on the other side, and smiled at the solar panels that were put there. Wish more places would do that. I would, if I had my own shop.

  Heath was filling out the paperwork to turn in to the office when a deep voice echoed through the shop. “Hello?”

  Heath looked over at the entrance through the other bay doors, and saw a very tall man with tattoos and a taller than average brunette by his side. They were holding hands with their fingers intertwined. He thought they looked very happy. He walked over and smiled at them. “Can I help you?”

  “Yes, I’m Dultyn, and this is Havana.” The man held out his hand, which Heath shook. Then the man handed him a paper. “We were told our car was fixed. The office said you have the keys.”

  Heath looked at the paper. Seeing everything was in order and already paid for, he nodded, then walked back over to the counter next to his toolbox to retrieve the keys that were hanging on the wall. The couple followed him.

  “Here you go. Sorry about the delay. A couple of the parts were on backorder.”

  Dultyn took the keys, but Havana pointed to the pictures of flowers that adorned his toolbox. “You sure do like flowers. Kinda odd to see them in a mechanic’s toolbox.”

  Her words weren’t said in a mocking manner, so Heath didn’t take offence. He shrugged. “My family has a long history with flowers. I’m like the first one in several generations to not pursue a career based on them,” Heath told them as he led them out of the garage, and around the building towards the back. “In fact, my parents own and run the little flower shop down town, and my uncles and aunts own nurseries all over Canada.”

  “Cool,” Havana said, “so why did ya choose to be a mechanic?”

  Heath turned to them when they arrived at the car, and gave them a small smile. “I like flowers, but my passion is mechanics.”

  “It takes a strong person to break from tradition to follow your own path,” Dultyn said.

  Heath felt his heart warm with pride at the praise. “Thank you.”

  “Hey, if ya ever wanna pick any flowers, there’s this house that we are going to fix up as our own that is overgrown with all sorts. Maybe you could pick some for a lover, or someone.”

  “Really? What kind?”

  “There’re some really pretty hydrangeas in colors I’ve never seen before. The bushes are super big because the house hasn’t been lived in for decades,” Havana answered.

  A little excitement wormed through Heath’s body. “They sound great. Where are they?”

  “The road is a bit overgrown and bumpy, too, so you might have to hike in from a point if you have a car. It’s beautiful out there, full of wildflowers, too,” she told him.

  Havana gave him directions, and he thanked both of them. He looked away as Dultyn planted a peck on her lips before helping her into the car.

  “I’ll be following right behind you,” he told her softly.

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. We already had the ‘third time’s a charm’ thing, so I’m sure nothing will happen.”

  Heath wasn’t sure what she meant, but he stepped aside as she drove off the lot, followed soon by the larger man in another car.

  Heath walked back into the garage and wrote down the directions she had given him, before he forgot them. Hydrangeas will be perfect to go with Enzo’s next delivery of flowers. Heath decided to head out there right after work. It may be good to get outside a bit, he thought, and then carried on with his day.

  Chapter Three

  Rudo looked around the shop that was just off to the side of the barn. In spite of the tractor and trailer being stored here, it still had ample space to work. He could see tools for both metal- and woodworking, and even a forge. Some of the tools were new, but many were old, which made him smile. He sometimes liked to work the wood with older tools.

  Beside him stood his new alpha with his hands on his hips. “The tractor and trailer are what we’re going to use at pack runs, but I can move them if you want.”

  Rudo shook his head. “No, it doesn’t even take up half.”

  “Aunt Betty says this used to be a carriage house. Then when automobiles were invented and used more and more, it was turned into a workshop after their old shop burned down. One of the turbines is in its place now.”

  Ryker stood next to him, holding his hand. His mate gave a light squeeze. “Do you have everything you need in here for your woodworking?”

  While still taking in everything, Rudo smiled. “Yes. This space is better than what I had back home, and bigger. Some of the tools aren’t here, but I have them back home, and I should be able to move them here easily enough.”

  Alphy placed a hand on his shoulder. “I talked to your alpha this morning. He said he was told you went on vacation and that he didn’t know you were missing.”

  Rudo’s brows drew down. “I was out of town on business. I was only supposed to be gone a few days. It has been two months, so they should have known something was wrong.”

  “Alphy, are you sure the alpha said he was on vacation?” Ryker asked. “I mean, why would he say that, if he knew Rudo was out on business?”

  Alphy withdrew his hand and rubbed his chin. “I don’t know. I was under the impression that someone had told him. Maybe he thought you had gone on vacation from your business trip? But I agree some things don’t add up. They said all of your things, and finances, were still in place, untouched, which is not the case with several of the others who were rescued. One way or another, someone there should have known you were missing, which means someone there might still be a threat to you if they wanted you gone. Would you know who that would be?”

  Rudo frowned. “Everyone in our herd was unhappy when I came out. They didn’t like I was gay. They all thought it was something I chose, and could just change my mind about it. It was starting to get a little tense, but I can’t see any of them being involved with this. To sell another shifter out to human scientists seems a bit extreme, even for them.”

  “Maybe, maybe not. If they hated you enough, and the price was high enough, I don’t think you should dismiss the idea. I think if you’re going down there to pack up your stuff, you should maybe take a couple others with you.”

  “Oo, oo!” Ryker bounced on the balls of his feet, beside him. “Like my sentry team?”

  Alphy chuckled. “Exactly. The other two teams can take over in your absence until you get back. When do you plan on leaving?”

  Rudo shrugged and looked down at his mate.

  Ryker looked thoughtful. “I was going to put up cameras in and around this building today, since we have the house, garage, and barn covered. And I probably should give the other guys some notice to prepare themselves, so maybe tomorrow?”

  Alphy laughed. “Ok then. I’m going to head back into the house. One of Slate’s friends is going to be arriving today with his stuff, and I want to be there to greet him.”

  Alphy headed back to the house, and after a deep kiss that left Ryker glossy eyed and breathless, his mate picked up a bag with some of the camer
a equipment, and took out a cell phone as he headed around the building. Rudo stood there and watched him until he was out of sight, willing his erection down so he wouldn’t chase after him and fuck his mate against the wall. It wasn’t easy since his mate’s arousal still fragranced the air. However, after a few minutes passed, he was able to get his libido better under control, and he strolled further into the building to more closely examine his new work space.

  ****

  Ryker had to hurry around the side of the building, away from his tempting mate, or he would have begged to be taken right there in the open. It had been five days since Rudo was able to finally, fully claim him, and he still couldn’t get enough.

  He hummed happily as he dialed Gavin, one of his sentries.

  “Hey, Rye, whassup?”

  “Hiya, Gavin. Hey, look, so I just had a talk with Alphy and my beloved, and it was decided we should bring extra backup just in case someone in Rudo’s herd tries to harm him. So I need you and Neto to pack up and be ready to leave tomorrow morning with us.”

  “You got it, little red. Want me to tell Neto, or are you gonna call him?”

  Ryker dropped his bag by the building and looked up to where he wanted to place the first camera. He smiled at the pet name.

  “Yeah, if you would, thanks. I’m gonna bust my hump and try to get these cams up today. Oh, and spread the word that Rudo does not want anyone but himself calling me ‘little red’.”

  “Will do.”

  After he hung up, Ryker worked really hard. He was grateful for Tom, who joined him later on to help with the installation. Around noon, Rudo came and got him for lunch.

  Rudo wrapped both of his strong arms around him. “How’s it going?”

  “So much better now that you’re here. I won’t be too much longer. Tom came out and helped for about an hour. That helped loads.”

  Ryker stood on his tiptoes and welcomed the kiss his beloved planted on him. He felt Rudo’s hard shaft press against his, and he hummed. He flexed his hips, rutting against him. Even though their clothes were still on, the pressure and motions weren’t hampered.