Alex's Secret

Brac Pack 21 

Alex’s Secret Alex's father ignored him, his stepfather tries to have him committed, and his uncle looks at him like he's a freak. Now his stepcousin Tater is trying to talk him into going to see his good buddy, Taylor Tate, who's a counselor. Why can’t everyone just leave him alone? Gavin Lakeland discovers Alex is his mate when he helps some guys whose truck broke down in town. He quickly whisks Alex home to show him just how much he’s wanted. Gavin accepts everything about his mate, even his closely guarded secret. But Alex grew up in a home where his mated parents argued day and night, so how can Alex trust Gavin not to toss him away at the first sign of trouble? Worse yet, can Alex survive when he's the latest to fall victim to the drug that's sweeping through the paranormal world?

Note: Each book in Lynn Hagen's Brac Pack collection focuses on a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, we recommend reading the series in sequential order. Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Paranormal, Shape-shifter Length: 37,289 words

ALEX’S SECRET Brac Pack 21

Lynn Hagen

EVERLASTING CLASSIC MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Everlasting Classic ManLove

ALEX’S SECRET Copyright © 2011 by Lynn Hagen E-book ISBN: 1-61034-737-4 First E-book Publication: September 2011 Cover design by Les Byerley All art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Alex’s Secret by Lynn Hagen from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Lynn Hagen’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Hagen’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

ALEX’S SECRET Brac Pack 21 LYNN HAGEN Copyright © 2011

Chapter One “Ah, I see. You want to commit me, you dang willy-wuss. Don’t you?” “What in the hell is a willy-wuss?” Alex narrowed his eyes at Tater as he picked up his messenger bag. “Don’t change the subject. Admit it.” It crushed Alex that his step-cousin was just like his stepfather. Neither of them understood him, and neither of them wanted him around. His stepfather had given up on him and shipped Alex off to live with Tater and his parents. And now Tater was starting his shit. Some days it didn’t pay to crack the old eyelids open. It hadn’t hurt so much when dear old stepdad said Alex was crazy. But for some reason, it stung like hell coming from Tater. “I’m not trying to commit you, Alex. I just asked my best friend to help you,” Tater protested. “Help me with what? Hmm?” Tater shook his head as he wiggled his finger back and forth in front of him. “Oh no, you are not going to trap me with that question. You’ll only twist it around.” Tater’s lips thinned as he stared at Alex. Alex wasn’t listening. He pulled a few shirts from the hamper, grabbed a stray sock from the floor, and then picked up his ant farm.

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He tried to no avail to get the farm in his bag. The dang thing was too wide. Looking around the room, he spotted a plastic corner store shopping bag. Alex crossed the room and picked it up, tossing in his toothbrush, his Mad Magazine—Spy vs. Spy special issue—and a rattail comb into the plastic bag. Next he tied the handles to his belt loop, and then pulled the handle of the messenger bag over his head to secure it. Lastly, he walked to his bed and picked up his ant farm, holding it tight to his chest. “Good riddance.” “I told you I wasn’t insulting you,” Tater called from behind him. “I was only trying to help,” he added. “Help this.” Alex turned, stuck his tongue out, and then spun back around, heading for the front door as he walked down the steps. There was no way Tater was going to have him committed. With his pale skin, white looked terrible on him. Those straitjackets needed to come in a variety of colors. Too bad they didn’t have rainbow-colored ones. He rolled his eyes when he heard Tater’s heavy footsteps coming down the stairs after him. “Don’t you dare walk out of here.” Tater ran in front of Alex and placed his fisted hands on his hips as his lips thinned once again, his eyes holding a hint of dare. “Get back upstairs, mister.” Alex stared at Tater dumbfounded for a moment before he burst out laughing. “I’m a few years older than you, in case you have forgotten.” “You ain’t acting like it.” “I’m not the one trying to commit a family member,” he argued. Tater threw his hands up as he growled at the ceiling. “I’m not trying to commit you, for the hundredth time. All I want you to do is go talk to my buddy, Taylor.” Alex tried to step around Tater, but his step-cousin wasn’t budging. “Look, that’s the same thing my stepfather said. All I had to

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do was go talk to his buddy, Dr. Via. I’m not falling for it again. Now move!” Tater held his hands in front of him, as if trying to keep Alex back without touching him. “Fine, you don’t have to talk to him.” Alex eyed Tater. He wasn’t sure if he should trust him or not. He’d been tricked before. His stepfather had said the man was a medical doctor, but when he arrived at the place, Dr. Via had the paperwork in order for his commitment. Alex had done some pretty fast talking to get out of it. Thank goodness Dr. Via agreed with him and not his stepfather. After that, his stepfather, Clark, hauled ass home, packed up Alex’s room, and brought him here. He couldn’t understand what the hell everyone was in such a fuss about. He was as normal as they came—barring his little secret. “Swear,” Alex said warily. “Swear to me that you’re not going to trick me into going anywhere near your buddy.” “I swear.” “Hell no, show me those fingers of yours.” Alex nodded at Tater’s hands that were behind his back. “Fine!” Tater pulled his hand in front of his body and splayed his fingers. “I swear.” To be honest, Alex had no clue where he would have gone. It had frightened him to think of leaving here and going into the unknown. He eyed Tater for a moment and then went back upstairs. Hopefully his step-cousin could be trusted to keep his word. So far Tater hadn’t proved to be mistrustful, but Alex couldn’t help but worry. He sat his ant farm back down on his desk and then untied the bag from his belt loop and took his comic book and toothbrush out. Sitting on the bed, Alex wondered why everyone was so hell-bent on sending him away. What was so terrible about him that made people want to get rid of him?

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He pulled the handle of the messenger bag over his head and tossed it on the bed next to him. Alex was getting tired of people telling him he needed his head examined. There was no logic behind their statements. What was he doing so wrong that everyone was ready to ship him off to the funny farm? “Hey,” Tater said from the open doorway, his voice growing soft. “I really wasn’t trying to commit you.” Alex shrugged as he stared down at his hands. He picked at his fingernails, wondering why Tater was ready to haul him off one minute then talking nicely to him the next. Was it some sort of trick? Was he trying to make Alex’s defenses lower so he could move in for the kill? “I have a bike I’m working on in the barn. Wanna help me?” Alex looked up at him in surprise. When was the last time someone wanted to spend time with him? Of his own free will? “Sure.” He tried to sound indifferent, like it didn’t matter—when in fact, it did. “Come on. I’ll take you out to the barn.” Tater walked away, and Alex jumped up to follow him. He didn’t care if they were going out to pick up cow dung. Someone actually wanted to spend time with him. That was a big bonus in his book. Tater just raised a notch on Alex’s list of nice people. Of course, there were only two people on it. His mom and now Tater. His mom took second place because she hadn’t fought for him. She was nice to him, like a mom was supposed to be. But she had the same look in her eyes that his stepdad did. Pity. Alex didn’t want it nor need it. He hated pity with every breath he took. “What kind of bike are you working on?” “It’s an older Honda. Not as nice as Harleys or those crotchrockets you see people driving, but it’s mine.” Alex could hear the

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pride in Tater’s voice as he spoke of his bike. He felt the same way about his ant farm. They were just common ants, but they were his. That made them special. They really were special, though. They were fascinating and fun to watch. Those little ants were industrialists and had different levels of intelligence that made Alex watch them for hours. They ate, drank, and looked like they had a good time in there. Sometimes Alex wished he could shrink down and join their farm. He would probably be accepted more by them than anyone around him. It was a silly thought, but it made him feel warm inside knowing he had a whole farm that loved him and he loved them. Even if they were ants. Alex followed Tater into the big, red building, feeling a few degrees cooler as they stepped into the interior of the barn. He noticed a loft right away, and a few empty stalls that looked like the occupants hadn’t been there in a very long time. In the middle of the barn, on the floor, all of Tater’s bike parts were laid out on a tan and dirty blanket. “You didn’t tell me it was laid out like a jigsaw puzzle.” Tater laughed as he sat on a crate, picking up a few parts. “I’ve taken it apart and reassembled it so many times I lost count.” Alex grabbed the crate over by one of the stalls and carried it back to where Tater was sitting. He took a seat and clasped his hands between his knees. “I’m afraid I don’t know too much about bikes.” “That’s okay. I was just looking for some company,” Tater stated as he picked up a shop rag and began to clean the small part with attentive care. “Oh, okay,” Alex said as he looked at all the different shapes of the small pieces lying in from of him. He had no clue what any of them were. He was just enjoying the fact that someone wanted him around. Family no less.

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Alex leaned down and picked up one of the shop rags and then one of the parts. He parroted Tater as he sat there and cleaned the shiny piece. Alex had no clue what it was, but he had to admit, the act of cleaning the piece was relaxing. Maybe Tater used his time out here as a kind of therapy session. Everyone needed one. That was Alex’s honest opinion. He glanced at Tater when the man began to chuckle. “What?” His step-cousin pointed at the oblong piece in his hand. “You’re polishing a sparkplug. It’s okay to clean them, though.” Alex looked down at the piece in his hand. How was he supposed to know this particular part didn’t need polishing? He didn’t even know what the heck a spark plug was. Maybe it was best he just sit there and be an observer. He leaned down and sat the cloth and plug back on the tan blanket. So much for keeping occupied. His eyes roamed over the empty stalls. “Where are your horses?” Tater looked up from what he was doing, looking around as he answered Alex. “There haven’t been any animals here since my grandparents.” “But that doesn’t make any sense. How do you live on a farm with no animals?” Alex inquired. Alex knew he had a lot to learn. His mother only married his stepdad a few months ago, so he had no clue about Tater’s life and his family. Alex didn’t even like referring to the prick as his stepdad, but his mom insisted. Clark was a real piece of work. What the hell did his mom see in the guy? The only benefit that Alex could see was getting to know Tater. The guy was kinda cool. When he wasn’t trying to have him committed. “My dad runs an online business. I still use the barn for my reprieve. A guy’s gotta have one of those.” Alex wholeheartedly agreed with that. He got up, wandering over to the stalls and resting his chin on one of the doors. It would have been nice to have a horse in here. Alex didn’t know anything about

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them, about farming—beside his ants—but he was sure having horses would have been nice. He’d never seen one before, except in pictures and on television. They were beautiful though. At least he thought so. “I need to head into town. Do you wanna go?” Alex spun around, feeling panic in his chest at Tater’s words. Was this a trick? Was it that false sense of security he feared his stepcousin was trying to lure him into? “Calm down. I said I wasn’t gonna make you go.” “Then why do you want to go into town?” he asked warily. “There’s a new motorcycle shop that just opened up. I want to go check out what they have. You haven’t been to town yet. It’ll give you a chance to explore what’s in Brac Village.” It was true. Alex had been here for two weeks and had yet to explore his surroundings. He was so confused when he first got here that he just mainly stayed in his room. He felt discarded and unwanted. Yeah, real big motivators when you wanted to explore your new surroundings. “Come on, I got my truck running again.” Tater laid the part down and then tossed the rag onto the floor next to it. He got up, stretched, and then walked away. Alex had a moment of fear. If Tater really did want to commit him, there wasn’t much he could do about it. Tater was a large man, very capable of forcing Alex to do whatever the hell he wanted him to do. He slowly followed after the man, wondering if he shouldn’t just go to his room instead. Alex met Tater at his big red truck, looking the rusty thing over before opening the passenger door. It squeaked on its hinges as Alex climbed in and slammed it shut. The door popped back open. Alex reached out and slammed it again. The door popped back open. “Hold on,” Tater said as he walked around to Alex’s side. “It gets hung up sometimes.” Tater messed with something on the side of the

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door and then slammed it shut. This time it stayed closed. Alex wasn’t sure how safe it was to ride with a broken door. He quickly secured his seatbelt. If the thing was going to pop back open on the road, at least he’d be secured in his belt. His hands shot out and grabbed the dashboard when Tater started the truck and it sounded as though it was going to explode. The engine stayed that way for a moment, making Alex break out in a cold sweat until the big hunk of metal settled into a grinding noise. Alex waited, but that was the best the truck was going to settle down. The gears began to grind as Tater shifted it into reverse while Alex hung onto his seatbelt with a death grip. He prayed they didn’t get stuck on the side of the road somewhere. The truck acted like it was protesting movement as it piddled down the dirt driveway. “What’s that smell?” Alex asked as he loosened one hand from his belt and pinched his nose. Good god, it smelled like Tater had trash in the bed of the truck that had been sitting out in the heat for days. Alex wanted to gag. “I hauled some manure for a friend of mine. Haven’t had a chance to hose the bed out yet,” Tater shouted above the loud grinding noise. Alex grabbed the handle to the widow crank, careful not to push the door open. He yanked. Then yanked again. “That don’t work. I need to take the door apart and fix the mechanism in it.” Alex was sitting in a truck that sounded like it was falling apart, on a sweltering day with dried cow shit in the bed, and a window that wouldn’t roll down. Yeah, maybe he should have gone up to his room instead. He yelped when the truck sputtered and then the engine cut. “Damn it.” Tater steered the truck to the side of the road. “Give me a minute.” He pulled the emergency brake handle and then pulled the lever for the hood. Alex watched him get out and go to the front of the truck. “Just great,” Alex mumbled as he looked out the smudged window. His brain felt like it was about to melt in the interior of the

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truck. He unsnapped his seatbelt and waited for it to wind back up. It didn’t. Alex tossed the seat belt aside and opened his door, immediately feeling the hot air. But compared to the heat inside the cab, it felt degrees cooler. He didn’t get out, just turned his body to sit sideways as he listened to Tater tinker under the hood. “I think I got it,” Tater shouted. “Start her up.” Alex stared at the driver’s seat, thinking a big hell no was in order. The handle to the stick shift looked like it had been extended…by six feet. The steering wheel held grease marks all over it. Alex would have to move the entire bench up just to reach the pedal. “Hurry up, it’s hot out here,” Tater shouted. Really? Like it was any cooler inside the truck? Alex sighed and crawled across the bench. When he sat down, his feet didn’t come anywhere near the damn gas pedal. He reached under the seat for the lever and shrieked, snatching his hand back when it made contact with something fuzzy. Was there a raccoon under there? “What the hell are you yelling about?” Tater asked as he walked over to the driver’s door. “Just turn her over.” Okay, Alex was getting cranky now. It was hot and fuzzy inside this damn truck. “There’s something fuzzy under your seat.” He pointed down between his legs. “Fuzzy?” Tater opened the door and pushed Alex’s legs aside, shoving his head onto the floorboard and under the seat. Alex had images of Tater coming away with an animal stuck to his face, his arms flailing around as he screamed and ran in circles. “Should you have your face so far under there?” he asked worriedly. Tater chuckled and lifted his head, bringing his arm out. Alex jumped, trying to scramble across the seat and out of the truck when Tater held a small fuzzy animal in his hand. His step-cousin’s laughter was loud as Alex jumped out of the passenger door and then used the door as a shield.

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“It’s my stuffed squirrel.” He held it up and shook it at Alex, making him duck behind the door. Alex took a closer look, seeing that it was indeed a stuffed animal. His heart was beating out of control behind his chest as his fingers gripped the door. “Now can you turn her over while I get back under the hood?” Tater asked as he tossed the squirrel onto the bench seat. Alex crawled back in, smacking at the toy with his fingers and making it hit the passenger floorboard. Once again he got into the seat, this time finding the lever and pulling the seat forward. He grabbed the key and turned…nothing happened. “You got to wiggle the key,” Tater shouted at him. Hell, they would have been better off walking into town. He wouldn’t be surprised if duct tape was holding this big hunk of junk together. Alex wiggled the key and then turned it, yelping when it sounded like it was going to explode once again. The hood dropped and Tater raced to the driver’s door. Alex scrambled to get out of the way as Tater jumped into the driver’s seat and gave it some gas. Was that wise? “I think we’re good,” Tater stated as he closed his door. Alex reached over and grabbed his, slamming it closed. It popped back open. This was not his day. “Reach your hand on the side of the door.” Alex reached his hand around. “Do you feel a small clawlike device?” “Yeah.” “Wiggle it.” The whole damn truck was a wiggle it. Alex wiggled the clawlike thing and then slammed his door. It stayed closed.

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He quickly put his seat belt on and then held on again for dear life. Mental note, do NOT go back into town eeeever again. By the time Tater pulled the truck into a parking space and cut the motor off, Alex was drenched in sweat. All he wanted was someplace cool. His body had soaked the heat up and he was feeling a bit lightheaded. “Come on. The shop’s right there.” Tater pointed to a building as he got out. Alex noticed the back of Tater’s shirt looked as though he had just walked out of a lake. It was soaking wet. His back muscles were clearly defined as the T-shirt clung to him. Good. At least he wasn’t the only one about to pass out from heatstroke. Alex unsnapped his buckle and jumped out, practically running into the shop. He prayed they had air-conditioning. The blast of cold air to his body made his eyes roll back into his head. He just stood in the doorway with his arms held out at his sides, letting the cold air take him away. “You okay, my man?” a Latino voice asked from somewhere in the shop. Alex ignored it as his brain reshaped itself. It no longer felt like it had melted and stuck to the side of his skull. “Ahhhhhhhh.” He said the word in a whoosh as his skin prickled under the cool air. “’Sup, fellas,” Tater said as he pushed Alex aside and walked in. “He with you?” “Yep. That’s my cousin Alex.” Alex finally let his eyes roll back into place, seeing three very large men staring at him curiously. They were the same size as Tater, very muscular, too. Tater introduced him to Tryck, Law, and Dagon Santiago, the owners of the bike shop. Alex took a seat by the counter as Tater talked with the brothers. He didn’t care how long Tater took, the longer the better.

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It meant he wouldn’t be back out in the truck anytime soon. Maybe he could thumb it back home. Anything was better than getting back into that truck. “I’m ready,” Tater declared an hour later. Alex couldn’t understand how anyone could spend an hour in a motorcycle shop if he wasn’t getting repairs done. What was there in the store that took an hour? “Nice meeting you, Alex,” the brothers called out as he walked toward the door. He liked that they were so friendly. Okay, the one with the yellow bandana on his head looked like he’d kill you in your sleep and steal your cookies, but the men had been nice to him. “You, too.” He waved as he walked back out into what felt like an oven on broil. He eyed the truck as he approached it, praying it didn’t die on them on the way home. It was bad enough the house didn’t have central air. He wasn’t about to bake in the truck as well. Alex climbed in just as another truck pulled into the spot next to theirs. Alex quickly closed the door. And then it popped back open. He growled, reaching for the door and feeling for the clawlike thing. He wiggled it around and then slammed the door again. Thankfully it stayed closed. Tater jumped in and wiggled his key, but the truck wouldn’t start. Oh hell. Just shove an apple in my mouth and declare me roasted. Tater tried it again with no luck. It sounded like it was fighting to come alive, but it wouldn’t turn over. Alex’s head hit the back of the seat, wondering if his brain was going to melt again or maybe his body would turn into one big puddle and slide down onto the floorboard in one big ass pool of Alex, landing next to the big fuzzy thing that was staring up at him. “You guys need some help?” Alex’s head whipped sideways, looking at the man leaning his arm on Tater’s driver door. His body was bent slightly so his head could see into the truck.

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Holy hell. He was the best damn looking man he had ever seen in his life. And he was staring right at Alex.

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Chapter Two Gavin Lakeland damn near swallowed his tongue when the sexiest man he’d ever seen stared right back at him. The heat must be getting to him. There was no way his wet dream was sitting in this piece-ofshit truck with sweat soaking his clothes. His eyes locked onto the sexy man with the short brown hair. Gavin had an urge to walk around to the passenger side and rip the door open, extracting the sweet looking man. The object of his desire sat there frozen, his breathing labored. Gavin worried the man was suffering from heatstroke. He could feel the heat coming from inside the truck in waves. It was hotter in there than it was outside. “It’s the damn alternator,” the redhead complained as he pushed the door open. “I think it finally died.” Gavin backed away as the man opened the driver’s door, but his eyes stayed locked on the passenger. His big sapphire-blue eyes stared at Gavin like he had two heads. His eyes were wide as he sat there frozen. Gavin walked around the truck, opening the passenger door. “My truck’s a lot cooler if you want to wait in it,” Gavin said as he held his hand out. When the man unsnapped his belt and slid out, the smell hit Gavin like a ton of bricks landing on his head. He felt dazed, confused, and horny as shit in the span of a millisecond. Now his breathing was labored. Standing there right in front of him was his mate. He blinked, and then blinked again. Gavin was the one frozen this time. His tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth, refusing to let him speak.

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“Thank you,” the man said as he stepped aside and closed the door. “I thought my brain was going to melt out of my ear in that heat.” “Yeah.” Gavin blinked at the man. The sexy little beast pointed to his truck. “May I?” “Yeah.” Gavin blinked at the man. His mate sidestepped him and opened the driver’s door, sliding in and slamming the door. Gavin winced. “No need to slam it.” “Sorry,” the man said from behind the glass window. Gavin turned and shut the door to the truck his mate just climbed out of. And then it popped back open. Gavin ignored it and walked to the front of the truck. “Any luck?” “Nope. She’s dead.” The redhead turned to him. “Name’s Tater.” He stuck his hand out. “Gavin Lakeland.” Gavin shook his hand. “Mark’s Garage is a block down. I could have him tow it for you.” “And pay the towing price? Heck no. I can push it.” Tater snorted. “I’ll help.” Gavin walked back to his truck, noticing that his mate was watching his every move. He opened the door and inhaled deeply, wondering if God had made a sweeter smell. “I’m gonna help your…” “Step-cousin,” the man offered to fill in the blank. Gavin sighed in relief. “I’m gonna help Tater push the truck over to the repair shop. Sit tight.” “Okay.” Gavin could listen to that voice all day. “What’s your name?” “Alex,” he said as he slid out of Gavin’s truck. He watched his mate, wondering what he was doing. The smaller man walked to the passenger door, grabbed the door and wiggled something, and then slammed the door closed. It stayed shut. Gavin was impressed.

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“My name is Gavin. Now get back inside. It’s too hot out here for you.” Gavin held his door open, helping his mate climb in and then softly closing his door. “I’ll be right back.” “Okay,” Alex said as he sat back. Happy that his mate was out of the heat and comfortable, Gavin joined Tater to help him get this tin can over to Mark’s. By the time they had it pushed over to the garage, Gavin was soaked in sweat. He was anxious to get back to his mate. Gavin wanted to know everything about him. “You’re not a mass murderer are you?” Gavin’s head snapped back at Tater’s words. “What day is it?” “Monday.” “Then you’re safe.” Gavin chuckled. “Good. Can you take my cousin home while I wait on my truck? He’s a city boy and not used to this heat. He had central air.” Tater said it like he was repeating someone else’s words. Gavin wanted to smile at Tater. So his mate was pampered. Good to know. “I’ll make sure he gets home.” Gavin nodded at Tater and Mark as he walked out of the bay. He walked quickly down the street, anxious to be with his mate. He reached his truck and opened the driver’s door, that sweet-ass smell smacking him where he stood. “Your cousin asked if I would take you home. You all right with that?” Alex nodded as he stretched over the console and planted his fine looking ass onto the passenger seat. Gavin had wicked, wicked ideas of what he wanted to do with his mate. He decided to keep it to himself. No use frightening the guy when they’d just met. “I have a few errands to run if you don’t mind hanging out.” “I don’t mind as long as I can sit in the air-conditioning,” Alex stated as he snapped his seatbelt. His baby was so pampered. “Deal. Let me run into the bike shop, and I’ll be right out.” “You’re not going to take an hour, are you?” Gavin chuckled. “Nah, give me five minutes.” He slipped back out, closing the door behind him. Gavin made quick work inside the

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shop and then came back out, seeing his mate laid back like he was in heaven. Gavin smiled as he set the bag in the bed of his truck. He climbed in and put the truck in reverse. “See, not long at all.” “Thank goodness. I thought I was going to go nuts in there. Tater took forever.” His mate whipped his head around and stared at him with wide eyes. “Not that I’m crazy. It was a figure of speech.” “I figured as much.” Gavin smiled as he pulled out of the parking space. He needed to stop at the house and drop the part off to his oldest brother Riley before taking Alex home. Riley was a bear when he had to wait around. “Where are we going?” Alex asked as he looked out of the passenger window. “I have to drop that part off at home.” Alex swiveled his head to stare at Gavin, his brow rising slowly. “Are you sure?” Huh? “Uh, yeah, I’m sure.” What kind of question was that? Although he had to admit, his mate looked hot with that brow finely arched. Gavin gripped the wheel as he turned onto the dirt road that led to the Lakeland Ranch. He was going to jump out of the truck, throw the part at Riley, and then be off with his mate before anyone was the wiser. It wasn’t that he was ashamed of Alex. Hell no. But he knew his brothers. Not only were there seven of them, including him, but he was the last born in a set of triplets. Bryce and Olsen wouldn’t let Alex go. Not that they would hurt him. But all the Lakeland men seemed to have a mischievous side that loved to come out and play. They would welcome Alex though. Then there were the twins, Chauncey and Chance. Those two got into so much trouble that they made their pa revert back to yelling and punishing. Where one was, the other was close behind. And these were full-grown men.

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The baby, Roman, was now mated to Steven, a really nice guy that took a job as a cook at the local diner. Gavin loved when Steven made it home in time to cook for them. The guy was a genius in the kitchen. “I’ll be right back. Sit tight.” Gavin jumped from the cab, grabbing the bag from the bed of the truck and trying his best to make quick work of his errand. He hurried across the lawn to the barn that Riley was working in. Gavin walked in as his oldest brother closed the latch on one of the horse’s stalls. “Got your part for you.” He held up the bag, ready to toss it at his brother so he could get back to his mate. Riley crossed the distance and took the bag from Gavin’s hand. He peered inside the bag and frowned. “I’m missing some items.” “They said the parts were on back order.” Gavin glanced in the direction of the exit, ready to get the hell out of there. He prayed Riley didn’t try to start a conversation. Riley was like that. He was the oldest and felt a fucked-up need to always give advice. On any other day, Gavin would have hung around to shoot the shit. But today, his skin felt like ants were crawling all over him. His skin was itching like crazy to get back to Alex. Riley studied him for a moment, those deep grey eyes boring into him. Oh hell. Gavin did not want to stick around for this. “What’s got you so wound up?” Riley asked as he set the bag on the floor by the stall. “You look like you’re ready to bolt.” Because I am. “The heat,” he said as he backed away and turned. “Later.” “Thanks for picking this up for me,” Riley called out. “No problem.” Gavin waved over his shoulder as he exited the barn. He skidded to a halt when he saw Olsen and Bryce leaning against his truck…talking to Alex. Gavin groaned as he walked quickly to his brothers. “You been keeping this man here a secret?” Bryce asked as he nodded toward Alex. Gavin had to stop the word from erupting out of

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his throat. Mine was on the tip of his tongue. Being territorial with Olsen and Bryce was only inviting trouble. “He’s a sexy one,” Bryce stated as he looked back at the truck. “You gonna share?” he asked as he licked his bottom lip. This time a growl did rip from his lips. It was low and full of warning as Gavin looked Bryce in his eyes. “Not this one.” The triplets had shared a man a time or two. They were close like triplets should be. But this was different. Alex was his mate. There would be no sharing this time, or the next, or ever. “He’s not available.” Bryce nodded, giving Gavin his award-winning smile. “Okay.” Bryce stepped aside only to see that Olsen had climbed into the driver’s side and was sitting too close to Alex. He glanced back at Bryce who had a mischievous gleam in his eye. He knew if he didn’t put a stop to this, he and his two triplets were going to have a knock-down, drag-out fight in the front yard. And wouldn’t pa have fun with them then. If there was one thing he didn’t want to do, it was pissing their father off. He’d never understand Chauncey and Chance. They made a habit of it constantly. “He’s my mate. So if you want to keep all of your teeth, back the fuck up.” Gavin snarled at him. Bryce’s eyes widened and then a smile pulled his lips back. “Well I’ll be damned. Then I think you need to go get Olsen’s ass from the front of the truck.” Gavin nodded at his brother before spinning on his booted heal and walking toward the driver’s side. He could see Alex staring at Olsen curiously, his head cocked to the side. When Alex’s sapphireblue eyes locked onto his, there was a spark of…what was it? Gavin wasn’t sure what he read in them. He grabbed the door handle and yanked it open, taking a step back so Olsen could climb out. When his brother didn’t, Gavin was ready

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to yank him out. Bryce leaned into the passenger window and nodded at Alex. “I think you need to get out.” Gavin wasn’t sure what game they were playing at, but he was getting very fucking tired of it. He could feel the shift coming. His nails were elongating and he was fighting the vicious need his teeth had in making an appearance. “Now,” Bryce said as he opened the passenger door and took a step back. Alex climbed out, as he looked confusingly at Bryce before turning to Gavin. His eyes grew wide as he stared at him. Gavin knew he looked like a hot mess. His eyes had shifted and his long, black nails were extended. The only thing he managed to stop was his teeth unsheathing. Alex gave a quick nod of his head before racing up the stairs, the screen door slamming behind him. “What the hell is going on?” Olsen asked as he got out of the truck, looking from one brother to the other. “I thought we were gonna play.” “He’s Gavin’s mate, dumbass. The long nails and shifty eyes should have clued you in,” Bryce snapped as he stood on the other side of the truck. Olsen’s eyes grew large as he took a step back. “Oh shit. How the hell was I supposed to know?” He scrambled around the truck to Bryce’s side, the two standing there waiting to see what Gavin was going to do. “You two play a little too goddamn much. I left him inside the truck for a reason. Did I bring him to you? Did I?” he yelled. “Calm down, Gavin,” Bryce yelled back over the truck. “We would never harm anyone. We just thought we were gonna have some fun.” Gavin looped around the front of the truck, his eyes narrowing at his brothers. “Stay away from him.” They both gave a slight nod as Gavin took a deep breath, calming himself enough to return to normal. He climbed the front steps, walking past the porch swing, and grabbing the screen door.

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Now he had to go find Alex and see what kind of damage had been done by his display of barbarism. **** “What the hell just happened?” Olsen turned from the front door to Bryce. “You tried to mate his mate. I’m shocked you still have your balls attached, dumbass.” Bryce shook his head as he walked toward the back of the house. Olsen scratched his chin as he stared at the screen door. How the hell was he supposed to know? “Come on. Let’s get these stalls mucked before pa finds out what you did and tries to castrate us both,” Bryce yelled from the side of the house. That single word had Olsen running after his triplet, praying that Gavin wasn’t that pissed off that he would tell pa. **** Gavin stepped inside the cool interior of the house. He let his eyes adjust for a moment before looking off into the living room. Alex sat perched on one of the couches, his hands clasped between his knees. He wasn’t sure what he should say. By the way, I’m a bear-shifter, and my dumbass brothers got too close to my mate. Which is you, by the way. No, that wouldn’t do. He cleared his throat, watching Alex’s head snap toward him. Gavin tapped his thumb on his upper thigh, wondering what in the hell would be good enough to say that would break the tension between them. “I have a farm,” Alex stated as he stared around the room. He could tell his mate was using coping mechanisms. Gavin grabbed onto Alex’s statement and went with it.

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He walked into the living room, taking a seat on the coffee table in front of his mate. “Oh yeah, what do you raise?” “Ants,” Alex boasted proudly. “I have a three-tube farm.” Gavin wasn’t sure what that meant, but he loved the proud look on his mate’s face. The smile made his brilliant blue eyes light up like diamonds. He had to ball his hands into fists to stop them from reaching out and pulling his mate in for a wet-dream kiss. “I’d like to see it.” Alex sat up straighter, an astonished look on his face. “Really?” Gavin didn’t think his eyes could sparkle any brighter, but they did. “Sure. I’ve never seen an ant farm before.” Alex jumped to his feet so quickly that he scared the shit out of Gavin. He had to catch the growl before it left his throat. “I can show you.” His mate beat feet to the door, a wide and happy smile on his face. “They’re really quite fascinating. One wouldn’t think ants could be, but they are.” Hell, Gavin was getting excited just because his mate was. Alex could have been talking about tea dollies for all he cared. As long as his mate’s face lit up like that, Gavin would stay interested in anything he had to say. Gavin pushed the screen door open for his mate to pass through. “Show me the way to your ant farm.” “Okay.” Alex giggled as he hopped down the steps. Gavin saw Olsen and Bryce standing off to the side of the house, huge smiles on their faces. Chauncey and Chance were right behind them, big shit-eating grins on their faces and giving him a thumbs-up as Gavin looked at them. Didn’t they have chores to do? He could feel his face flushing as he rolled his eyes. He snickered when he saw pa walk up behind the four, cuffing Chauncey and Chance on the back of their heads. The four scattered, leaving pa standing there smiling at Gavin. He climbed into his truck, immediately cutting on the airconditioning for his mate. The interior of the truck felt like a thousand

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degrees inside. Sweat broke out on his upper lip and brow as he waited for things to cool off. “So, how long have you lived here?” Gavin made simple conversation as he pulled the truck from the drive. “Two weeks.” “Did you live with your folks before that?” He knew he was being nosy as hell, but he wanted to get to know his mate better. “Sure.” Alex’s answer made Gavin take a look over at the passenger’s seat. Alex was staring out of the window, as if he really didn’t want to touch the subject. Gavin left it alone for now. “You like it here?” Simple enough question, pretty basic. “All I’ve seen is Tater’s house. And the inside of the bike shop. But so far, yeah.” Gavin thought it was a shame. He planned on changing that. No one should just hang around the house. “I can take you on a tour of our town. It’s not big, but it’s expanding.” “I’d love that.” Alex’s eyes once again lit up. Gavin could see it was real easy to please his mate. He liked that. A simple guy, just like him. He listened to Alex’s directions as he drove down the country road. It was a pleasure just to have his mate in the seat next to him. Alex’s hands and face stuck to the window as they passed by a field of grazing horses. “Ever seen a horse up close before?” Alex shook his head. Gavin was going to give him a real treat then. They had a few on the ranch. Maybe he could talk his mate into going horseback riding with him. That should really get his eyes sparkling like flawless diamonds. “I can pick you up tomorrow and take you riding if you’d like.” Alex’s head whipped around so fast that Gavin was surprised he didn’t have whiplash. “Really?” There went that gorgeous sparkle again. “Yep.”

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His mate was practically buzzing with excitement as he sat next to him. “I’ve never ridden a horse before. Is it hard?” I am. “Nah. I’ll let you ride Buster. He’s a real gentle one.” “I like that name,” Alex said as they pulled down the lane his mate pointed to. Gavin parked the truck, cutting the motor and getting out. He waited for his mate to show him the way. They walked through the front door and up the creaking steps. Gavin knew he was a big guy, but the steps sounded like they were going to break under his weight. “My room is down the hall,” Alex said as Gavin followed him. He looked around the room once Alex opened the door and let him in. There were piles of clothes here and there, like a typical guy’s room. He also had magazines scattered about. Gavin picked one up from the bed. “Hey, I remember this.” He flipped through the Spy vs. Spy cartoons. He chuckled at a few. “This is cool.” “You like my collection?” Alex asked as he pulled a drawer open and tossed a few more on the bed. Gavin picked another one up, flipping through it. “Yeah, I like it. I used to read these when I was a teenager.” “I’ve been collecting them over the years. It was real hard to get some of the older issues. The 1962 one was the hardest.” “I’ll bet.” Gavin sat the magazine down. “Now show me your ants.” Alex walked over to his desk and picked up a glass casing, handing it over to Gavin. He took the case from Alex and peered into the glass. “Are they away on vacation?” Alex’s brows pulled together as he took the glass housing back from Gavin. He smashed his face into the glass as he squeaked. “Where the hell are my ants!”

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Chapter Three “Don’t move.” He held his hand up to Gavin as his eyes scanned the floor. Alex felt like crying. His ant farm was the only thing he truly cared about. His ants didn’t judge him or try to have him committed. They loved him. He tried not to focus on the man in his bedroom. Gavin was a wet dream walking in the here and now. His muscles stuck out like things of worship on his arms and shoulders. His black hair fell in waves to his shoulders and his eyes were dove-grey. If that T-shirt got any tighter, it would rip at the seams. He really liked the black leather bands around the guy’s wrists. It made him look like a rebel. Alex forced his eyes to the floor as he spotted a few ants crawling over his dirty socks. He walked carefully to his desk and grabbed a sheet of paper, coaxing the ants to journey onto it and then dumping them back into their farm. “I must have popped the lid when I tried to shove them in my bag,” he said as he spotted a few more. He was not going to sniff the guy, even though he smelled so damn good. Alex focused on the floor, Gavin taking up the hunt with him, pointing his pets out when he spotted them. He was amazed the large man wasn’t poking fun at him. He wasn’t. Instead, Gavin seemed to be just as intent in finding the little guys as he was. “I don’t think I’m going to find them all.” Alex felt silly when a tear rolled down his face. They were only ants. “We’ll keep looking,” Gavin said softly, “until we find them all.” Alex knew that was impossible, but he appreciated the effort Gavin was showing though. He didn’t think even Tater would have

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helped him like this. “I have an idea.” Alex walked carefully from his room and rushed down the kitchen. He grabbed a few items and then ran back upstairs, slowing down when he reached his room. He walked to the center and poured a small dab of sugar water on the floor, and then went over by the window and did the same. “Smart idea.” Gavin sounded impressed. He grabbed a peppermint from his front pocket, dipped it in Alex’s sugar water and then bent at the waist, setting it on the floor. They sat on Alex’s bed and waited for his farm friends to reveal themselves. One by one, Alex and Gavin slowly filled his farm back up. Alex stared at the giant from under his lashes. “Thank you.” “No need for thanks. I’m sure you would have helped if the shoe was reversed.” They sat on his bed the entire afternoon, ant hunting. It was a new experience for Alex. He’d never had a close friend that helped with stuff like this. He liked Gavin. “Can we be friends?” “I thought we already were.” Gavin smiled at Alex. “A guy doesn’t spend his afternoon chasing down ants if he wasn’t a friend.” “True.” He giggled. He wanted to run outside and shout to the world that he had a good friend that wanted to do crazy stuff with him. “How about best friends?” Alex feared he may have gone too far when Gavin looked at him funny. He began to retract his question when Gavin spoke. “I’d really like that.” “If you already have one, I can be number two,” he offered just in case Gavin was just being polite. He didn’t care, as long as Gavin stayed his friend. “You’re number one, and don’t forget that,” Gavin said as he pointed another ant out. Alex slid from the bed, scooping his pet up and depositing him back into his farm. He watched Gavin hold the farm up, staring at the ants they had recaptured.

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“This is kinda cool,” he said. “I never really thought about the little things before.” Alex was proud he could share his hobby with someone else, someone who seemed to appreciate it like he did. By the time the sun set and the crickets were out, Alex knew he’d recovered as many as he could. “I guess this is it.” “Yeah, I guess so.” He could feel his palms becoming sweaty. He’d never been around someone like Gavin before. Alex didn’t want this day to end. He tried to think of an excuse to keep him longer, but nothing came to mind. “I’ll walk you down.” Alex made sure the latch was secure before setting the farm back on his desk. He didn’t want to have a repeat, although having Gavin around to help made his day fly by, and more enjoyable than he could remember. “Are you still coming by tomorrow?” Alex asked as they walked out onto the porch. He didn’t want to push, but he really wanted to see Gavin again. Even though he had asked if they could be best friends, Alex was starting to feel more. He was just afraid Gavin would knock him on his ass if he made a move…like a goodnight kiss. “Bright and early,” Gavin said as he stood on the bottom step, making Alex feel like he was Gavin’s incredible height. They were face-to-face now, feeling the awkward moment out together. “I’ll be up and ready,” he said but made no move to go into the house. “Not a problem with me.” Gavin smiled but didn’t walk away. God, this was agonizing. Should he lean in for a kiss, or shouldn’t he? Alex was terrified and all coiled up inside. His cock had gotten hard, and he prayed Gavin couldn’t see it pressing into the front of his jeans. “What time are you coming?” Alex asked and noticed a slight flare to Gavin’s nostrils.

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He cleared his throat, his eyes locking with Alex’s. “Six good?” “Good,” he answered as he nodded his head. They both stood there staring at each other, but neither said anything further. Finally, Gavin took a step backward, chucking his thumb over his shoulder. “I guess I better get going then,” he said as he walked slowly backward. “I guess,” Alex reluctantly agreed. He watched the good-looking man get into his truck and drive away. When Gavin was finally out of sight, Alex sagged against the porch, his breath blowing out loudly. “Holy hell.” His arms sagged at his sides. “What a man.” Alex walked in a dream state back to his room, thinking of that hot body and those stunning grey eyes. He was falling in love. Throwing himself on his bed, he giggled at the ceiling. For the first time in his life, he was falling in love. **** Gavin was up bright and early the next morning. After a day like yesterday, he couldn’t wait to see his mate again. The guy was funny, interesting as hell, and sexy as sin. He didn’t want to leave last night, debating the whole time on the steps whether he should kiss Alex or not. He didn’t want to rush his mate, so he backed off. Hopefully today he would taste those plump-looking lips. The thought had him rushing to get ready. “Off so soon?” his pa said as Gavin walked by the kitchen. He could smell the fresh-brewed coffee but was in too big of a rush to indulge in a cup. “I’m going to see Alex.” He knew by now his pa had found out. His brothers were always quick to tell.

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“I’d like to meet the young man,” his pa said as he sat his cup down. “You rushed him out of here so fast yesterday, I didn’t get the chance.” Gavin felt like a heel. Not many fathers were accepting of a house full of gay sons. His pa took it in stride. He never judged any of them, and for that Gavin would always be grateful. “I’m going to pick him up now so we can go riding.” His pa nodded. “Good. Make sure you bring him in so I can meet him.” “Will do.” Gavin turned to leave but stopped, staring at his tall and strong father. “Thanks.” No more words needed to be said. His father knew what he meant. His pa nodded as Gavin walked away. He rolled his eyes when he saw Olsen and Bryce standing by his truck. “What?” Gavin wasn’t in the mood for their games today. He was still ticked off about their little scene yesterday. “Oh, come on. You still mad at us?” Olsen asked as he moved out of the way when Gavin grabbed the door handle to his truck. “Yep,” he said as he climbed in. Gavin rolled the window down and warned, “And I’m going to get him so we can ride. If you make any moves on him, I’ll kick both your asses.” “Wouldn’t dream of it.” Bryce chuckled as he and Olsen walked away. Gavin ignored them as he pulled away. He prayed the two behaved. He sure would hate to make his pa grieve over the loss. His mood became lighter when he pulled into the driveway at Alex’s. He couldn’t wait to spend another day with him. Gavin imagined all the fun they were going to have riding today. He climbed the porch stairs, opening the screen door, and knocked. Gavin knew he was here a bit early, but he didn’t want to wait to see Alex. When the door opened, Gavin saw a man standing there in his robe with a cup of coffee in his hand. “Can I help you?”

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“I’m here to see Alex,” he stated. This must be his uncle. Gavin knew Alex lived with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. He wasn’t too sure about his mate’s background story, but he was sure he’d eventually find out when Alex told him. “Come on in.” The uncle stepped aside, allowing Gavin in. “How do you know him?” Gavin chuckled. “I helped him rescue his ants when they tried to escape.” The uncle stared at him as if he were certifiably insane. Apparently that wasn’t the right reply. The man grunted. “He pulling you into his crazy world?” Gavin had no clue what the man was talking about, but it was pissing him off. He hadn’t found anything wrong with his mate’s love of ants. It was fun to spend the afternoon chasing them down. It was definitely different. “No, sir. Alex is a nice guy.” Gavin could see Tater standing off to the side shaking his head. He couldn’t understand what he was saying. He narrowed his eyes, trying to tell the redhead that he didn’t understand. Tater rolled his eyes and curled his hand like he had a microphone in it. His hand started moving away, then near his mouth, like he was shoving something into it repeatedly. When his tongue started poking the inside of his mouth, Gavin’s eyes grew wide. Tater pointed to his dad and shook his head. What in the hell was the guy talking about? Gavin hunched his shoulders, telling Tater he had no clue what the man was trying to say. “You think Alex is a nice guy?” the uncle asked as Tater continued with his charades. He formed his hands in front of him, like he was holding onto something and then began to hump the air. Gavin bit back the laugh that nearly escaped. He had caught onto what Tater was trying to tell him from the get-go, but watching Tater act it out was hilarious. So Tater didn’t want his dad to know Alex was gay? Interesting.

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Gavin looked back at Tater and gave a slight shake to his head. Tater smacked his face and shook his head as if all was hopeless. “Yes, he’s a very nice man.” Gavin answered the uncle while Tater went into another sexual charade. “You’ll see,” Tater’s dad said as he walked away. Once the man was gone, Gavin grabbed his side as he laughed. “You knew what I was saying all along, didn’t you?” he huffed at Gavin. The only thing Gavin was capable of was a nod. “Prick,” Tater pouted as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Your dad doesn’t like gay people?” Gavin asked in a lower voice. He seemed a little haughty, but Gavin didn’t take him for a bigot. “Duh, why do you think I’m still in the closet?” Tater whispered as he led Gavin upstairs. Gavin never understood people like that. Maybe it was because he came from a loving and accepting home, but it still didn’t make bigotry right. Gavin knocked on Alex’s door once Tater walked away. When no one answered, he cracked it open and peeked in. He expected to find his mate still sleeping, alarm clock forgotten. He didn’t expect to find his mate on his knees crying with a cell phone in his hand. He crossed the room, kneeling down in front of his mate. “What’s wrong, Alex?” His mate got to his feet, shaking his head as he wiped his eyes. “It’s nothing.” He sat the cell phone down and grabbed his shoes. “I’m ready.” Gavin wanted to grab the cell phone and see who had called his mate. His body was humming with anger. “Can you tell me what it was about?” Gavin wanted to pull his mate into his arms and hush his tears. He reached out, grabbing Alex’s hand, rubbing it in between his. “I’m okay, really.” Alex smiled through tears as he pulled his hand free and laced up his second shoe. “Let’s go.”

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Gavin didn’t like it. He wanted to find the one responsible for making his mate cry and pound him into the concrete. No one messed with his. He let it drop for now, but Gavin wasn’t happy about that. As they walked down the stairs, the uncle’s eyes followed Alex, a scowl on his face. After what just happened upstairs, the guy was asking for it. One wrong word and Gavin would nail his ass to the wall. Thank fuck the man kept his mouth closed as Alex led him outside. He had to let the bad out and breathe in the good. If he didn’t, Alex’s uncle was going to sport a fat lip for even insinuating Alex was crazy. Gavin had anger issues, big time, but he had been working on them for a while now. Really wasn’t getting anywhere with it, but he was working on it. “I promised you a ride.” He smiled at Alex as they got into his truck. “That you did.” He smiled back. The tension seemed to ease as Gavin drove back to his house. It didn’t mean Gavin had forgotten about what happened. He just let it go for the time being. This was going to be a nice day for his mate or he was going to make sure whoever ruined it lost a few teeth. Speaking of teeth, Gavin had to stop grinding his. He was so angry after seeing his mate cry that he wanted to punch something. Yeah, he had real anger issues. “I had one of my brothers set up Buster for you,” Gavin said as he palmed the wheel and turned onto the dirt road that led to his home. “I want you to let me know if it becomes too much.” Alex shook his head as his eyes scanned the ranch. “It won’t be.” His mate practically hopped out when Gavin put the truck into park. His anger eased when he saw the thrilled look on his mate’s face. “I’m really going to ride,” he said excitedly. Gavin laughed as he led his mate to the barn. “Yep, you’re really going to ride.” It wasn’t anything new to Gavin, but seeing his mate

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bubble with joy at the idea of riding put a whole new twist on the experience. Alex met him on the other side of the truck and practically ran to the barn. Gavin chuckled as he watched Alex come to a dead halt. Wanting to ride and actually seeing the horse he was about to ride were two different things. Buster stood there proud, waiting patiently for his rider to get there. He was a gentle horse, the gentlest they had. He would show Alex a good time without scaring his mate. Buster was very hard to spook. Gavin smiled when he saw that his triplets had even pulled Mammoth out and saddled him up. They must be kissing some serious ass to do that for him. Mammoth didn’t like anyone but Gavin, and he liked to prove it at every opportunity. “It seems weird to see two more of you,” Alex commented as Gavin joined him by his side. “It’s like walking into a room of mirrors.” Gavin smiled as he led Mammoth out and Olsen led Buster out. “You’ll get used to it.” He walked around Buster and showed Alex how to mount the horse. Buster stood still and waited with the grace he was known for. Once Alex was seated, Gavin swung up onto Mammoth and explained to his mate how to work his reins. Alex seemed engrossed in what Gavin was telling him, not missing a word. “Okay, let’s try this out.” Alex yelped when Buster started moving but then quieted down as they slowly rode the ranch. His mate looked like he was born on a horse. They rode until Alex began to wiggle in his saddle. Gavin had mercy on him and stopped under a shady tree. His mate was saying something, but Gavin was so focused on Alex’s form that he didn’t catch it. The guy was gorgeous from the ground up. He sat under the tree, mesmerized by his voice, his smile, his scent, and by his laughter.

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“Are you listening to me?” Alex asked as he let his back relax against the bark of the tree. “I was daydreaming,” Gavin admitted. “How’s our kids doing?” Alex smiled. “Back in the farm and playing around.” God love him. Gavin didn’t even have to explain who he was talking about. Gavin threw it, and Alex caught the meaning. He really was turning out to be the perfect mate. “I’m glad to hear it,” he said as he tucked his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. Just sitting here with Alex was enough for Gavin. The comfortable silence spoke volumes about their budding relationship. “Are you gay?” Gavin cracked his peepers to see Alex scoot a little away. Yeah, a lot of straight guys would probably take a swipe at another man for asking the question, so he could understand Alex’s fear. “Yep.” He popped his lips on the P. Alex seemed to relax and move a little closer. “I wasn’t trying to pry. It’s just that my uncle is antigay, and I just wanted to let you know in case it comes up with him.” “I met him and figured it out. No worry, I won’t rat you out.” Alex pulled a few blades of grass free and then twirled them around in his hand. “I don’t care. I’ve been out and proud for a while. But I do need a roof over my head. It sucks that I have to run back in there now.” “You don’t have to pretend around here. My family doesn’t care.” Alex’s eyes rounded. “Really?” His mate sure said that an awful lot. Gavin watched the wind blow through the leaves, wondering what it would be like to have to hide who he was. “My pa doesn’t mind. Sometimes I wonder though. He has to crave grandkids. What parent doesn’t?” “I know. I’m an only child, and my mom was devastated when I came out to her. She wants grandchildren really badly. But what am I supposed to do?”

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“Do you want them?” Alex shrugged. “I never really thought about it given my preference. I just crossed it off of my card. Not really though. That’s a responsibility I’d rather not have.” Gavin agreed. He loved kids, but he really didn’t want any of his own. He liked giving them back to their parents after entertaining them. Besides, he liked his freedom too much. “You?” Alex asked. “Nope. I like the freedom to come and go as I please and spending my money on things I like. I know that sounds selfish, but I’m just keeping it real.” When Alex didn’t say anything else, Gavin cracked his eyelids once more and looked over at his mate. Alex was on his knees, pulling at the grass again. Did he give the wrong answer? Alex said he didn’t want them either. “What’s wrong?” “I was just thinking about my stepfather.” Gavin didn’t like the way his mate’s face was frowning. He sat up and pulled on Alex’s arm until his mate sat next to him. “What about him?” Alex just shrugged and looked away. “Alex?” “I don’t want to lose you as a best friend.” Gavin pulled Alex around the waist until he was practically sitting on top of him. “That’s what best friends do. They confide in each other and never judge. They’re there for you through thick and thin. Have your back when no one else does, and will get out of bed in the middle of the night to listen to you cry about something or come bail you out of trouble.” Alex’s eyes became misty as Gavin rattled off his best friend list. Even if they weren’t mates, Gavin would do all of that for Alex. Because that was what best friends truly were to one another. “You’d do that for me?” “I said I was your best friend. I wasn’t joking about that.”

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Alex nodded and wiped at his eyes. “Forgive me. I’ve never had someone who would do all those things for me. I must seem like a big baby to you.” He listened to his mate’s sniffle. Again Gavin wanted to pull his mate into his arms and hush away his tears. “Now, tell me what you were thinking about.” “You have to tell me something about you first.” Alex laughed as he wiped away his tears. “Then I’ll tell you something about me.” That was fair. “You know I was born as a set of triplets, right?” Alex nodded. “Well, my brothers and I…” Gavin bit his bottom lip, unsure if he should reveal this to his mate. He wanted Alex to trust him, and it would help for his mate to know this in case it ever came up. It was better to hear it from the source than from someone else’s mouth. “Go ahead. I swear I won’t judge you,” Alex encouraged him. He shrugged, brushing it off as if it were no big deal. It wasn’t to him, but it may be to his mate. “We’ve shared guys before…at the same time.” Alex sat up straighter, a look of wonderment in his eyes. Gavin watched the breeze catch his mate’s hair and toss it in the soft wind. He had an urge to brush it aside. “You had an orgy?” “Once or twice.” Gavin’s palms began to sweat. He didn’t like that look on his mate’s face. Was it something he was interested in? Gavin couldn’t see anyone but him fucking his mate. It made him want to rip the fucker’s throat out, and it was only a conversation. “Wow. I’ve never done anything that risqué before.” “It’s not something you want to try, is it?” He braced himself for his mate’s answer and was relieved when Alex’s head shook back and forth. “That’s not something I’ve ever been interested in.” Thank fuck. “Your turn.” Alex’s face turned seven kinds of red as he bit his bottom lip. “My stepfather tried to have me committed.”

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Gavin patted himself on the back for not reacting to what Alex just revealed to him. “Why would he do that?” “He walked in on me and saw something.” Now Gavin’s curiosity was piqued. “What did he see, Alex?” Alex sat down on his ass and pulled his legs to his chest, wrapping his arms around them as he looked away. “It’s a secret.” This was not sounding promising. Gavin was afraid to ask. “Tell me,” he coaxed gently. Alex’s big blue eyes locked onto Gavin’s face as he said, “I like to wear pantyhose and high heels…and nothing else…when I’m alone.”

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Chapter Four Tater walked into the resource center. He liked that he was able to still be friends with Taylor. He used the excuse of coming into town to get another bike part just so he could hang out. It was boring as hell at home. It always had been. His parents were uptights that he really didn’t want to hang around. But what person liked hanging around their parents anyway? “Tater,” Taylor stated with a smile. “Good to see you.” “Just running a few errands, thought I’d stop in.” He knew he didn’t need an excuse, but to say his life was going nowhere fast sounded pretty lame even to him. Tater looked down at his feet when it became silent. He hated silence. That was all he ever got at his parents’ house. That was why he loved having Alex there so much. “I had to pick up some bike parts,” he said to break the silence. “I thought you were bringing your cousin in?” Taylor asked as he sat back. The guy looked real good sitting back there. Tater never thought he’d see the day Taylor had such an important job. “I tried, but he thinks I’m trying to lock him up.” Tater kicked back in a chair and studied the office. “You’ve done real well for yourself.” Taylor just shrugged. He was always a modest guy. That was one of the reasons Tater liked him so much. “It’s not about that. It’s about helping out those in need.” “I guess.” When it became silent again between them, Tater decided that was his cue to leave. “I should get going and let you get back to work.”

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“Stop by any time, Tater. You know you’re always welcome here.” Now he really felt out of place. He could tell Tater was waiting for him to confess something. He really didn’t have anything to confess except that he missed Taylor coming by all the time and that he was lonely. Alex seemed to have taken up with that guy that gave him a ride home. Tater was happy for his cousin. Alex seemed to have a glow about him now. It looked good on the guy. But where did that leave him? Lonely again. “Well, I guess I should be going.” Tater rose from his seat and scooted it back in front of Taylor’s desk. “You know, we could always use volunteers. And it wouldn’t hurt to have extra muscle around here when we have someone in need staying here.” Tater knew what he was doing, and he appreciated it. But he didn’t take handouts, not even the kind that just offered company. “We’ll see.” “Okay.” Taylor stood and bumped shoulders with Tater. “Just remember the offer is always open.” “You bet.” Tater nodded as he backed away. “I’m gonna go now. Later.” “Later.” Tater walked out, looking around Brac Village. He wasn’t sure what to do with his time now. Maybe he’d go work on his bike some more. That would take up the rest of his life. And what a life it was. Oh joy. **** Gavin wasn’t quite sure what to say to Alex. “Like women’s pantyhose?”

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“No, men’s. Of course, women’s,” Alex said with a little bit of bite in his tone. Gavin could tell his defenses were up. That was a pretty intimate detail for anyone to have, and to hand that secret over to Gavin had taken a lot of trust and courage on Alex’s part. “I don’t see anything wrong with that.” There was no way he was going to allow his mate to feel ashamed for something that made him feel good. The thought of Alex strutting around in black lace and heels was getting him hard as hell. Gavin was drooling to see it now. “You don’t?” Alex asked with a little skepticism in his voice. “My stepfather caught me and tried to have me committed for it.” Gavin was stunned. Sure, it was a little strange, but to try to commit someone because they like to dress different in private was a little extreme. Okay, over-the-top extreme. “I can’t see how he could have talked any respectable psychiatrist into doing something like that.” Alex stared at him for a moment before a smile crept across his face. “That’s what I told Dr. Via. He agreed that my stepfather was overreacting.” “Good.” Gavin couldn’t resist any longer. He reached out and pulled Alex onto his lap. “To be honest, I’d love to see you in those stockings and heels. Can you paint your toenails, too?” Alex’s jaw hit his chest as he blinked up at Gavin. “Are you serious? You’re not making fun of me, are you?” “I’m very serious, Alex.” Gavin dipped his head, kissing his mate along his jawline. “As long as I can order you the stockings I want to see you in.” His cock throbbed at the thought of seeing Alex in a pair of thigh-high stockings with little red bows decorating the back seams. Red pumps. Alex had to wear a pair of red stilettos along with the stockings. “You want to see me in them?” Alex squeaked. “Very much so.” Gavin growled low as he nibbled on Alex’s ear. “I want to see you in them and nothing else.”

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Alex moaned as his head tilted to the side, giving Gavin access to his neck. His hand skated up his mate’s back as he ground his cock into Alex’s ass. “Can you feel how the thought of seeing you in those has my body hard for you?” Alex nodded in quick bursts as his hands grabbed Gavin’s shoulders. “I see.” Gavin nipped Alex’s ears when his mate pressed his ass down into his erection. Gavin slowly got to his knees, laying Alex out on the grass below them. “How about racy-red stockings with spiked heels?” “Uh-huh.” Alex agreed in a low moan. “Red sounds good.” Gavin chuckled at his mate. Alex wasn’t paying his words any attention from the look of lust on his face. He could see his mate’s erection clear as day. He kissed his way back around his mate’s neck and then took his soft lips in a heated kiss as he unsnapped his mate’s jeans. “I want you, Alex.” “Want,” Alex agreed. Gavin snaked his hands into Alex’s jeans, pushing past the waistband as his hand curled around an impressive erection. Alex moaned into his mouth, his hips following Gavin’s hand. Gavin broke the kiss and rocked back, his eyes hooding at the sight before him. The head of Alex’s cock was engorged and leaking, inviting him to taste a sample. But Gavin knew a mere taste would never do. He opened his mouth and took Alex all the way to the back of his throat. “Oh holy hell,” Alex shouted as his hands shot out, grabbing the grass below him as his ass lifted into the air. Gavin smiled around his mate’s cock. Just knowing that he was pleasing his mate was going to make him orgasm in his jeans. He used his throat muscles to work Alex’s cock, making his mate scream his name. The sound was music to his ears. Gavin pulled at Alex’s jeans, needing desperately to get to Alex’s hole. Alex kicked his legs, trying his best to assist Gavin. Once the

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pants were lying on the grass, Gavin pushed his mate’s legs back and allowed a string of saliva to escape his mouth, coating Alex’s ass. His finger pushed past the barrier as he swallowed Alex once again. He couldn’t seem to get enough. A second finger joined the first as Gavin backed off slightly. Alex was close, but Gavin didn’t want him to come so soon. He sucked the head as a third finger was inserted. Alex was whimpering as his head thrashed from side to side. Gavin’s chest expanded with pride. He was making Alex writhe underneath him. He was the one responsible for making his mate feel so damn good. Gavin removed his fingers and then shoved his jeans down his thighs. “I’m about to fuck you into the earth.” “Yeah, earth,” Alex panted as his legs spread apart for Gavin. He grinned as his mate’s glazed eyes tried to focus on him. Gavin grabbed his shaft and drove his cock deep, stilling to allow his mate’s body to adjust to his wide girth. His muscles tightened as his body shook. Alex was so fucking tight that his own body begged to move, to thrust, to do something besides stay immobile. Alex let out a deep breath and then nodded, giving Gavin the go-ahead that he needed. His muscles unlocked and his hands slid under his mate’s ass, lifting it higher as he plunged into Alex’s tight hole repeatedly. Oh god, his gums ached to bite his mate. He had to forcibly restrain them from descending as his bear roared inside of him, glorifying in the fact that he was claiming Alex. “Bite. I need to bite,” Gavin begged as he pulled his cock back until only the head remained and then drove back in. He wasn’t sure if it was instinct, but Alex turned his head to the side, showing off that beautiful pale skin to Gavin, giving him full access. Gavin moaned as his canines sank deep. He became mystified when his claws extended and his hands tried to change into paws.

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Never in his life did a shift occur without his mind being fully onboard. Alex only mewled when his nails grazed his ass, his legs swinging out and landing on Gavin’s shoulders. He could see goose bumps rising on Alex’s skin from the scraping sensation. Gavin grunted, lightly grazing his claws over his mate’s skin as he fucked his tight ass. Alex grabbed Gavin’s hair as he released his mate’s neck, extracting his canines and sealing the wound. They were bonded now, mates for life. It wasn’t the biting that had bonded them, but the sex. And what great fucking sex it was. Now the only thing left was to tell Alex he was mated to a bearshifter. Maybe he should have done that before he claimed him, but the urge had been so strong that Gavin knew it was a losing battle. Gavin’s hand shot out, grabbing Alex’s cock as he stroked it with speed. He was close, and he wanted Alex to fall over the edge with him. He winced when he saw that his claws were still extended. Gavin glanced up to see Alex staring at them, but he didn’t say a word about it. Alex’s eyes lifted to his as his lips parted, crying out as he came. Gavin thrusted a few more times before he was there, filling his mate’s ass with his seed. He quickly moved his hand away, pulling his softening cock free as he grabbed Alex’s pants and handed them to him. Gavin was waiting for…he wasn’t sure at this point. All he knew was that he wouldn’t be able to take his mate’s rejection. That was the one thing he wouldn’t be able to live through. Alex rolled to his knees and then stood, pushing his legs back into his pants and then snapping them closed. “May I see them?” His hand came out, palm up. Gavin stood and righted his clothes. With a shaky hand, he placed his clawed fingers onto Alex’s palm. It was something he had seen a hundred times, but lying in Alex’s, it looked foreign to him. He couldn’t meet his mate’s eyes, afraid of what he might see.

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Alex’s fingers brushed over his claws. Gavin had an urge to pull away but fought it. If he was going to be with Alex, then his mate needed to see who he was…all of him. “They’re very long and sharp. Bear?” Gavin nodded, looking past Alex’s head to the field of grass behind his mate. “I’m a bear-shifter.” Alex cleared his throat as he twisted the connecting palms, his now lying in Gavin’s. To his amazement, small claws slid from Alex’s nails. “A cat?” Alex yanked his hand away, indignation marring his gorgeous face. “I am not a housecat. I am an ocelot.” Gavin reached down and took Alex’s hand back into his as he stared down at the clawed hand, his fingers gently playing over them. “I’m not real sure what that is, Alex.” Alex sighed. “It’s nothing as spectacular as a bear, but not a cat either.” When Gavin shook his head, telling his mate that he still didn’t understand, Alex continued. “It is from the feline family, but I’m a genus leopardus, which is twice the size of a domestic house cat, and my coat is prettier.” Gavin bit back the smile threatening to make an appearance. His mate was beautiful when he was indignant. “So I’m guessing you know about us?” “Yes. But I didn’t want to assume anything. Just because we’re mates doesn’t mean you would want me. I would have settled for best friends,” Alex finished quietly. Gavin pulled both of Alex’s hands in his. His mate’s hands were simply stunning. “You say that like you have personally witnessed such a thing.” Alex shrugged as his nails slowly contracted. “My parents. They were mates but hated the sight of each other. My father used to tell my mother all of the time that fate made an error when pairing them. I know he said it just to hurt her.”

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Gavin pulled Alex into his arms, his heart breaking at the shakiness in his mate’s voice. “What happened to your father?” He remembered Alex referring to a stepfather. Gavin had never heard of mates rejecting each other, but he was positive that a mated pair could not live apart. The separation alone would drive them mad. “He was killed when hunters spotted him. Our fur is highly valued.” Gavin petted his mate’s hair as he listened to what Alex was telling him. “I’m sorry about your father.” “It’s hard to miss someone who looked right through you. He acted as though I didn’t exist.” Gavin growled low at the way his mate was treated growing up. He sat back down on the ground, placing his back against the bark of the tree as he pulled Alex into his lap. “I’m overjoyed that we were paired. I see everything about you.” Not only did Alex’s face light up, but he seemed to glow. “Really? You mean that?” “I wasn’t just spouting empty words when I said we were best friends. I meant it, Alex. Not only are you my mate, but I like you.” He chuckled. “You’re fun to be around.” “You don’t think my ant farm is stupid or…you know.” His mate blushed a deep cherry red. “Nothing about what you like is stupid,” Gavin stated with a strong solidity to his voice, letting Alex know how serious he was. Alex laughed as he rocked back in Gavin’s arms, the smile taking Gavin’s breath away. “Thank you.” “Anytime, kitty.” Alex groaned. “And he starts with the kitty references already.” Gavin laughed deeply at his mate as they stood and walked over to the horses. Mammoth and Buster were grazing, seemingly at peace with just standing there in the field and being at rest. Gavin knew why he hadn’t smelled shifter on his mate when he first met him. That sweet overpowering mate smell had permeated his

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lungs and Gavin had been blind to everything else. He helped Alex mount Buster before swinging onto Mammoth. “Ready to head home and officially meet the family?” Alex shook his head as he pulled the reins in the direction Gavin was heading. “No.” Gavin smiled as he brought his horse next to Alex’s. “They won’t bite. I promise.” Gavin wanted to ease the stressed look on his mate’s face, but that would require dismounting. They rode the back pastures until they made it back to the barn. Riley offered to take care of the horses so Gavin could take his mate inside for introductions. “He seems nice,” Alex commented about Riley. “Don’t let him fool you. He’s the oldest. Riley is very protective of us. He’ll be watching you for a while until he thinks you’re safe to be around his family.” “That really isn’t helping my nervous jitters here,” Alex said as they climbed the porch. “I already have to deal with my aunt and uncle watching every move I make.” “The Dr. Via thing?” Alex nodded. “My stepfather felt like it was his duty to warn them about how crazy I was. Thankfully he didn’t disclose why he thought I was crazy.” Gavin could feel his temper rising. He hoped he never ran into his mate’s stepfather. He’d teach him a lesson about what was acceptable behavior. Gavin opened the screen door and allowed his mate to pass through. He could see Alex taking measured steps. Gavin knew that if the shoe were reversed and he was about to meet not only his mate’s family, but his mate’s very large family, he’d be skittish as well. He laid his hand on Alex’s back when his mate took a step back. His entire family, minus Riley, was gathered in the living room. The twins were goofing off on one of the couches, his womb mates were sitting on the other. His younger brother, Roman, and Roman’s mate

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were cuddling together on the loveseat, and his pa was kicked back in his recliner. The chatter was blended, boisterous, and there was a lot of laughter. When Gavin and Alex appeared, the room fell silent and everyone turned toward them. “Is this your young man?” his pa asked. Gavin grinned from ear to ear as he gave a light pat to Alex’s back, bringing his mate further into the living room. “This is my Alex.” As tall as Gavin was, he felt ten times larger standing proudly next to his kitty. “Hot damn!” One of the twins, Chauncey, whooped as he jumped up and barreled toward them. Alex yelped and then…Gavin blinked, not trusting his eyes. One minute his mate was standing next to him, the next, there was a pile of clothes on the floor next to him. Chauncey stopped in his tracks, the whole room staring in amazement at Gavin’s feet. “Uh, what the hell just happened?” Chauncey asked. It took a moment for the shock to wear off before Gavin reached down and shifted through the garments. Gavin’s breath caught when he uncovered his mate. He was the most beautiful creature Gavin had ever seen in his life. His coat was short and shiny, yellowish in color with gorgeous rosette patterns decorating his body. Alex’s tail was ringed with bands of black, and his ears had single white spots on the back of them. Alex hissed and yowled at Chauncey, trying to get out of Gavin’s arms. The only thing Gavin could think of was that his mate was being territorial. He also smelled a light scent of arousal coming off of Alex as well. “Well hell.” Chauncey was standing there with his eyes locked on Alex. “A cat?” “An ocelot,” Pa answered for Gavin. “Very rare.” The rest of his brothers got up, taking a few steps toward Gavin, trying to get a closer look at Alex. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell

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anyone about his were-genes. Pa’s right, they’re rare, and I don’t want my mate hunted.” “We’re Lakelands. We protect ours,” Olsen stated with pride. Alex tucked his head in the crook of Gavin’s arms, his body slightly shaking. Gavin ran his hand over the soft fur, trying to calm his mate. “I’m gonna take him outside. I’d appreciate some privacy.” Why did he have a feeling he wasn’t going to get any? “Go on,” Pa said as he waved his hand toward the back of the house. “Go be with your mate. These boys won’t bother you.” Pa glared at the twins. Gavin gave a low growl at his brothers before taking his mate through the kitchen and out the door. Once they cleared the house, Gavin put his mate on the ground and shifted. Alex backed away, rolled to his back, and bared his neck. Gavin circled around him, sniffing at his mate. After a moment, when Alex realized he was safe, he got up and circled around with Gavin, sniffing as well. Gavin gave his mate one long lick over his head and back. Alex jumped away, his back rising as he hissed. Gavin gave a low growl and then licked him again. Alex batted at Gavin in warning. It was the funniest thing he’d ever seen. Gavin mouthed his mate, telling Alex in no uncertain terms who was the Alpha of the two. He was in charge, and Alex needed to get that through his head. Alex purred and lowered his body to the ground. That was better. Gavin released him and playfully batted at his hindquarters, giving him a light tap on his ass. His mate lay there watching him intently. When Gavin turned toward the house, Alex pounced, landing on his back. Gavin dropped to the ground, growling at his mate. Alex purred and circled his back, scratching lightly at his fur before settling down. Gavin rolled his eyes. He may be the larger of

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the two, he may even be the mightier of the two, but Alex just proved who was in charge. “Damn, Gavin’s been put in his place by a cat.” Olsen laughed from the back door, Bryce standing next to him with a big shitty-ass grin on his face. He should have known his womb mates would go against Pa to see his mate. Gavin had no doubt that Olsen and Bryce would protect Alex with their lives. They were triplets and very close. But this little power play that Alex just exhibited was going to be remembered by his brothers for a very long time. “Hey, Alex, can you make him heel and fetch?” Bryce called out and then broke into hysterics. Gavin grunted, ignoring the idiots. He didn’t care what those two non-mated morons at the back door said. He was too busy enjoying his intense adorability high to give them an answer. They didn’t know what it was like to be claimed by a mate. And Alex just claimed him.

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Chapter Five Alex had no clue why he had lost his damn mind. All he knew was that he had the urge to play. When Gavin turned his back, he presented Alex with the perfect opportunity. The mischievousness in him reared its ugly head and Alex pounced. Now he lay on his mate’s back, happy as a clam. He would have said content as a kitten, but…that was so pun-filled. Gavin just lay there, allowing Alex his time to shine. He heard his mate’s brothers at the door, but Alex didn’t care at the moment. His mate hadn’t refused him or turned him away. He was glowing. “Supper, boys,” Gavin’s father yelled through the back door fortyfive minutes later. Damn, Alex was enjoying the peaceful nap. He’d never been more comfortable in his life. Gavin grunted and then stretched, inadvertently knocking Alex off of his back. Alex harrumphed at Gavin before stretching his own languid body. His mate’s father held the back door open as Gavin and Alex padded through, Alex following Gavin upstairs. He sniffed around along the way. The scent of bears was strong. He trotted into a bedroom as Gavin shifted and closed the door. “I can give you something to wear,” his mate said as he started shuffling through drawers. When he turned back around with clothes in his hands and Alex hadn’t shifted yet, he got down on his knees. Dear god, the man was very hairy! He was a bear in every sense of the word. “As gorgeous as you are, I think Pa would have a fit if you showed up for dinner in cat form.”

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To be honest, Alex was afraid to shift back. He’d made a scene down in the living room and was too embarrassed to face Gavin’s family. “Shift, baby, so we can go eat.” Gavin took a step closer as Alex ran under the bed and meowed. He was worried that Gavin didn’t want to be his best friend anymore. He’d made a fool of him in front of his family. From Alex’s experience, that was grounds for shunning. His father had ignored him, his stepfather looked at him as if he was an abomination, his uncle sneered at him, and his step-cousin treated him like a simpleton. What would make this family any different? Gavin was just being nice now because he really didn’t know Alex. They’d just met. What if his mate got to know him and their relationship ended up like his parents had been? Alex couldn’t deal with that. The arguing, fighting, hatred, and malice he’d grown up with had given him a lot of insecurities. Alex was aware of this. “Meow.” “Come out from under there, baby. Shift and tell me what’s wrong. If I can’t fix it, I’ll eat whoever offended you.” Alex’s head tilted at Gavin’s words. Was the man nuts? If he ate whoever was in the wrong, Alex was toast. “Meow.” “I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong,” Gavin said as he got on his hands and knees and peered under the bed. “Come on, baby.” Alex backed away until he hit wall. “Meow.” “I promise that you’re safe.” Gavin let out a long sigh. “Please,” he added on with such a pitiful voice. Alex inched his way toward the edge of the bed, peering up at Gavin as he let out a soft meow. “Yes, I promise. Now come out, baby.” Gavin sat back on his ass and crossed his legs, holding his arms out to Alex. He wanted to drool seeing his mate sitting there naked. Alex didn’t have a chance earlier to check out the total package—and what a package.

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Alex was so distracted looking at Gavin’s body that he didn’t react in time when Gavin reached forward and pulled him from under the bed, placing Alex in his lap. “Keep your claws in,” he warned. He mentally snickered. There was no way he was damaging anything on his mate’s body. Alex didn’t want any of this bear’s assets harmed. “Come on, baby, show me your pretty face.” Alex shifted, tucking his head into Gavin’s arm as his face heated. He was just making this worse by the minute. “I’m sorry.” “For what?” “Embarrassing you.” Gavin grunted. “You could never embarrass me. I’ll admit, I was a bit shocked when you shifted, but embarrassed? Never.” Gavin reached over and picked the clothes up from the floor, placing them in Alex’s lap. “Now get dressed, baby. I’m starved.” “Y–You can call me kitten,” he said in a low voice. “I like it coming from you.” Gavin’s big, burly chest rumbled with laughter. “Thanks. I kinda like it as well. Now, come on, kitten, I’m as hungry as a bear.” Alex rolled his eyes as he pushed from Gavin’s lap and shoved his legs into the pajama pants. He yelped when Gavin swatted his ass before he had a chance to cover his rear end. “What was that for?” “Running from me.” Gavin growled as he got to his feet. “Don’t ever run from me, kitten.” Alex nodded as he tried to figure out how to keep the very large pajama pants from falling off of his hips. Every time he tried to pull them up, they slid back down his legs. Gavin grabbed the side of the pants, tying the right hip in a knot. “Better?” “Yep,” he said as he grabbed the shirt. Alex sighed as the shirt turned into a dress, the hem stopping at mid-thigh. Gavin chuckled at Alex. “You look good in my clothes.” “If you say so.” His hip hiked up to show off the big knot at his side. “This looks ridiculous.”

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“You look good, kitten. Trust me.” Gavin patted his ass before shoving his jeans on. Alex groaned. It was such a shame to cover up such a nice and hairy body. Thick black curls peppered Gavin’s thighs. Alex wanted to run his hand over them. “Later, love. Let’s eat first.” Gavin grinned as he pulled the Tshirt on, shoving his head through. Alex watched the black hair emerge and fall to Gavin’s shoulders. His mate was something to sit and admire all day long. Fuck, he was hard. The side of Gavin’s mouth pulled back into a lopsided grin as he shoved some shoes on his feet. “You’re trying to kill me. I need fuel, kitten.” Alex looked down at his feet, trying to tuck his toes under. He totally forgot that he had painted them. Shoes, he needed shoes, or at the very least, socks. As if reading his mind, Gavin pulled a pair of socks from his drawer and handed them to him. “They’re pretty. Don’t be ashamed of them.” Gavin sat on the side of the bed and tied his shoes as Alex covered his feet. He didn’t give Gavin a response. What was he going to say? The man already knew his little fetishes and told Alex that it was no big deal. But what would he say if he actually saw Alex in the getup? Saying it was one thing. Seeing it was very different. He pushed the thought to the back of his mind. It wasn’t like Gavin was standing there asking him to put any pantyhose on. He followed behind his mate, descending the stairs and heading into the belly of the beast. Would Gavin’s brothers hold his shifting and hissing against him? Alex wasn’t trying to be rude, but Gavin’s brother had scared the crap out of him advancing like he did. The kitchen was loud, and laughter floated his way as Alex grew closer to his doom. ****

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“Diapers.” “Got ’em.” “Change of clothes.” “Got ’em.” “Bottles.” “Got ’em.” “Toys.” “Got ‘em.” “Wipeys.” “Got ’em.” “Sleep mats.” “Got ’em.” “Kids.” Murdock looked around as he shoved the diapers in the travel bag. “Where are Matthew and Maddox?” he asked in panic. Heaven rolled his eyes as he picked up their new daughter, Skyler. “Just teasing. Gabby has them.” Murdock growled and headed out of the bedroom. He hated when Heaven messed with him about the boys. Yeah, he was one hell of an overprotective father. But after what had gone on in their lives, he couldn’t be blamed. He was shocked when he realized the Lakelands had been living right here in Brac Village for the past couple of years unbeknownst to him. Back when he left his pack and on his way to join Maverick’s pack, Murdock had gone through a small town of shifters. The Lakelands had put him up for a while, taking real good care of him. It sure felt like a small world seeing the youngest cub, Roman, out in the backyard building the new cottages. He had invited Murdock and his family to dinner. Murdock couldn’t wait to get reacquainted with them and show off his family. Rounding the corner, Murdock heard the laughter of children. He smiled as he approached Montana and Gabby’s bedroom.

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There, on the floor playing, were his twins and Nevada, Montana and Gabby’s son. Maddox squealed as soon as he spotted his daddy. “Daddy, look. Vada has teef.” Murdock chuckled as he sat on the floor with the children. “How many teeth does he have?” Maddox looked as though he was seriously thinking about the question. His little shoulders hunched up as he looked over at Nevada. “Ten.” Gabby laughed as he started to gather the toys up and put them away. “One, Maddox. Nevada has one new tooth.” “One, daddy.” Maddox beamed up at Murdock proudly. “That’s right, buddy. Now I need you and your brother to come with me.” Murdock grabbed Matthew around the waist and hauled him into his arms as Maddox ran around picking up toys and throwing them in the toy box. “I can get that, Maddox. Go on with daddy,” Gabby said as he picked up the last of them and then pulled Nevada from the carpet. “You guys have fun.” “Thanks.” Murdock ushered Maddox from the room as he went in search of Heaven. They got everyone belted in, travel items shoved in the back of the SUV, and then headed to the Lakelands. Murdock pulled down the long dirt driveway before putting the vehicle in park. “You take the twins. I’ll get everything else.” Heaven snorted. “Sure, you get the easy job.” Murdock pulled Skyler’s car seat out, kissed his daughter on her tiny forehead, and then went to the back to gather the things they would need for their visit. By the time Murdock made it to the door, he was exhausted. He was carrying the car seat with Skyler in it, the Pack ’n Play, Skyler’s diaper bag, the twins’ duffel with toys, the twins’ small backpacks with change of clothes, and trying his best to knock on the

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front door. Heaven had to chase the boys down. When they got out of the vehicle, they immediately ran toward the corral of horses. “You look like you could use a hand.” Roman chuckled as he came to the screen door. “Where’s your mate?” Murdock nodded toward the side of the house. “The boys spotted the horses.” Roman gave him an ah look. “I’ll grab your stuff and set it down and then help your mate grab the whelps.” “Thanks.” Murdock was careful of the baby as he unloaded both arms. “Where is everyone?” “They’re in the kitchen. We were just about to start eating. As always, you’re right on time.” Roman chuckled as he walked out of the front door to go help Heaven. Murdock walked into a room full of men. He knew the faces of his longtime friends. He even knew Steven, Roman’s mate. But the man sitting next to Gavin was the one who shocked him the most. Oh hell. “You!” The man shot out of his seat and ran behind Gavin. “What the hell are you doing here?” Murdock sat Skyler down and took a stance in front of his daughter, protecting her just in case shit got funky. “What the hell are you doing here?” Gavin stood and pulled the short man into his arms. “You two know each other?” Fuck if that wasn’t the understatement of the year. “Yeah, I know him.” “How?” Gavin asked in a low growl. “Gee, I don’t know. Maybe I remember him because he tried to kill my ass!” “What’s going on?” Heaven asked as he walked into the kitchen with Roman, each carrying one of the twins. Murdock crossed his arms over his chest and glared at the man. “Tell them.”

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“Alex?” Gavin turned to the man with his brows pulled together. “What happened, kitten?” Murdock laughed dryly. “Kitten? Oh great. Tell me he’s not your mate?” Gavin spun his head around and growled at Murdock. “He is, so watch how you talk to him.” Heaven laid his hand on Murdock’s arm. “What’s going on?” “I tried to help him out,”—he pointed a finger at Alex—“and he tried to kill me for it.” “Help?” Alex shouted. “Help? You tried to have me neutered!” **** Gavin’s head snapped around so fast, a pain shot down his shoulder. “You tried to…”—he looked over at Murdock’s family— “clip him?” “It was a long time ago, before I joined this pack. It was after I left your town. This stray cat kept following me.” “So you decided to clip him?” Gavin asked in astonishment. The Murdock he remembered always did act before he thought. Gavin hoped being mated and a father now, the knucklehead learned to use his brain. Murdock shrugged, looking unrepentant. “We were close to a vet clinic. I was trying to do my part in keeping the population down. He’s the one who went ballistic and clawed every inch of my body.” Gavin bit back the laugh. He’d love to see Alex in full pissed-off mode. He bet his mate was brilliant. “Duh, I would have. You couldn’t tell he was a shifter?” “Can you?” Murdock challenged him. “Of course I can.” Gavin inhaled deeply. He smelled bears, wolves, and that sweet scent his mate gave off, telling him Alex was his mate, but… “Huh?” “Exactly,” Murdock huffed.

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Alex huddled closer to Gavin as he spoke. “I’m an Ocelot. We’re very small, so our shifter scent is barely detectable.” “Oce-what?” Murdock asked. “I thought you were a stray cat.” Gavin had to end this. His damn food was getting cold. “I’m Gavin.” He reached across the table and shook Murdock’s mate’s hand. “Heaven,” he replied. “And these are our children, Maddox, Matthew, and Skyler.” The rest of his family introduced themselves, Pa taking to the whelps right away. He shuffled them out into the backyard to go see the horses as Heaven took the little girl into the living room to change her diaper. “Sorry I tried to neuter you.” “Sorry I tried to kill you.” Murdock laughed and took a seat at the table. “Water under the bridge, my man. Welcome to Brac Village, Alex.” **** Alex dropped three drops of water into his ant farm, and then crumbled small pieces of biscuit from this morning’s breakfast. Next he dropped tiny pieces of apple into his farm and then snapped the screen closed. Alex bent down and looked into the viewing glass. The ants seemed so oblivious to the harshness of life. He bet none of the dads ignored their sons. He even bet none of them were shunned. Setting the bowl of crumbs down, Alex sighed. The Lakelands had made him feel like he was a part of their family, and Alex was truly grateful for that. But he was waiting for the other proverbial shoe to fall. It always did. “You need to come down here, Alex.” Alex stiffened when he heard his uncle’s voice shouting up to him from downstairs. Now what? Whatever it was, it couldn’t be good.

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His uncle hadn’t said too many words to him since Clark had dropped him off on the front doorstep like a baby in a basket being abandoned. Tires squealed from his stepfather trying to get away so quickly. Alex waved bye to his ants as he closed his bedroom door and slowly walked down the stairs. Why did it feel like he was walking to his doom? “Come in here, young man,” his uncle said from the living room. Alex entered, taking a seat on the edge of the couch. He clasped his hands between his knees as he waited for that shoe to drop. “I want you to know that I had no problem whatsoever taking you in.” His uncle cleared his throat as he stood by the fireplace. “You seem like a nice young fella.” Oh god. Alex wasn’t sure what he was going to say next, but his heart was beating out of control. His uncle wouldn’t meet his eyes, and his body posture was stiff. Alex wondered what the hell he had done to deserve being shunned by everyone who was supposed to be family, supposed to love him. “I can’t say that I know the Lakelands personally. I’ve never met them, but their father seems like a good man to raise all those boys on his own.” This had to do with Gavin. Alex knew it. Tater had warned him that his father wasn’t too partial to gays. His step-cousin said his dad had spouted hateful things about gays before, so he had to be careful around him. “But I’ve been hearing things in town, things about the youngest boy, Roman. It seems he’s dating another man, even had the young man move in with him. Now I didn’t think anything of it when Gavin started coming around. A man’s gotta have friends. But if you’re dating him, it’s gonna stop right now.” Alex glanced up, but his uncle didn’t give him a chance to answer. “Are you dating Gavin Lakeland?” Alex swallowed. His throat was dry, and it felt like his tongue had swollen to three times its size. He broke out in a sweat. If he said no,

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then he would be denying his mate. If he said yes, he wasn’t sure what his uncle would do. It wasn’t like Gavin had invited him to move in. Alex was on his own with this one. Gavin may have claimed him, but as his father had proven, mates didn’t always accept who fate paired them with. “Yes.” His uncle turned an ugly shade of red as his shook his fist. “I will not tolerate that under my roof. I’m warning you now, boy. If you see him one more time, you are no longer welcome here. Do I make myself clear?” Alex didn’t fail to catch the note of hatred in his uncle’s voice. It was hard and ruthless. He had no doubt his uncle would make good on his threat. “Do I?” “Quite clear, sir,” Alex answered unsteadily. “Good. Now you have a decision to make. I trust it will be the right one. My brother, Clark, tried his best with you. He has a good heart. I can see where you’ve gone wrong. I want you to let me know by morning what your decision will be. But if Gavin Lakeland shows up here to court you, well, he’s not welcome.” Alex nodded his head numbly as he rose from his seat. “I understand.” And he did. It was obvious what he had to do. There was no way Alex could tell Gavin not to come around anymore. The man was everything Alex had wanted in a mate, even if he found it hard to fully trust Gavin. He walked out of the living room in a daze, feeling as though his world were crashing down around him. Alex wiped at the tears as he walked back upstairs, feeling downtrodden. Closing the bedroom door quietly behind him, he stood in the middle of his room as he looked around. He lifted his shirt and wiped his face, the tears falling freely. Alex grabbed the plastic bag on the floor in one corner and tossed his magazines in it and his toothbrush.

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Next he grabbed his messenger bag, shoved his laptop in it along with a few clean shirts and a couple pairs of shorts. Lastly, Alex dumped the bowl of crumbs into the front zipper compartment of his messenger bag and filled the dropper full of water, praying it didn’t leak out. Alex picked up his ant farm and headed back downstairs. His uncle stood in the living room with a stoic face as he watched Alex walk out of the front door. Gee, the guy could have at least said be careful, or something. But what did he expect? Walking down the long dirt driveway, Alex wondered where he was going to go. He wasn’t going to be presumptuous and just show up at the Lakelands’. Gavin hadn’t invited him, and if he showed up and Gavin turned him away, Alex would be devastated. He walked down the country road, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall once again. Alex saw what looked like a hiker’s path that veered off into the woods and decided to take it. The sun was too hot on his skin, and his ants needed shade. He wondered if Gavin would miss him. Alex already missed Gavin. He readjusted his ant farm, being very careful not to jostle them too much as he walked further into the woods.

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Chapter Six Gavin stood on the porch, staring at Tater as if he spoke another language. “Repeat that.” Tater ran his hands over his head as he took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I came home last night and didn’t see Alex. I thought maybe he was with you. But when I went into his bedroom this morning to see if he’d come back, some of his things, including his ant farm, were gone. When I asked my dad about it, he said that Alex up and left. His choice. I came straight over here to see him, thinking he’d moved in with you, but now you’re telling me he’s not here.” Tater paced back and forth, worry on his face. Gavin walked back into the house, Tater hot on his heels. “Pa!” Gavin shouted as he stormed through the house. His baby was out there somewhere. And from what Tater just told him, he’d been gone since last night. “Pa!” “What’s going on, Gavin?” his pa asked as he walked out of the kitchen wiping his hands on a towel, Steven close behind him. “Alex is missing. He left Tater’s last night. I need help.” Gavin felt like a fist was wrapped around his heart, squeezing it tight and preventing him from taking air into his lungs. He was beginning to panic and that wasn’t conducive to the situation right now. He needed his family, needed them to help him find his mate. “Do you know which way he went?” Pa asked Tater. “No, sir. My dad told me that he and Alex had a disagreement, and then Alex just walked right out the front door. I don’t know which direction he took.”

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“Why wouldn’t he come here?” Chauncey asked as he and Chance walked in from outside. “I don’t know, but we need to find him. He’s an Ocelot. I’m not sure how well they can take care of themselves,” Gavin said worriedly. “He’s a what?” Tater asked. “I’ll explain later,” Gavin said as he headed outside. They needed to shift and find Alex’s trail. His baby was somewhere out there. Damn it. He had started to ask Alex yesterday to move in with him, but he didn’t want to rush his mate. Now look at things. They were a total mess. Not only was Gavin worried beyond belief, but he could feel the start of anger in his gut. It was cold, merciless. If someone hurt his kitten, he was going to kill the son of a bitch. “We’ll start at Tater’s,” his pa said as the family piled out of the house. He noticed Olsen staring at Tater, scenting the air. Gavin ignored it, his mind focused on finding his mate right now. They drove to Tater’s farm, pulling off to the soft shoulder. His family climbed out of the trucks and gathered around Pa. “Riley, I want you to go over there,”—his pa pointed to the woods across from Tater’s—“and see if you can pick up his scent. Do you have anything with his scent on it?” he asked Gavin. Shit. “No,” Gavin answered. “I can run in the house and get something of his. But why, I don’t see any hound dogs around?” Tater asked. “Just go get it, son,” Pa said as he clapped Tater on his shoulder. Gavin watched Tater take off toward his house. No one said a word while they waited. There was nothing to be said. Gavin’s mind was fucked up, and all he could think about was finding his mate. They watched Tater jog back up the dirt road, tossing Alex’s shirt to Pa. “It was in his hamper, so it should have his scent all over it.” Gavin grabbed the shirt from Pa and held it to his nose, inhaling deeply. He could smell Alex all over it. His chest tightened, and for the first time in his life, Gavin felt like crying.

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“Give the shirt to Riley,” Pa said softly. “He’s our best tracker, son. We’ll find him.” Gavin inhaled one last time before handing the fabric over to the oldest brother. “Find him,” he said as he swallowed, fighting back the tears. Riley gave him a stiff nod, his jaw set as he took the shirt and jogged across the road and headed into the woods. “What’s he gonna do?” Tater asked, staring from one person to the next. “He’s gonna find Alex,” Olsen said as he stepped closer to Tater. His womb mate once again inhaled Tater’s scent, his eyes slowly closing and his face taking on the expression of pure bliss. “Let’s go,” Pa said. The brothers followed him into the woods. Riley was in bear form, sniffing the ground. “Whoa.” Tater came to a halt and backed away. “That’s a damn bear.” Olsen walked up behind Tater, his hands landing gently on Tater’s shoulders. “He won’t hurt you.” Tater seemed to lean into Olsen and then quickly pulled away, taking a few steps back. “What’s going on here?” he asked. “I’ll explain all of it to you later. Right now we need to find your cousin,” Pa said as they followed Riley. Gavin was itching to shift, his body humming to track his mate down. He glanced at Pa and then down at Alex’s shirt that was lying on the ground. “Go ahead.” Pa nodded. Gavin reached down and snagged his mate’s shirt, walking ahead of Riley and out of Tater’s line of sight. He stripped down and set his clothes and shoes under a bush, laying Alex’s shirt down on the ground. He tied his shirt to his leg and then he shifted. Gavin inhaled Alex’s scent deeply and then went on the hunt. ****

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Alex took a step back, clutching his ant farm to his chest. A wolf had stepped into the clearing and was now watching him. It was the biggest damn wolf he had ever seen. Even if he shifted, there was no way he would win the fight. His body was frozen, his muscles locked into place as Alex stared back. The wolf took a step forward, sniffing the air. Alex stayed very still. If he ran, the wolf would only chase him down, running him into the ground. Alex was terrified, but he knew his best bet was to stand motionless. The wolf took another step closer as Alex began to shake. “I’m not any threat to you,” he said as he looked at the wolf. “I just want to pass through. I promise. My ants and I just want to get on our way. Is that okay?” The wolf took a step back, cocking his head to the side. Alex took a step to the side, watching the wolf carefully. It didn’t attack, so he took another step. He didn’t think he’d ever been this scared in his life. As he slowly walked away, the wolf slowly followed him. Alex figured that if he didn’t make any sudden movements, the wolf would hopefully lose interest soon. The wolf gave off a low growl when Alex stepped into what looked to be a very large backyard. There were small houses being built further back from a very large mansion. Alex glanced down at the wolf as it walked closer to him. “I’m not going to go anywhere near the house,” he promised the growling wolf. Alex started to turn back toward the wolf when he noticed a very large man sitting on one of the picnic tables that littered the yard close to the house. The guy jerked his head, indicating that he wanted Alex to come closer. He stared down at the wolf, wondering if he was going to be attacked if he took a step in that direction. Alex readjusted the ant farm and let out a long breath. “I’m going to go see what the man wants. Please don’t attack me. I promise I’m not here to hurt anyone.”

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To his amazement, the wolf nodded. “You’re a shifter,” he stated. The wolf nodded again. “Okay then. My name is Alex, and I really just want to move on. I won’t cause any problems, I swear.” He walked across the large expansion of grass toward the biker-looking guy. This was so damn bizarre. Alex wasn’t sure if he’d rather take his chances with the wolf. He looked less intimidating than the man sitting on the table. “You’re fine.” The deep timbre of his voice carried across the yard. “Kota won’t hurt you. He’s just protecting the house.” Alex nodded and then looked back over his shoulder, but the wolf was gone. He glanced back at the man sitting there watching him intently. “Looks like you could use a rest.” The man smiled. “I could,” he said as he sat on the picnic table across from the guy. “Thank you.” He set his farm under the table, out of the direct sunlight. Alex placed his messenger bag, along with his plastic bag, on the table. “Where you traveling to?” Alex shrugged. “I’m not sure. I don’t have anywhere specific in mind.” He clasped his hands between his knees as he stared at the grass below his feet. “I’m just heading…somewhere.” “I feel ya. Sometimes wanderlust hits you and you have to go with it.” The man leaned back, placing his elbows behind him on the table as he stretched his long legs out. “It’s been many years since I roamed.” “It wasn’t wanderlust,” Alex mumbled as he looked around the backyard. He was tired, hungry, and he missed Gavin so badly that it physically hurt. He wondered what his life was going to be like now that he was a nomad. “What’s your name?” “Alex. Alex Hearte,” Alex said as he glanced up at the man. “You?” “Name’s Maverick. Maverick Brac.”

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The guy didn’t extend his hand for a handshake, so Alex just nodded. It took him a second, but it finally hit him. “Brac? As in Brac Village, Maverick Brac?” “The one and only.” The man chuckled. “Welcome to my humble town, Alex.” Alex became nervous when he realized he was talking to the Alpha of this pack-town. He’d never met an Alpha before. His family had lived on their own, away from any pack. He wasn’t sure if he should bow or something. “I don’t know pack customs, sir. So I’m sorry if I don’t…” He wasn’t sure how to end that sentence. “No worries. You’re fine. We’re just two guys chillin’ out on this beautiful day.” Maverick smiled. Alex was starting to feel anxious. He was scared he would do something wrong to offend the guy. The man looked as though he could break Alex like a twig. “I think I should be going.” He stood, grabbing his bags and his farm. “It was nice meeting you, Maverick.” “Same here, Alex.” Maverick stood and Alex felt like the sun should be blocked out from the enormous size of this Alpha. Holy shit. “I’ll walk you to the edge of the woods.” “O–Okay.” Alex once again clutched his farm to his chest as he followed the Alpha. It wasn’t like he could refuse. He watched the grass under his shoes, the surrounding woods that were coming closer, and…a bear coming out of the woods and approaching them. Alex stopped in his tracks. It wasn’t Gavin. He knew what his mate looked like in his were-form, and this bear wasn’t him. As the bear got closer, Alex stepped behind Maverick. As crazy as it sounded, he seemed like the lesser of two evils. “It’s okay, Alex. He’s one of the Lakeland sons,” Maverick reassured him. “The oldest if I’m not mistaken.” “Riley?” The bear lifted his head and opened his mouth, making a noise like he was speaking.

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“Why are you here, Riley?” Alex asked. He wanted to smack his forehead. Like Riley could answer him. “I think he’s looking for you,” Maverick stated. “But why?” Alex was confused. Shouldn’t Gavin be looking for him? Why would Riley be in his bear form looking for Alex? It didn’t make any sense to him. “There you are.” Alex’s head snapped around to see Tater and the Lakelands approaching him. His heart dropped when he didn’t see Gavin with them. Why wasn’t his mate with them? Didn’t he want him? Was he mad that Alex left and now he didn’t want to have anything to do with him? The tears started to prickle his eyes as he looked down at his arms wrapped around the glass housing of his ant farm. He was devastated, but refused to show it. “I guess I’ll be on my way.” He braced his shoulders and started for the woods. “Where are you going, son?” Mr. Lakeland asked. Alex shrugged as he kept walking. No one tried to stop him, and that hurt. The impulse to run made him walk faster. He had to get away from them. Being around the Lakelands only reminded him of Gavin, someone who didn’t even bother to come looking for him. As soon as he entered the woods, Alex let the tears fall. He stumbled, but kept his footing. No one wanted him. No one. The truth finally settled in him. The list was growing long of people who tossed him away. His mother hadn’t stuck up for him. His birth father had ignored him. His stepfather hated him. His uncle turned his back on him. His step-cousin tried to commit him. And now his mate was added to the list. That was the one that hurt the most. His mate hadn’t even come looking for him. Alex dropped down onto the dirt path, feeling so damn lost. He hugged his ants as he sat there and cried. “Are you hurt, kitten?”

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Alex’s head jerked up at Gavin’s voice. He had to wipe his eyes in order to see the shadowy figure looming over him. His mate stood there naked, staring down at him. “N–No.” “Then why are you crying, baby?” Gavin knelt before him, gently taking his ant farm from his arms and then taking the bags from his hand, setting it all down on the ground before pulling Alex into his arms. “I was so damn worried,” Gavin said as he hugged Alex close. Alex didn’t know what to think. His bear had come for him. That was the only thing bouncing around in his head right then. His bear had come for him. Alex held onto Gavin with an iron grip. He was terrified to let him go. “I have you, baby. You’re safe.” Gavin stood, picking Alex up with him. Alex wrapped his legs around Gavin, holding on for dear life. “You came for me,” he mumbled into Gavin’s neck. “Of course I did.” Gavin’s hand cupped the back of Alex’s head, holding him close. After a few minutes, Gavin leaned back. “Why did you leave?” “Because my uncle said I wasn’t allowed to see you anymore.” “Then why didn’t you call me, come to me?” Alex bit his bottom lip as he lowered his eyes. “Alex?” “I didn’t want to impose.” There, he’d said it. Alex couldn’t look Gavin in his eyes. He didn’t know what he would find, but he just couldn’t do it. “Look at me, kitten,” Gavin encouraged gently. Alex’s eyes darted around until they settled on his mate’s. “We are not only mated, but you’re my best friend. Friends aren’t an imposition, and they call when they are in need.” “I–I’ve never had a best friend before. I’m sorry.” Gavin chuckled. “You do now. You’re going to live with me. Got that?” “But—”

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Gavin shushed him by kissing him until his toes curled and he was humping his mate. Alex wasn’t sure if it was Gavin’s acceptance, or if it was the relief that his mate really wanted him. Maybe it was a little of both, but he was hornier than hell and wanted Gavin with a desperation that stole his breath. Gavin must have sensed Alex’s needs or felt the same way, because his mate ripped the back of his jeans, cool air kissing his rearend as fingers delved into his ass. Alex cried out into Gavin’s mouth, neediness overtaking him. He rocked back and forth, grinding his cock into Gavin’s stomach and impaling his ass on those large fingers. Alex wanted his shirt off. He wanted to feel Gavin’s hairy chest against his bare one. He reached down, grabbing at his shirt and lifting it over his head, groaning as Gavin’s chest hairs rubbed against his oversensitive skin. “I need to reclaim you, kitten.” Gavin growled low, taking them both to the earthen floor. Alex’s head nodded in short bursts as he tried to get his jeans to cooperate. His hands were shaking as he tried to unsnap them. Gavin took over, almost ripping his jeans from his body. Alex was left with nothing but his shoes and socks. He spread his legs wide as Gavin used his spit to coat his cock and then lifted Alex’s hips and drove home. Alex cried out. It hurt and felt so fucking good all at once. His legs swung up, enclosing Gavin between his legs as his mate fucked him like a crazed man. Alex clawed at Gavin’s back, needing his mate closer, touching him. He wanted Gavin wrapped around him and cocooning him in safety. Gavin covered Alex’s body with his as he fucked him senseless. Alex rubbed his cock against Gavin’s eight-pack abdomen, the friction making him cry out. “That’s it, baby, scream for me.” Gavin grunted as he thrust harder. His mate was out of control. Gavin was touching him

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everywhere as he kissed every stretch of skin he could reach. There was a wildness in his eyes when Alex looked up at him. It was fear. Gavin had been afraid. Alex circled his arms around Gavin’s neck, holding him close as his mate’s cock plunged in and out of him. This was the first person Alex had felt truly close to. “I’m sorry,” he whispered as Gavin grabbed his hips. “Don’t ever leave me again, Alex.” Gavin growled as he jetted into his ass, making Alex’s eyes roll back. “Ever.” “I promise,” he cried as his body exploded into a thousand tiny fragments. Alex shattered on the ground, his body convulsing as his heart burst from joy. His mate had been truly worried when Alex left. Not that he was trying to worry anyone. Alex just thought no one cared. “I love you, kitten,” Gavin shouted as he arched his back, his neck muscles tightening, and hot seed shot into Alex’s ass. Alex clung to his mate long after the orgasm had left his body. He was afraid to let Gavin go. He rubbed his cheek back and forth over Gavin’s shoulder as they lay there. “I love you, too.” “I’ll have Tater bring the rest of your things over. You don’t ever have to go back there.” Alex was overjoyed and terrified at the same time. It always started out good, but it eventually crashed and burned. Every relationship he had tried to form always fell apart. He wasn’t going to worry about it now. He had his mate in his arms, and he was going to enjoy it while it lasted. Alex would worry about the crash and burn when it happened. For now, he had Gavin. “Let’s go home.” Gavin got up, pulling Alex up as well. “You can wear my shirt to cover the rip in your jeans.” Alex got dressed and then put the oversized shirt on. Once again it hit his midthigh. “I still say you look damn good in my clothes.” Gavin wiggled his brows as he picked up Alex’s bags.

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“I look like a dork.” Alex laughed as he picked up his ant farm and followed Gavin through the woods. “A sexy dork,” Gavin teased. They ended up in Maverick’s backyard, the Lakelands and Tater sitting around on the picnic tables. Alex was embarrassed. He’d acted like a schmuck, and now he had to face the family. His family. Was he ever going to stop making a fool of himself in front of these men? “Glad to see you came back.” Maverick chuckled. Alex grabbed Gavin’s hand, staying close to his mate’s side. Gavin gave it a light squeeze as they approached the table. “We’re ready.” Tater smirked at him, eyeing Alex’s shirt. “You looked relaxed, cuz.” Alex could feel his face heating up as he glanced away. Had they heard them? God, he hoped not. Bryce stood, taking the ant farm from him. “I’ll carry these guys for you.” “Thanks. Be careful you don’t jostle them around.” “Gotcha.” Bryce smiled at him as everyone got to their feet. “Thanks.” Pa shook the Alpha’s hand. “Anytime,” Maverick said as he walked away, going through the back door of his house. “Let’s head home, fellas,” Pa said as they walked around to the side of the house. Alex smiled up at Gavin, finally feeling like he belonged somewhere. It might not last, but he wasn’t going to worry about that right now. His bear had come for him.

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Chapter Seven Gavin laughed as he sprayed Alex with the hose. He was seriously trying to wash his truck, but with his mate soaping down the front, Gavin couldn’t resist the mischievous side of his nature. Alex tossed the sponge back into the bucket as he held his hands up, trying to stop the spray from hitting him. Bryce caught Alex around the waist and brought him around to Gavin’s side as Gavin hosed him down, getting his brother wet in the process. “You’re supposed to be getting him, not me!” Bryce jumped away, but it was too late. He was soaking wet. Gavin dropped the hose and took off when Alex picked up the soap bucket and chased him down, Bryce close on their heels. His brother tackled him as Alex caught up with them and dumped the bucket over both of them. “Okay, don’t ask for my help if I’m only going to end up being the target.” Bryce laughed. Alex laughed as he chucked the bucket and took off across the yard, laughter following close behind him as both brothers chased him down. His mate was fast. Alex ran toward the barn and damn near ran Chauncey over. “Help!” Alex yelped as they gained on him. Chauncey grabbed Alex and took off toward the back of the house. “He wants to play.” Gavin growled as he and Bryce rounded the corner, falling on their asses as they tried to stop too quickly. Pa was standing there with another water hose in his hand, aimed straight at them as Gavin and Bryce tried desperately to get to their feet and avoid the onslaught of water.

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Steven stood off to the side, laughing his ass off. Gavin threw his hands up as he cut to the right, grabbing his mate around his waist and tossing him over his shoulder. “If you hit me, you hit him,” he taunted his pa. Chauncey gave chase, grabbing Alex from Gavin and taking off in the opposite direction. Gavin twisted his body, his hands hitting the ground to stop his fall as he spun around and went after his mate. Wrong move. Pa shot him as soon as he was in reach. Gavin took it as he chased Chauncey down. He growled when Chauncey handed Alex off to his twin, Chance. Chance gave him an evil grin as he ran behind the grill, feigning left then right as Gavin tried to anticipate his move and recapture his mate. Gavin was taken by surprise as someone tackled him from behind and took him down. He rolled over, ready to growl when he saw that it was Steven. He tickled the mate until Steven cried uncle and rolled away. By the time he got Alex back, they were all soaking wet. He wiped his hand down his face and then pushed his hair from his face. “Payback,” he threatened his pa. “Bring it on, junior. Anytime you feel like your balls have grown to the size of watermelons, boy.” Pa slapped his chest with the palms of his hands. “Papa bear will take you down.” “No doubt.” He chuckled. He wasn’t stupid enough to think he could take on papa bear. Gavin lifted Alex up, tossing him over his shoulder as he smacked his ass. “You can’t take my brother’s side.” Alex laughed as he kicked his feet up and down. “You shouldn’t have started it.” Gavin chuckled as he set his mate on his feet. “Lie out and dry off, baby.” Gavin removed the leather bands from his wrists, laying them out on the table in the backyard to dry out. He shook his hair out,

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untangling strands from the clasp that held his gothic Celtic stainless steel cross pendant. He smiled at his mate, who was laid out on his back, his hands tucked behind his head as he dried off in the sun. Alex had been here for five weeks now, and was adjusting to bear life fairly easily. His family loved the hell out of his kitten, but not as much as Gavin did. It was hard to believe he could love someone as much as he loved Alex. They had become best friends in the true sense of the word. Gavin didn’t think he’d become closer to anyone than he was with his womb mates, Bryce and Olsen, but he had. He pulled the shirt over his head, laying it out flat on the table to dry, and then removed his necklace. The pendant was hanging from a strip of leather that he wanted to dry out. Gavin started rocking back and forth when Bryce cranked the volume up, the tunes blaring through the backyard. God, he loved rock ‘n’ roll. Pa fired up the grill, Riley bringing out a large plate of steaks. Hell yeah. He was starving. “You seen Olsen?” he asked Bryce when his brother walked up to him and joined him at his side. “Nope. He’s probably still stalking Tater.” “Give me one of those,” he shouted to Roman when his brother grabbed an ice cold beer from the cooler, holding his arm up and catching the tossed bottle. He twisted the cap off as he thought of Olsen. His poor brother was chasing after a mate who was afraid to be with him. He was trying to understand the situation. Tater’s dad was a bigtime bigot, hating gays with a passion. Why didn’t Tater just move in with them? The house was big enough. Every one of them could mate and still have enough room. He wasn’t one to judge, so he didn’t hold it against Tater, but he really hated to see Olsen go through the hell he was in not having Tater at his side.

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Gavin caught the Frisbee and tossed it back at Steven as he took a drink of his beer. It was a beautiful day. The sun was out, a nice breeze was blowing, and his mate looked happy and content lying on the grass. His family was having a good time, and the grill was fired up. What more could a guy ask for? Bryce nudged him as he jerked his head. Gavin looked over to his left to see Olsen and Tater coming around the corner of the house. They were about two feet apart, Tater’s eyes scanning the yard until they settled on Alex, a relieved look on his face. “Glad you could make it.” Gavin stuck his hand out, giving Olsen a man hug. “You okay,” he whispered low to his brother. Olsen shrugged. “Getting there.” He took the beer Bryce handed him. Tater walked over to Alex and took a seat on the grass. “How’s it going with him?” Bryce nodded toward Tater. “Complicated as hell,” Olsen said as he removed the cap and damn near drank the whole bottle down in one swallow. Gavin noticed Pa watching them from the grill. He knew his pa worried about them even though they were all full-grown bears. Ever since their ma passed away, Pa was terrified he’d lose another one of his family members. Gavin couldn’t blame him. That’s why none of them had moved away. Not only were they very close, but none of them had it in their hearts to leave him. Pa griped about them getting on with their lives, but none of them were fooled. Gavin wished he found someone to at least fill his bed at night. He loved his pa with everything in him and only wanted him to be happy. “What are you going to do about it?” Bryce asked. Gavin watched his mate sit up as he talked with Tater. Olsen blew out a breath as the three watched Alex and Tater. “Hell if I know.” Gavin clasped Olsen’s shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “You’ll figure it out, bro.”

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Gavin held out his non-beer hand as Alex approached him and hauled his mate to his side. Alex laid one hand on Gavin’s back, one on his stomach as he leaned his head in, resting it on Gavin’s side. Tater came close, but kept his distance from Olsen. Gavin leaned down and kissed the top of Alex’s head as he stood there talking with his brothers. It felt damn good to have his mate at his side. It only made his heart go out to Olsen and Tater even more so. “You get that bike put together yet?” Alex asked Tater. Tater shook his head. “Eventually.” He shoved his hands in his front pockets as he stole glances at Olsen. Gavin pulled Alex into the house as Olsen and Bryce started to ask Tater about his motorcycle. He lifted Alex up and sat him on the counter. “Hi.” He smiled and situated his body between Alex’s legs. Alex smiled up at him, his eyes holding a glint of wonder in them. “Hello, teddy bear.” Gavin smiled as he dipped his head, capturing his mate’s lips. Alex was like a drug to him. It didn’t matter when he got a fix. He was always pulled back to the source, begging for more. “I got something for you,” he teased as he nibbled Alex’s earlobe. Alex groaned as his head tilted to the side. “Show me,” he panted. Gavin pulled away and helped Alex down, taking his hand and leading him upstairs. His heart was racing as he took Alex upstairs and into their bedroom. He closed the door behind him, locking it before crossing over to his dresser and opening the top drawer. Gavin removed his gift and then put his hands behind his back. He turned around, his mate watching him curiously. “You have to get naked.” Alex’s brows pulled together, but god bless him, he stripped in front of Gavin, making his cock come to life as the creamy flesh was revealed. Gavin licked his bottom lip as Alex tossed his shirt aside and then looked at Gavin. “Now what?”

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Gavin’s mouth pulled to the side, a grin showing as he brought his hands around to the front, revealing the stockings and heels. “Put these on.” Alex’s eyes darted from the items in his hand to Gavin’s face. He could see how scared his mate was. “I want to see you in them.” He took a step forward, handing the things to Alex. “Go ahead.” Alex took them, his body flushing as he walked over to the bed. Alex kept his back to Gavin as he lifted one leg at a time, pulling the thigh-high, black fishnet stockings on. They had pretty red bows running down the back seams. Gavin could feel his cock leaking as the material slowly climbed up his mate’s legs. As Alex’s fingers swung back and forth, slowly pulling the stockings into place, Gavin swore he was going to have a heart attack at the erotic sight. His hands clenched into fists at his sides to stop them from reaching out. He wanted to watch the entire scene play out, no interruptions. Alex leaned forward, placing one hand on the bed as he slipped the red stilettos onto his feet one at a time. The heels had little black hearts dangling from the straps. Gavin couldn’t have picked out a more perfect pair. When Alex straightened, but stood still, giving Gavin his back. He couldn’t take it anymore. Gavin had been nervous as hell, worrying that Alex would become upset at Gavin’s bold move of purchasing these things. “Turn around, kitten.” He could see the slight shaking of his mate’s body. “Please.” His breath caught as his mate turned, his cock lying flat against his stomach. “You look gorgeous.” He grinned from ear to ear. “Walk to me.” Alex’s eyes lowered as he crossed the distance. Gavin groaned when he saw how well his mate walked in the heels. There was nothing unsteady about him.

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He could hear the music from the backyard and his brothers’ voices floating up to them, but Gavin tuned it all out. His prize was strutting his way, and Gavin’s attention was solely on Alex. “Does it make you feel sexy? ’Cause you damn sure look the part.” Gavin growled. Alex brushed his hands through his hair as he nodded. “Yes.” “Spin around for me, kitten, give me a show.” Alex looked nervous as hell but did as Gavin requested. Gavin’s mouth watered when he saw Alex’s rounded ass. It flared perfectly and looked like heaven sitting atop those stockings. Gavin knelt before Alex, running his hands up the inseam of his mate’s legs. He glanced up, seeing how unsteady his mate’s smile was. “You look beautiful, Alex.” “Thank you,” his mate replied shyly. Gavin ran his fingers down to Alex’s ankles, playing with the dangling hearts. He just couldn’t believe how seductive Alex looked right now. He’d been a little hesitant in ordering the stuff. His mate hadn’t mentioned anything recently about his fetish, and Gavin hadn’t pushed. But he was dying to see what Alex would look like wearing this. It had been a damn good choice. Gavin leaned forward, taking the tip of Alex’s cock into his mouth as his hand ran up and down Alex’s legs. His fingers played with the holes in the fishnet and then continued their exploration. Gavin’s right hand reached down and played with the stiletto as he took Alex to the back of his throat. His left hand ran up the back of Alex’s thigh, grabbing his mate’s ass as he sucked Alex off. “G–Gavin.” Alex’s hands ran through Gavin’s hair as he groaned. Gavin backed off, allowing his mate’s cock to slip from between his lips. “Put your legs on my shoulders.” Gavin helped Alex until his mate was straddling his face. He stood, Alex grabbing his hair. “Trust me, kitten. I won’t let you fall.”

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Alex loosened his grip as Gavin let him slip back a little. He took Alex’s cock back into his mouth as his head moved around, sucking at the tasty length. Gavin walked slowly to the bed, enjoying the cock in his mouth. He laid Alex down, his hands running up and down the stockings. Gavin couldn’t seem to get enough of how they felt under his fingers. Alex writhed under him, his knees falling apart, presenting Gavin with a gorgeous sight. Gavin grabbed the lube from the drawer as he continued to suck, making Alex’s tight entrance slick. He played with his mate’s ass until he had him nice and stretched. With great reluctance, Gavin released Alex’s cock as he stood. He almost swallowed his tongue at the way Alex was laid out in front of him. He was so damn beautiful. Gavin grabbed Alex’s ankles as he pushed his cock into Alex’s rosette. His fingers played with both stockings and heels as he inched his way in, pulling back and then pushing forward again. He groaned as he thrust Alex’s legs forward, and then apart. He turned his head and licked Alex’s ankle, his tongue running along the fabric of the stiletto. “You really like them?” Alex moaned. “God yes,” Gavin answered as his cock plunged in and out of Alex’s ass. His mate grabbed his own cock, snapping his wrist as he got himself off. Gavin was torn. He wanted to watch his cock dip in and out of Alex’s ass, but he also wanted to watch his mate masturbate. Which one? The choice was made for him as Alex’s lips parted, his back came off of the bed, and he cried out as ropes of cum splashed his chest. Gavin was thrown over the edge from the sight and scent of his mate’s seed on him.

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Gavin roared as he jetted into Alex, his orgasm grabbing him like a tight fist and flinging him into satiation. His hips jerked as he tried to catch his breath. He rested the side of his face against Alex’s high heel. “You look so damn sexy.” Alex’s head flopped to the side as he panted. Gavin lowered Alex’s legs as he crawled onto the bed next to his mate and pulled him into his arms. “That was so worth it,” Gavin mumbled. **** Alex stretched as he opened his eyes. He couldn’t move. Gavin was draped over his back, his body heat making Alex sweat profusely. When Alex tried to pull away, Gavin wrapped his arms around Alex tighter, pulling him further under his large and hairy body. “Gavin, let me up.” Alex tried to pull free once again. Gavin gave a low and devilish chuckle, making the bed shake. “Now why would you want to leave such a comfy position? You feel good underneath me, kitten.” Alex agreed. Having Gavin wrapped all around him felt nice and safe, sexy and close. But he was hungry. “Maybe because before I had a chance to eat you pulled me away from the barbeque to fuck my brains out and then we both fell asleep.” Gavin grunted. “It’s a valid point, but I still don’t want to move.” Gavin tried to prove his point by grinding his erection into Alex’s ass. “No more sex until I get something to eat. If there are leftovers, I’ll bring you something back.” Gavin kissed his neck before rolling away. “The bed is cold already, baby,” he complained. Alex laughed as he crawled away. His big teddy bear was a cuddle monster. Alex loved it, but his stomach was grumbling. He was going to start nibbling on the pillow if Gavin hadn’t released him. “I’ll be right back.” “You better change, or I’ll have to kill everyone who sees you.”

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Alex looked down to see he was still wearing his stockings and heels. He felt his face heat up as he smiled. “On it.” He walked over to the closet and unstrapped the heels, placing them in the very back where no one could accidently come across them. Next Alex pulled the stockings free, placing them in the bathroom to hand wash later. He tossed some lounging pants on and a T-shirt before walking to the door. “I’ll be right back.” Gavin grunted and rolled over. Alex closed the door behind him and headed downstairs. He didn’t turn the hallway light on, knowing his way by now. Once he made it to the kitchen, Alex crossed the room and turned the light on. He didn’t want to flood the kitchen with the overhead light. The slim panel flickered a few times before a soft glow lit up the counter space. Alex grabbed two plates from the cupboard and then rummaged through the fridge to see what he could find. Yes! There were leftovers in storage containers sitting on the top shelf. Alex prepared two plates and then tossed them into the microwave one at a time. His mouth watered for the delicious looking food as he waited for Gavin’s overfilled plate to finish its rotation around the microwave. He glanced up when he spotted a shadow cutting across the front yard. It was the middle of the night. Who the hell could it be? Alex watched as the microwave sounded off, telling Alex the food was ready. He ignored it as he watched the barn. The shadowy figure had disappeared inside. He was just about to go get Gavin when Buster raced out of the barn, galloping toward the main road. Alex shot out of the kitchen and out of the front door, trying his best to chase Buster down. He would be devastated if something happened to the gentle creature. He and Buster had become friends. “Buster!” Alex shouted as he crossed the lawn in his bare feet.

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Alex screamed when he was tackled from behind and then lifted into the air. Whoever it was threw him across the lawn, knocking the wind out of him as he landed. A sharp and acute pain shot through his arm as he landed with it behind his back. Someone was on him in seconds. Alex tried to yell, but he couldn’t pull enough air in. His uninjured arm shot out and smashed against his attacker’s face when he saw a set of fangs, gleaming and sharp against the moon’s illuminating light. A fucking vampire! Alex panicked, twisting his body around, trying desperately to escape. When he saw he couldn’t get free, he shifted. Alex shot across the yard, agonizing pain radiating through his broken arm. He collapsed about twenty feet from the front door, his body too consumed with pain to continue. He yowled loudly when he was grabbed by his scruff and tossed onto the front porch, his body hitting the screen door. Alex could hear roars coming from somewhere, but his head felt like someone was hitting it repeatedly with a hammer as he lay there in pain. Bryce walked up onto the porch and grabbed Alex, picking him up carefully as he pulled the screen door open. “Gavin and the family are out there fighting right now. I’m going to lay you on the couch and call the Alpha. Don’t try and move.” Alex couldn’t give any sign that he’d heard him. His body hurt too damn bad. He prayed Gavin was all right. That vampire seemed to be out for blood, in a killing sense, not a drinking sense, which didn’t make any sense. Vampires drank blood. That was what they did. They didn’t go around beating people up or trying to fucking kill them. Bryce knelt down in front of the couch. “Maverick is calling the wolf physician now and sending him our way. In the meantime, Dr. Nicholas Sheehan will be coming over to take a look at you. Hang in there, buddy.”

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Alex heard Bryce, but he just couldn’t register the words right now. His body hurt so damn bad. “Just hang in there, Alex.” Alex panted heavily as he closed his eyes. He prayed he passed out so he wouldn’t feel the pain anymore. He was relieved when his mind shut down and he blacked out.

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Chapter Eight Maverick sat behind his desk staring at the head of each clan. Panahasi, the leader of the demon warriors, took up a large amount of the leather sofa. Christian, the prince of vampires, sat with his legs crossed in the leather chair across from Maverick’s desk. Zeus, the Alpha of the Eastern pack, paced his office. Maverick tried to invite Shanta, the leader of the Wood Elves, but the man had refused the invitation, stating that his tribe had nothing to do with what was going on and planned on staying out of it. Maverick blew out a long breath as he scratched at the three-day growth on his face. “So you’re telling me that this Liquid Wrath is affecting vampires now,” he asked Panahasi. The drug had originated in the demon realm and had spilt over into the human realm. They had taken care of the main distributor, David, and Maverick had prayed that would be the end of the vile drug. “My demons are trying to track down the new distributor. He’s very elusive. My warriors Takeo and Rainerio tracked him to the human realm but lost him.” “But what about the vampires?” Christian asked with a clenched jaw as he turned to Panahasi. “Bloodlust,” he stated. “One of the vampires residing in the demon realm used it and killed three people before he was killed himself. It makes the vampire stronger than he normally would be and he loses his mind. The need to kill supersedes his thirst. But once he killed his victims, he drained all three of them dry.”

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Christian sat there with a look of horror on his face. “He drained all three of them? One after the other?” Panahasi nodded. Christian cursed as he sat back. “What happens if anyone else takes it?” Zeus stopped pacing and looked over at Panahasi for answers. “If shifters take it, it masks their scent, gets them high, and they become very aggressive. If humans take it, they die.” “Why do you think it affects the vampires the way it does?” Christian asked. Panahasi sat forward, placing his arms on his knees. “Liquid Wrath’s main component is human blood. I think that, along with the other ingredients, is a lethal combination to a vampire’s sanity.” “Just fucking great,” Christian mumbled. “What about half-breeds and fey?” Maverick asked. He had both under his roof and wanted to know how it would affect them as well. Shanta needed to know this information whether he wanted to be a part of this meeting or not. Knowledge was power, and they all needed to be prepared. “I honestly don’t know. We haven’t come across any half-breed or fey users so far,” Panahasi answered. “And demons?” Maverick asked. Taylor, one of the mates, was half-demon. It seemed Maverick had a melting pot under his roof, and he cared for them all. He wasn’t going to see any of them harmed by this new drug, but he needed to know how it would affect them. When Panahasi took a moment to answer him, Maverick became worried. The demon warriors were very powerful creatures. He needed to know what the hell it did to them. They could just walk into his home through a shadow and do a lot of damage if they were hyped up on this drug. Maverick was still trying to figure out a way to stop them from using the shadows in his home. Other than flooding every room with light, he hadn’t figured anything out yet.

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Panahasi shook his head as he stared down at his hands. “It literally brings out their inner demons, turning them into killing machines. The only good thing is that the drug seems to negate their powers.” “Permanently?” Zeus asked. “No, only while they are under the influence of the drug. We have a facility that caters to the creatures that have had their souls sucked out of them. This facility has opened a wing for Liquid Wrath users. A detox program if you will. I’ve gone there and seen what a creature goes through when the drug wears off. It isn’t a pretty sight.” “We need to find the source here and dry it up.” Maverick’s fist connected with the top of his desk. “Finding a counteracting drug is taking longer than we thought. So the only solution at the moment is to get to the source.” “I agree.” Christian nodded. “It’s bad enough we deal with rogues within our species, but now they’re aggressive killing machines? We have to stop this.” “It hasn’t come as far east at the moment, but I want to be informed of what is going on with this. Please keep me updated,” Zeus asked as he took a seat in one of the chairs in front of the desk. “We should all keep each other posted when something occurs,” Maverick said as he laid his arms on his desk. He had a family to protect, little ones running around. He would make sure all of his warriors were on alert. This was not going to come near his family. **** Gavin lay stretched out on his bed as he ran his hand down his Ocelot-shifter mate. Alex was asleep. Dr. Nicholas Sheehan had just examined Alex and said he would heal as long as he stayed in his shifter form. Gavin had gone out of his mind when he came barreling out of the house to see Alex lying on the porch, a vampire charging after him.

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From the limp way Alex had been laying there, Gavin had feared the worst. He had thought Alex was dead, or close to it. It took the entire Lakeland clan to bring that damn vampire down. Gavin had never seen anyone that strong before. It was as if the damn thing was obsessed with Alex. He was tearing at the bears as he tried to get to the house. Pa had left to go talk to Alpha Maverick, and his brothers, except Roman, who was guarding Steven, were outside in bear form, walking the perimeter of the ranch. They found Buster. He’d come back to the barn. Thank God. Gavin picked Alex up, laying him in his lap. He stroked his mate’s fur as he waited for Alex to wake up. Gavin’s jaw clenched when Nicholas told him Alex’s arm had been broken. It was a lucky thing that shifters could heal from that. He ran his fingertips over Alex’s head, his thumb grazing the beautifully colored ears. Relief swamped him when a low purr rumbled through his mate’s chest, vibrating his lap. “You like that, kitten?” Alex nudged Gavin’s hand with his head, wanting more. Gavin used both hands this time as he petted Alex’s body. The purr continued to rumble as Alex rolled over. “You’re a spoiled little one, aren’t you?” Alex shifted, his eyes fluttering open as Gavin stared down into those sapphire-blue eyes. His mate stretched languidly, smiling up at Gavin. “You did it to me. I’m spoiled because of you.” “How do you feel? Do you hurt?” Gavin looked Alex’s naked body over, his hands feeling for anything out of the ordinary. It started out with Gavin concerned about any injuries his mate may still have, honestly. But once his hands touched his mate’s skin, Gavin was hopelessly drawn in. His let his claws lengthen slightly, gently scraping his mate’s skin as his fingers climbed higher, rounding to the small flare on his

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mate’s backside. Alex lay there staring up at him like Gavin held his next breath. He just lay there and watched Gavin’s face intently. Gavin’s eyes followed his hands as they trailed over slim thighs, perfectly rounded knees, and then around well-defined calves. Gavin grinned when his mate’s toes curled, showing off the racing-red nail polish. He was glad the polish didn’t transfer to claws when Alex shifted. He would have gouged anyone’s eyes out who saw his mate in his private way. Alex was his personal playground, and Gavin wasn’t sharing. He wasn’t even going to let anyone window shop. “You’re like an angel without wings, baby.” Gavin let his nails drag lightly up the back of Alex’s thighs. “Do you know how much I need you?” Alex shook his head as he continued to stare at Gavin, his lips slightly parted, the lashes over his liquid blue eyes falling down, landing on his cheeks as Alex closed his eyes. Gavin raked his claws over Alex’s abdomen, seeing the muscle quiver at his touch. He watched in wonder as goose bumps rose, his mate’s navel jerking back as Alex moaned. Gavin circled a clawed finger around the flattened plane, small blond hair rising as Alex shivered. Gavin ran the clawed finger over his mate’s length, watching his sac pull up quickly. His nail traced the V on one side of his leg and then around to his hip. Gavin cradled Alex’s head with his other hand, letting his thumb rub back and forth over his mate’s hair. Alex whimpered as he spread his legs apart. Gavin’s canines slid down, his eyes focusing on his mate’s reaction to what he was doing. Gavin leaned forward, laying his mate out in front of him. Gavin got to his knees, using both hands to tease his mate’s flesh. He scraped his nails over Alex’s chest, rounding his nipples, and then took them down his mate’s sides. “Gavin.” Alex’s hands flew to the sides of his head, landing on the bed and balling up into fists.

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He grabbed his mate’s legs with one hand, gathered Alex’s ankles in his hand, and then pushed them up and then over to the right side of his body. He scraped his nails over his mate’s ass and then retracted his claws as he inserted a finger into his mate’s tight star. “Yes.” Alex thrashed his head from side to side. Gavin removed his finger, leaned over and grabbed the lube, using one hand to snap the cap and drizzle some between his mate’s cheeks. Gavin tossed the bottle and then inserted two fingers. “Damn, baby,” Gavin said huskily. He inserted a third finger, glorying in his mate’s silky entrance. Gavin’s hand tightened on Alex’s ankles, fighting back his orgasm. Gavin bit his bottom lip as he removed his hand and grabbed his cock, scooting closer until the head kissed his hole. Gavin spread his knees apart as he thrust in, bottoming out. “Shit,” he gasped. He was literally fighting back his release. He took Alex’s legs and spread them apart, putting them around his waist as he landed on his arms, cupping Alex’s face in his hands. “Open your eyes, kitten.” Alex’s lashes lifted, the blue in his eyes darkening as their eyes locked onto one another’s. Alex ran his hands over Gavin’s chest, grabbing chest hair and then curling his fingers. Gavin grinned as he snapped his hips. “I think someone likes my hairy ass.” “And the rest of you as well.” Alex smiled up at him. Gavin dropped his head. The kiss was like the heated solder that joined metals as Gavin got lost in his mate. Hell, he wasn’t going to come out of this sane. His hips swayed around, feeling Alex’s erection dancing over his stomach. One of Alex’s hands left his chest, snaking between them as he started stroking himself. Gavin lifted slightly, giving his mate room to play. Alex began to moan into his mouth, biting Gavin’s bottom lip as he arched, warm heat and wetness smearing their chests. Gavin thrust

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harder as he cried into Alex’s mouth, his orgasm gripping him and slinging him over the edge. Gavin growled and slammed into Alex’s ass, making the bed scoot an inch or two across the floor. His breath became ragged as he continued to taste Alex in the wickedest of ways. “You’re my goddamn drug, Alex. Did you know that?” Alex smiled against Gavin’s lips. “I do now.” Gavin swatted his ass as he rolled over. “Brat.” **** Alex walked out of the barn, his body screaming at him. He’d never in his life worked so hard. Gavin had taken him with the brothers this morning to mend fences, and then Pa had him muck out the stalls. His shoulders felt like they were locked into place. He cupped a hand over his eyes as he saw Gavin sitting up on Mammoth, galloping full speed toward him. His mate pulled the reins as he stopped inches from Alex. Gavin reached down and grabbed Alex, tossing him up onto the saddle as he kicked his feet and made a clicking noise with this mouth, Mammoth taking off. Alex’s head fell back as he laughed, sore muscles forgotten. Gavin had been doing this a lot lately. He’d spot Alex out in the open somewhere and swoop him off of his feet. He held on as the large horse raced across the land. He tilted his head back as he closed his eyes, enjoying the breeze. Alex had never in his life felt so wanted as Gavin made him feel. His mate had one hand planted on Alex’s stomach as he slowed, guiding Mammoth toward a stream. “How’s my baby doing?” “I’m good. You?” They had just seen each other this morning, and Gavin was acting like they hadn’t seen each other in eons. But Alex wasn’t complaining. He finally had someone who wanted him. Nope, no complaint from him.

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Gavin hugged him close, resting his chin on Alex’s shoulder. “Are you happy here, kitten?” Alex looked back at Gavin. “Why would you ask me that?” Gavin shrugged as he lifted his head. “Because I know what your life was like before me. I want to make sure I’m giving you everything you need.” Alex reached up and kissed his cheek. “Yes, I’m very happy, teddy bear.” Gavin nodded as he led Mammoth back toward home. **** Curtis, Mark and Caden’s son, sat at the desk with Taylor, bored out of his mind. His dads were over at the garage, but one could only take so much grease and pneumatic air sounds before going insane. He may be a man, but the oily shop wasn’t a place he wanted to hang in since he was a teenager and following his dads around like a lost puppy. “What do you do here?” “We help out families in need. The resource center works in conjunction with the rec center in getting people to the right help they need. Your dads are a part of it.” This caught Curtis’s attention. “Really?” He had been delayed getting to his dads this summer. His mom was insisting he go to college. It had been a couple years since he graduated high school, but college wasn’t something he was really interested in right now. Curtis wasn’t up to speed on everything that had happened since last summer. He now knew they were shifters, including his father’s mate, Caden. He never told anyone back home where he lived with his mom about having two dads. It wasn’t that he was ashamed of his father, Mark. It was the fact that he couldn’t go into detail about any of this and quite frankly, the people he did tell, they looked at him oddly when he said he had a mom, stepdad, and two fathers.

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“So you really going to do it?” Taylor asked as he filled out some paperwork in front of him. Curtis caught a glimpse of what Taylor was writing on. It seemed someone was applying for a home loan. Wow. They really did help out in a lot of aspects. Curtis crossed his arms on the desk and then rested his chin on them, staring out of the big window up front. He liked this small town. Living in the big city was so impersonal. Here, everyone pretty much knew everyone. “Yep. Now all I have to do is tell my mom I’m moving here permanently. She’s gonna flip. She has this big plan of me going off to some big college and becoming a doctor.” Curtis loved his mom, but college wasn’t for him, and a doctor? He hated the sight of blood. What kind of doctor would that make him? “There’s nothing wrong with your mom wanting you to have the best. I wish my mom had been like that,” Taylor mumbled as the pen flew across the forms. Curtis had heard Taylor’s mom was a demon. That had to really suck. His mom got into her moods at times, but he’d take that over an actual demon. “Where’s Drew? I thought he worked here, too?” Taylor picked up the papers he’d been filling out, tapping them on the desk to align them, and then sat them to the side. “He’s over at the rec center helping Thomas with scheduling. They have to change their NA meeting to a different day this week, so they’re calling the people who attend to let them know.” Curtis nodded as he continued to stare out of the window. He’d heard that Brac Village was expanding and that he could get in on it. He just wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. What kind of business did he want to own? He spotted a truck pulling into one of the empty parking spots and a very large man getting out of the driver’s seat. Curtis’s eyes followed him. He sorta looked like the guy working at the Den. Roman. But he knew it wasn’t him. Curtis had a thing for big men. He had questioned his sexuality years ago. He even tried to date his dad’s mechanic. That didn’t go so

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well. Curtis had backed away from the whole experimenting thing when Billy had tried to pressure him into moving too fast. Curtis hadn’t tried to date since. How screwed up was it to be in his early twenties and still a virgin? The longer he waited to experience sex, the further away the possibility seemed. Curtis had to admit though, the guy was hot as hell. He looked gruff and rugged. Just the way he liked them. “That’s one of the Lakeland brothers. I’m not sure which. There is a set of twins and a set of triplets. And then there is the oldest and the youngest. You met the youngest, Roman,” Taylor said as Curtis’s eyes stayed glued on the mountain of a man. “There’s seven of them?” Curtis wondered if any of them was single. He’d love to get rid of this virgin status. It wasn’t something he was carrying around proudly. It was there out of circumstances. “Yep. They’re ranchers.” Curtis had an urge to wipe the drool from his chin. Fucking cowboys. How hot was that? Correction, big, mountainous cowboys. Damn, talk about a dream come true. Taylor and Curtis sat back and started looking busy when Steven walked in. Neither of them wanted to get busted ogling the big rancher that was still standing across the street. Taylor was mated and Curtis wasn’t a poacher, but he could look. Curtis wanted to growl when Steven stepped in his line of sight. He wanted to see more of that mountain man. “Hey, Steven. Are you working at the diner today?” Taylor cleared his throat as he shuffled some paper around his desk. Curtis jumped up and grabbed the broom from the utility closet and began sweeping. He sure hoped Steven hadn’t caught them drooling at the man across the street. Dagon would have a fit, and Curtis would get an endless lecture from his dads about OPP. “I have the afternoon off. I came over here to hang out until Roman was done for the day. That’s if you don’t mind.”

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“Of course not.” Taylor shot Curtis a conspiratorial look. Curtis bit back his smile as he pushed the broom around. His head lifted when the door opened again, Tater walking in. Now this guy Curtis liked. He was real cool to be around. “Hey, Tater.” Curtis nodded as he leaned against the broom. “Whatcha doing around these parts?” Curtis laughed. He loved teasing Tater. Tater rolled his eyes at Curtis as he grabbed a fold-out chair, twisting it around and then straddling it. “I thought you were going to bring your cousin in here a while back?” Taylor asked. Tater shrugged. “He hooked up with some guy. I guess whatever they got going on is working. He seems happy.” “Who?” Curtis asked. He had no clue who they were talking about, but he wanted in on the conversation. If he was going to be a permanent resident here, he wanted to be privy to the gossip. “Gavin Lakeland. My dad had a royal fit about it, too. Alex told me that my dad had given him an ultimatum. Stop being gay or get out.” Curtis whistled low. “That’s some pretty fucked-up shit. I take it he got out.” Tater pointed to the truck across the street. It was the same truck that gorgeous man had climbed out of. “Yep. He and Gavin live together now, and Alex looks happy as a clam.” Curtis just bet Alex was happy with a man like that. He had learned about mates and the different species in the paranormal world. Hell, there were two vampires and two fey living at the Den. Not to mention the half-breeds like Taylor. Looking at the man, one would never know though. Taylor looked as normal as the next guy. Tater cleared his throat as he looked at each man standing there. “Is there any way I can talk to Maverick? It’s kinda important.” “Is it something I can help with?” Taylor asked.

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Tater shook his head. He had a jittery look about him now. Steven moved closer to Curtis, both of them listening. “No, something’s going on at my house, and I need to talk to Maverick. I hear he’s the go-to guy around this town.” “Haven’t you lived here your whole life?” Curtis asked. Why wouldn’t Tater know about Maverick if he’d grown up here? “Yeah, but I pretty much stayed to myself. I knew who Maverick was, the founder. But I didn’t know he was the guy to see when…” “When what?” Steven and Curtis leaned in. Tater rubbed his face with his hand. “I just need to see him. How do I get a hold of him?”

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Chapter Nine Alex sipped on his cold smoothie as he walked next to Gavin. They’d just come from the post office, and Gavin was carrying a box under his arm. Alex stirred his straw around the thick drink as his eyes darted back to the box. Gavin had seemed excited when he picked it up, and Alex was dying to know what it was. “What’s in the box?” he asked as casually as he could without screaming show me. Gavin chuckled huskily. “Another gift for you, kitten.” Alex’s head snapped around, wondering if anyone heard his mate. There were a few people passing by them, but no one turned their head in Alex’s direction. “Like what?” he whispered. Gavin laughed out loud this time, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “You’ll see. It’s a little extra. I hope you like it.” Okay, Alex went from curious to full-blown had to see. He climbed into the truck, practically grabbing the box from Gavin’s arm. “Slow down, kitten.” Gavin laughed as he started the truck. Alex ignored him and tore the box open. His jaw dropped at all the pink lace. It was definitely more than just panty hose. There was way too much extra fabric here. His fingers glided over the material, rubbing it between his fingers. “What else is in here?” he asked. “You’ll see, Mr. Impatient.” Alex could see that Gavin was watching him closely. He lifted the fabric up as best he could without anyone else seeing what he was doing. There were a lot of snaps and catches. He shoved it back into the box when a couple walked by, feeling his face heat up.

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Gavin chuckled as he pulled out of their parking spot and headed home. Alex laid his left arm on the box, fearing the fabric was going to jump out and show itself to everyone. He watched Gavin’s strong hand with the large leather band on it steer the truck. He felt anticipation, excitement, and fear build in him when Gavin pulled into the drive and then parked the truck. “I’ll take that up. Go shower.” His mate winked at him as he stole the package from under Alex’s arm. Alex jumped from the truck and tore to the house. He practically ripped the screen door off as he shot inside. “Where’s the fire?” Chauncey teased as Alex flew by him and up the stairs. He threw his bedroom door open, kicking his shoes off as he went along. He ripped his shirt from his head as he ran into the bathroom. Alex had the shower going and his jeans off in mere seconds. He washed his body from head to toe, taking extra care where it counted the most. By the time he was done and stepping out, the box was lying on the closed toilet seat. He dried his skin off with a towel as his eyes kept straying to the box. Alex was dying to see everything in it. He tossed the towel in the hamper and began to pull lace from the box. The thigh highs were gorgeous. They had diamond-shaped patterns and felt as soft as silk as he pulled them up his legs. He’d never had a pair that had small strips attached to them. Alex had always bought the first pair he could get his hands on and gotten through the checkout as quickly as possible. Gavin was giving him expensive and fancy ones. He loved them. Alex held up a piece of fabric, unsure what he was supposed to do with it. It was one piece of fabric with a few clasps to hold it into place. He wrapped it around his waist, seeing a button on each side. Hmm. Maybe those straps on the thigh highs attached to the buttons? Alex looked into the box but there weren’t any instructions.

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His fingers fidgeted with the straps and found that they did indeed snap together. Now the hard part. How did he reach the ones in the back? Alex twisted around, trying to grab the straps that dangled on his back thighs and attached them. He slipped the pink heels on that had little hearts on them before trying to snap the damn straps. Easier said than done. He turned in a circle a few times trying to get them snapped. Alex was getting dizzy from turning around so many times. He peeked his head out of the bathroom door. Gavin was sitting on the bed naked, his hard-on lying flat on his stomach. “Psst. I need you here a moment.” Gavin smiled as he got up from the bed and walked over. He was trying to look past Alex’s head into the bathroom. “Doesn’t it fit?” “It fits fine. I just need you to snap the back buttons.” Alex spun around and presented his ass to Gavin. “Damn,” Gavin whispered as his hands cupped Alex’s ass. “Hey, buttons. Focus, teddy bear.” Gavin reached down and snapped the straps into place. Alex turned and shoved Gavin back as he closed the door. “Sit back on the bed,” he called through the door. Alex waited a moment, taking a few deep breaths before opening the door and strutting out. His mate’s jaw dropped as Alex walked to the middle of the room and hitched a hip to the side. He began to sashay again, wondering how to put on a show for Gavin. Alex stole a glance at his mate. Gavin was lying there giving his cock a slow stroke as he watched him strut around. They both jumped when a booming knock sounded on the bedroom door. Gavin growled as he got up and Alex ran to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him. He cracked it open to see what was going on. “Pa needs you downstairs,” Olsen barked out. Gavin shut the bedroom door as Alex came out of the bathroom. “What’s going on?” he asked as Gavin got dressed. Alex felt

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disappointment course through him that there wasn’t going to be a performance. When Gavin shot from the room, Alex kicked his heels off and realized that he was having a difficult time getting the strap to unbutton. “Shit.” He grabbed a pair of jeans from the drawer and pulled then on over the panty hose and then shoved a shirt over his head. He didn’t have time to wrestle with the lace. It was covered to where no one was going to see it. He pulled on a pair of socks and then shoved his feet into his shoes, taking off downstairs to see what was going on. Alex ran down the stairs at full speed, slamming into Steven as they both went flying and ended up sprawled out on the floor. He shook his head a few times and then got to his feet, helping Steven up. “What’s going on?” he asked as he looked around an empty house. “The cattle broke through the fence in the south pasture. Olsen and Bryce came to get everyone while Riley stayed to get them back in.” “Does that happen often?” Alex asked as he walked out on the front porch. No one was in sight. It was as if the place was deserted except for him and Steven. “Dude, I’m from the city, hell if I know.” Steven sat on the swing and kicked his toe out, putting it into motion. Alex took a seat next to him. “Me, too.” He’d helped around the ranch, but he hadn’t a clue what took place here. Not in depth anyway. Alex was a little shocked and a bit confused when Tater’s truck pulled into the driveway and headed their way. What would his step-cousin be doing here this late? Alex stood and walked to the top of the steps, laying his hand on the banister. He wanted to smile when the truck stalled halfway up the drive. He could hear Tater cursing from a distance. “Isn’t he your cousin?” Steven asked as he joined him at his side.

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“Yeah.” They watched Tater get out of his truck and head their way. For some strange reason, Alex’s senses started going crazy. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but the hairs on the back of his neck stood. His eyes darted around, scanning the surrounding area. The only thing he could see was a dark yard. “Hey, is Olsen home?” Tater asked as he approached the porch. “They went to get the cattle back into the fence,” Alex informed him. “I guess the fence broke on accident and now the cattle are out.” Tater shook his head. “I don’t think that was an accident.” Alex stood straighter, that niggling in the back of his mind getting worse. “Why do you think that?” he asked as he took a step closer to Steven. How much did he really know about Tater? Not much. Clark was Tater’s uncle. He lived with his step-cousin for two weeks before coming here. So he couldn’t say he was that familiar with the guy. Steven, on the other hand, was family now. They were both mates to the Lakeland family. He’d gotten to know him pretty well. “My cell phone disappeared. Can I use your house phone?” Tater asked as he walked up the porch steps. Alex turned, pressing his back into Steven. “Go ahead.” He nodded toward the screen door. Tater walked into the house, not saying a word. Alex grabbed Steven’s hand and opened the door quietly, tiptoeing into the kitchen where the house phone was located. “Where is he?” Steven asked when they saw the kitchen was empty. “We need to get out of here.” Alex pushed Steven back toward the front door. That feeling of something wrong was getting stronger, clawing at his gut. He pushed Steven through the front door and out onto the porch. “Barn.” They took off down the steps, racing across the yard. “What’s going on?” Steven panted as they entered the darkened barn. Alex

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pulled Steven into Buster’s stall, latching the gate and walking behind the horse. “I don’t like this.” Steven began to tremble. “Why didn’t anyone stay behind with us?” When Buster became agitated, Alex grabbed Steven and squatted down. They both listened to the sounds of the barn, hearing nothing that would make Buster prance around nervously. He was getting tired of the chaos. It always seemed that when things were going smooth, something had to happen, and not a good thing either. Why couldn’t he just be left alone to be happy with Gavin? Was that asking too much? And from what he gathered from Steven, the man could use a break himself. His ex, David, had knocked him around. The Lakelands’ cousin had gotten hooked on drugs and tried to kill Steven, and then someone on Roman’s crew had gone after Steven as well. What was with the nut jobs? He knew the paranormal world was an interesting place to live, but when did it become a dangerous place to live? None of this was making any sense to him. It was as if the paranormal world had gone crazy. “I hear something,” Steven whispered and then covered his mouth with his hand. They both waited to see if anyone was in the barn, but heard nothing else. Alex’s muscles were coiled tight, and his nerves were beginning to frazzle. Okay, they had already been frazzled. His stomach was tied in knots as he waited. “Alex?” Tater called out. Alex slapped a hand over his mouth, mirroring Steven. Everything in him wanted to scream for Gavin, but his mate was out somewhere mending a fence. Was this a setup? Did Tater cut the fence to get everyone away so he could do whatever it was that he came here to do? He could feel Steven shaking apart beside him as heavy footsteps approached. They scooted a little more to their right, Buster blocking any view Tater might have of them in the stall.

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Alex saw Tater’s shoes stop right in front of Buster’s stall. Now he was the one shaking apart. His step-cousin wasn’t a small man. He may not be as large as the Lakeland men, but Tater wasn’t a lightweight either. Tater could do some serious damage to him and Steven if he wanted to. Alex prayed he didn’t want to. The man had seemed like a nice guy, but with all the strange things going on, he wasn’t going to trust anyone with his well-being except Gavin. “You in here, Alex?” Tater called out. Yeah, right. Like he was going to stand up and say “Here I am, come kick my ass.” That was not going to happen. Alex had to bite his bottom lip to stop himself from screaming from the sheer terror of the moment. The booted feet disappeared, the sound of heavy footfall fading away. Alex waited a moment, and then waited another moment before uncovering his mouth. “I think he’s gone.” Steven nodded as they both slowly stood and looked over the stall to make sure Tater was gone. Once they saw the barn was clear, Alex pulled Steven along with him as they exited Buster’s stall. Steven screamed when Tater appeared in the barn. He was standing at the entrance. They both turned and shot out from the back of the barn, taking off across the back field. Alex had to stop once to help Steven up when he fell and then they took off again. They gained ground, getting closer to the woods. If they could just get to the woods, they could hide in there. Alex could shift and climb a tree, but Steven was human. There was no way he was leaving him to fend for himself. Alex put on a burst of speed, dragging Steven along when he spotted Tater’s truck barreling around the side of the barn and heading straight for them. His lungs began to burn he was running so fast. They made it to the woods as Tater’s truck came to halt. Why couldn’t it have stalled out halfway to them? It figures the damn thing worked properly when Alex didn’t need it to.

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“Go,” he yelled at Steven as they heard the truck door slam. “Damn it, Alex. What the hell is wrong with you?” Tater shouted from behind them. Him? What was wrong with him? He wasn’t the one hell-bent on running Alex and Steven into ground. He wasn’t the one who asked to use the phone and then disappeared. He wasn’t the one who was chasing someone like a madman. Alex ran as fast as his tired legs would take him, and then he ran some more. He had to think about Steven. There was no way he was letting harm come to the human. They jumped over fallen trees and around low-hanging branches, trying their best to stay ahead of Tater. Alex wished he’d paid more attention to those movies where the guys were in the woods and set up traps to catch the bad guy. What the hell was he thinking? This was no time to let his mind wander. He had to stay focused. Not only did his life count on it, but so did Steven’s. “Alex!” He heard Tater yelling for him but he didn’t stop, couldn’t stop. Steven yelped and stopped midstride, pushing Alex to the ground. They belly-crawled under some bushes as Alex tried to get his breathing under control. His muscles hurt. He was tired, and his lungs were on fire. He glanced over at Steven to ask why they stopped running when he saw the reason walk past their bush. Alex slammed his eyes closed. There was no way another bloodsucker was out for him. This couldn’t be happening. After the last attack, he was even more terrified of them. He’d learned that the last vampire was hyped up on some drug called Liquid Wrath. Alex wondered if this one was as well. He lay deathly still, not making a sound as the creature walked past them. Even with the thought that Tater was after them, he hoped his step-cousin didn’t run into the vampire. No one deserved that.

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Alex shot out of the bush when he heard Tater screaming. He had to help him even if Tater was out to hurt him. His instincts for family kicked in, and Alex wasn’t going to let Tater face this alone. He wasn’t sure what the hell he was going to do, but he had to do something. The shouting was getting louder, telling Alex he was getting close. He could feel Steven hot on his heels, and he wanted to curse. Alex didn’t have time to argue with the mate. Tater needed him. His eyes scanned the area as he ran to his step-cousin, trying to find anything that he could use as a weapon. Shifting wouldn’t help, as it was already proven. It was best to stay in his human form for the fight. If he was injured, he could always shift to heal. “Get back,” Tater shouted at him. “Run!” he added when the vampire turned and set his sights on Alex. Alex came to a halt, unsure of what he should do now. He didn’t have a weapon to use, just his bare hands and he knew for a fact that those weren’t going to help. He could hear Steven whimpering behind him and Alex knew he had to do something. But what? The tension in the air was thick as everyone stood still. Alex swallowed hard when the ends of the vampire’s lips curled into a cruel smile. In a flash, the vampire leapt, tackling Alex to the ground. Tater jumped on the vampire’s back, punching and pulling at the thing as Alex kicked and scratched to get free. His heart was in his throat when he saw Steven pick up a large branch and swing it toward the vampire. Alex covered his head, hoping Steven’s aim was dead accurate. He heard the large branch make contact and the vampire snarl. Tater was on the thing’s back pummeling him, but it didn’t seem to be wearing the vampire down. In fact, Tater was the one who looked like he was running out of energy. His fists were still flying, but the intensity and accuracy were starting to falter.

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Tater shouted a warning as bears appeared in the clearing. Tater doubled his efforts to free Alex as he shouted for Steven to get into the fetal position. Steven dropped to the ground and balled up. Alex wanted to roll his eyes. Steven must not know why Tater was telling him that. There was no way the bears were going to hurt the mate. Their problem was this damn thing with fangs and sharp nails trying to dig into him. Tater had his hands on the vampire’s jaw, trying to twist it and keep the fangs away from Alex. His step-cousin shouted when he was pulled off of the vampire, kicking and screaming, fighting Olsen and trying to get back to Alex. Alex knew Tater was no match for the vampire and that Olsen was doing the right thing. But that left him to defend himself now. No sooner than the thought crossed his mind, Gavin, in bear form, crashed into the vampire, making Alex roll with them. He tried to free himself, but the vampire had a pretty good hold on him. His nails were digging into Alex’s shirt and skin, making it impossible to get free. Alex tried to rip his shirt off but then remembered the midriff corset. Okay, he had a decision to make here. He could rip his shirt free and expose his secret to everyone, or let the vampire tear into his flesh, possibly killing him. He knew there was only one choice to make. As much as it was going to humiliate him, he had to get free. With great effort, Alex twisted around until the vampire had only his shirt, his sharp nails snuggly in the fabric. Alex tried with all his might to get the nails free as Gavin fought to keep the vampire’s fangs away from Alex. Letting out a brave breath, Alex rolled away, his shirt tearing and setting him free. He jumped up, the pink corset visible for everyone to see. Tater cleared his throat as Olsen blushed and averted his eyes. Steven stood there with his mouth hanging open, his eyes wide.

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This was so not happening. His worst fear was coming to life. The entire Lakeland clan, Tater, and Steven were standing there staring at him like he was a freak. Alex took off, the tears burning his eyes as he ran. He wasn’t sure what direction he was going, but anywhere was better than standing there showing off how much of a freak he really was. Now he would have to leave. There was no way he was going to live under the same roof with these men and see the disapproval and disgust in their eyes every time he looked at them. Alex hugged his midsection as he continued to run. There might as well be a big ass banner above his head stating that he liked to wear woman’s undergarments. Everyone knew now. He shouted when a hand wrapped around him and pulled him from his feet. Alex kicked, trying to get free. “Will you still those damn legs?” It was Pa. Alex was mortified that the head of the house was witnessing his humiliation. The man was probably going to ask him to leave now. He was probably going to tell Alex what a disappointment of a son-in-law he was. “Please, let me go. I’ll pack quickly and get out of your house. I promise,” Alex cried. “What the hell are you talking about, son?” Pa asked. Alex shrugged as the tears fell. “You want my perverted ass out from under your roof. I understand.” “Alex, calm down. You aren’t going anywhere. I don’t care about this,” Pa said as he lowered Alex to his feet. “You don’t?” he asked as he wiped his eyes. “I think it’s hot.” Chauncey grinned from ear to ear as he cleared the woods. “You do?” “And I’ll kill him if he comes near you,” Gavin said as he walked out of the woods naked.

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Chapter Ten Gavin held his mate in his lap as his family sat around the kitchen table. Alex was sipping on a cup of coffee, but he knew his mate sat there feeling as embarrassed as any one being could be. “So why the hell did you guys run?” Tater asked as he leaned against a counter, as far away from Olsen as possible. Gavin and Alex had dressed before joining his family downstairs. He had to calm Alex down. His mate was hysterical in their bedroom, throwing things and crying. He didn’t want to come downstairs and face anyone. “You asked to use the phone, and then when we came inside, you weren’t anywhere in sight,” Steven answered. “Why did everyone leave? There should have been at least one of you here,” Steven stated angrily. The entire room looked over at Olsen. “We did leave someone here,” Pa said with a bite. “I was in the backyard,” Olsen defended himself. “I didn’t go anywhere and leave them defenseless.” “I saw Olsen in the backyard and went out there with him,” Tater said from behind everyone. “When I went back out on the front porch, these two were gone. I went searching for them.” “But…” Alex glanced up at Gavin and then down to the mug clasped in his hands. “Why did you chase us?” Tater sighed heavily as he pushed away from the counter. “Because something happened at my house and I had to call Maverick. I saw some guys with fangs on my property, and I was afraid there were some here as well. There are a lot of freaks out

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tonight. Why would anyone go around trying to scare someone with fake fangs?” Gavin stared at Tater for a moment, unbelieving that the man thought it was a human pretending to be a vampire. Really? He shook his head and concentrated on the problem at hand. Gavin could see how the misunderstanding took place. Alex had told him that some sixth sense was warning him of danger. Since Tater was the only one around, his mate had assumed it was his cousin. “I can’t believe you thought I was out to hurt you,” Tater mumbled. Gavin could hear the hurt in the man’s voice, see it in his eyes. He’d be hurt, too, if his family looked at him like a monster. He could see Olsen tensing. His brother’s shoulders stiffened as he glanced in the direction Tater was standing. It made Gavin hold Alex tighter, appreciating what they had. Alex was so giving, so caring that he didn’t know what he would do if his mate refused to be near him. And he had no doubt Tater was Olsen’s mate. The air seemed to crackle when the two were near each other. The desperation in Olsen’s eyes tore at Gavin. Olsen and Bryce were his womb mates. That made them closer to each other than any other person on the face of the planet. Everyone except Alex. His bond with Alex was different though. It was the bond of a mated pair. Nothing could or would ever come between them. It still didn’t make looking at Olsen and Tater any easier. He hated to see the distance and pain in each of them. “What happened at your house?” Pa asked, saving Alex from having to comment on Tater’s words. He could feel his mate’s rigidness while sitting in his lap. Alex regretted what he had done, regretted how he had treated Tater. “My uncle Clark is there. Which is strange enough since he vocally advocated to have Alex locked away and said he never wanted to step foot around him.”

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Gavin growled low. His hand rested in the middle of Alex’s back. He didn’t want his mate to feel hatred from anyone. He knew he couldn’t stop it, but he could shield him from it, protect him from the hatred. “He asked my dad if he could use the barn for some project he needed to do for his job. My dad thought nothing of it and said yes.” Tater crossed his arms over his chest. “But I use the barn a lot. So I went in there, intending to tell my uncle that we were going to share the space. He wasn’t in there, but it looked like a chemist’s lab. I’m not sure what he’s brewing in there, but I don’t think a computer programmer needs beakers and Bunsen burners.” Gavin, along with his family, cursed. “Get Maverick on the phone,” his pa demanded. “He needs to know about this. I think we found our distributer.” Bryce nodded as he got up and let the room. “Distributer?” Tater asked as he stared at everyone in the room with confusion. “As in drugs? Tell me that’s not a fucking meth lab in my damn barn.” Gavin shook his head, wishing he could say it was anything but drugs. Tater seemed like a nice guy and the kind of man that wouldn’t put up with something as vile as drugs on his property. “It’s worse I’m afraid.” “Worse?” Tater said incredulously. “How can anything be worse than meth? I’m not an expert when it comes to drugs, but I’ve heard what that stuff can do. And I also know it’s very unstable.” Tater began to pace. “I can’t chance my fucking home burning down because my uncle is trying to sell poison.” “It’s bigger than that,” Olsen said as he got up from his chair and stood in front of Tater. “It’s a lot deeper than you can imagine.” “Then someone needs to tell me what the hell is going on around here. This secretive shit isn’t washing with me. This involves me now. I deserve to know what the hell is going on around here, damn it.”

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“That you do, son,” Pa said as he nodded at Olsen. “And your mate should be the one to tell you.” “Mate?” Gavin felt for Tater. He looked so lost standing there. He was the only one in the room ignorant of the world around him. Gavin wanted to tell him, but it wasn’t his place. Tater blew out a long breath as he ran his fingers through his hair. “I can handle anything you have to say. I don’t freak out too easily. Tell me.” “We’re bears,” Olsen said as his hands landed on Tater’s upper arms. Tater’s eyes seemed to shift for a moment from Olsen to the rest of the room before he looked back at his mate. “Okay, I can handle that. What about Alex?” Gavin was shocked Tater had asked. As far as he knew, Alex never told him what he was. “Oh come on. I know there’s something different about him. And I’m not talking about his preference for dressing like…” Tater waved his hand toward Alex. “You know.” Alex shrank back in Gavin’s arms. Gavin held him tight as he narrowed his eyes at Tater. Cousin or not, he wasn’t going to allow anyone to make his mate ashamed of what he liked. Gavin thought it was a big turn-on, and he would not sit here and let anyone berate Alex for it. “I don’t care about it. Hell, I think his magazine collection is stranger than his need to dress up like a woman,” Tater stated. “I’m not a woman,” Alex shot at Tater. “I’m not a freak,” he said softly as he buried his face in Gavin’s chest. “No one thinks you’re a freak, kitten.” Gavin ran his hands over Alex as he glared at the room. “I told you I thought it was hot,” Chauncey added, but he wasn’t smiling. Gavin nodded toward his brother. He’d kill Chauncey if he

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ever came near Alex, but he saw the bear’s declaration for what it was. He was trying to make Alex feel better. Gavin loved his family even more. They supported one another no matter what happened. They were a force to be reckoned with. Come after one and you had to take the whole lot on. “Maverick is on his way,” Bryce said as he walked back into the room. “He’s an Ocelot,” Gavin informed Tater. “An Oce-what?” “A house cat.” Chauncey snickered. Alex leaned forward and hissed at Chauncey. “Anytime, pussycat,” Chauncey taunted. “I’ll take you with one arm tied behind my back.” “And brainless,” Gavin grumbled. If he damn near killed Murdock for trying to snip his balls off, he could imagine what his baby would do to Chauncey for taunting him. His brother was biting off more than he could chew. He had a feeling size didn’t matter when it came to Alex’s anger. “Enough,” Pa called out to the room. “We need to concentrate on the outbreak of rogues around here.” Gavin watched the Alpha and two other wolf shifters walk into their large kitchen. The three massive bodies seemed to suck the oxygen out of the air. The kitchen shrank as the three men stood there in their massive forms. “Evening, gentlemen.” Alpha Maverick nodded to the room as the two men stood quietly at his flank, their hands clasped in front of them and a look that would make a lesser man faint. Gavin recognized them. It was Beta Kota and Commander Hawk. He had a feeling there were a few more Timber wolves outside. He would bet his life that there were. Gavin just prayed it wasn’t the Santiago brothers. Rumor had it that those men liked to burn things down.

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“You have information for me?” Maverick turned to Tater. His stance was casual enough. Maverick’s hands were behind his back, a small smile on his lips. Gavin wasn’t fooled in the least. This Alpha was very deadly. His aura screamed lethality. Tater nodded as Olsen moved closer, protecting his mate. “My uncle Clark is doing something in my barn. He’s using chemist equipment.” “And this is odd how?” Maverick questioned. “He’s a computer programmer, sir,” Tater answered. “But my dad doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s innocent in this.” Maverick cocked his head to the side as he studied Tater. “How is he ignorant of what’s happening on his own property?” “He hasn’t gone out there to see what Clark is up to. My dad is basically a hermit.” Maverick nodded. “I’ll take that into consideration.” “But—” Olsen grabbed Tater and shook his head. Gavin could see the confusion and desperation on Tater’s face. The human had no clue what was going on here. Maverick’s head snapped back to Tater. “But nothing. Your uncle is producing a drug that needs human blood as its main component, but if humans use it, they die. It makes paranormals even more aggressive than what is in their nature. It turns vampires into killing machines, shifters into abusers and addicts, and in order to get the human blood, a human is completely drained.” Tater’s face paled as the Alpha spoke. He looked like he was going to be sick. “I swear,” he whispered. “My father knows nothing about this.” “Then your father needs to become aware of what is happening on his own property,” Maverick bit out then pinched the bridge of his nose. “If he truly has no clue, he will be unharmed but warned.” “Thank you,” Tater whispered as he looked helplessly at Olsen.

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Maverick nodded. “Thank you for your information. It has saved a lot of lives.” The Alpha walked out of the kitchen, his men following behind him. Olsen grabbed Tater’s neck and hauled him to his chest. Tater growled and pushed Olsen away, storming from the house, Olsen close behind him. Gavin stood with his sleeping mate in his arms. “I’m heading upstairs.” Roman did the same, Steven knocked out in his lap as well. Gavin could feel the tension all around him. One of the mates was in distress. That didn’t sit well with any of them. Their hearts went out to Tater, but if his father had any knowledge of what was going on, he would be dealt with harshly. That was what pack did. They dealt with problems swiftly and justly. There would be no sparing a life if his father was in on making the very drug that was fucking up the paranormal world. Gavin climbed the stairs, going into his bedroom and laying Alex on the bed. He removed his shoes and then pulled his shirt over his head. Alex slept through it all. Gavin pulled his jeans free and then covered his mate as he sat on the side of the bed and watched his kitten sleep. **** Maverick and Zeus walked into the big red barn as Prince Christian materialized and Panahasi walked out of a shadowed corner. It was dead of night as the four walked over to the setup at the back of the barn. “Now we have all the ingredients of how it’s made,” Christian stated as he picked up the bag of human blood. Maverick studied the table as Zeus stared at it all. “This is unbelievable.”

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Panahasi growled as he snagged a small, clear jar. “This is from my realm. It’s something we use when a warrior is injured. A very powerful powder mixed into a drink to heal the warrior from the inside out. No wonder humans are dying,” he said angrily. Christian shook his head as he walked around the table with beakers. “They’re using vampire blood as well.” He pointed to a bag that held a deeper color of blood. It was almost black. “That’s rogue blood.” His fangs lengthened as he picked it up. “When a vampire goes rogue, he consumes large quantities of human blood, making him go mad from the overdose. Their blood is basically poison.” Maverick picked up some herbs, turning them over in his hand. “It looks like they’re all here.” Zeus nodded. “Looks that way.” “What?” Christian asked. “The herbs we use when a shifter is going through his first shift. It’s almost like a sedative when combined together.” Maverick took a step, anger ripping through him as he headed toward the barn entrance. “They’re using something from every species. It’s a miracle paranormals aren’t dropping like flies.” “But humans are, and I have them in my pack. They are just as important to us as the rest of the pack,” Zeus stated. “One of my mates is human.” “Mine as well,” Maverick reminded the other Alpha. “Both of mine are.” Christian growled. Maverick noticed Panahasi didn’t add to their conversation, which told him that the demon leader hadn’t found his mate yet. If this drug wasn’t destroyed, he may not. If his mate was human and this drug killed him before the leader found him, it would devastate the man. If his mate was paranormal, then he could go mad. It was a loselose situation. He headed into the house, Zeus close behind him. Why wasn’t he surprised when he walked in and found two human men arguing in the living room? “What the hell is the meaning of this?”

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Maverick recognized him as Tater’s father. “By all means, continue your debate.” Panahasi walked in from the back room as Christian walked down the steps from upstairs. The human who he assumed was Clark shrank back, his eyes darting between the four of the intruders. “You know who I am,” Maverick stated at the obvious fear in the man’s eyes. He nodded as he stepped behind his brother. Maverick hated a man who was doing wrong and then used another to shield him. That was a coward’s way. He looked Tater’s dad in his eyes. “Did you know what Clark was doing in your barn?” When Tater’s dad tilted his head and looked at Maverick like he had no clue what he was talking about, Maverick had his answer. “Leave us.” Tater’s dad started to do as he was told when Clark grabbed his brother, a knife appearing in his hand as he laid it to his brother’s throat. “I don’t think so. You’re going to let me walk out of here unharmed and none of you freaks are going to follow me.” Maverick rolled his eyes. The man was dumber than a rock. If he seriously thought he was walking away from this, then the stupid son of a bitch deserved to die. Zeus gave a low chuckle next to him as Christian appeared behind Clark, grabbing his arm with the knife and twisting it behind Clark’s back. “Leave us,” Maverick repeated to Tater’s dad. Tater’s dad was smart enough to take off upstairs. Maverick was glad. He would have hated to do something to the man. He could see the pain in Tater’s eyes as he begged for his father’s life. It bothered him, but his pack and the Lakelands came first. The destruction of this drug outweighed high-strung emotions. “Fuck.” Panahasi shot out of the front door, Maverick close behind as an orange glow lit up the night. The barn was on fire, its flames licking toward the sky. Maverick raced across the yard and tackled Tater, pulling him away as the barn exploded, splinters of wood, debris, and fire raining

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down on them. He got to his feet as he pulled the human up with him. “Are you fucking crazy? Do you know how explosive those ingredients are when in their natural state?” Zeus pulled Tater away before Maverick lost his temper and killed the dumb fucker. A truck came racing up the driveway, one of the Lakelands behind the wheel. Tater better be damn glad his mate was coming to get him. Maverick stormed away as he walked back into the house. “Get him to my house,” he yelled at Christian as he left. He was going to kill Clark. There was no doubt about that. The man knew exactly what he was doing. But first he was going to find out who in the demon realm was supplying the human realm with that fucking drug. On nights like this, he wished he could take his family and just walk away from it all. **** “Turn around, kitten.” Gavin groaned as Alex strutted around in his pink lingerie. His cock was rock hard in his hand as Alex modeled it for him. It had taken some fancy talking to get Alex to put it back on. He was humiliated that everyone knew his secret and swore he was never going to be caught in it again. That protest lasted all of five seconds when his mate pulled the pink lace from the bathroom and laid it out on the bed for Alex to see. Alex couldn’t resist the lace as it called to him. Gavin wasn’t playing fair, but Alex couldn’t seem to get mad about it. He hitched his hips from side to side as he shook his butt at Gavin. “Bring that fine-looking ass over here, kitten.” Gavin growled. Alex blushed as he strutted in his heels, feeling beautiful and powerful at the moment. He kicked one leg up onto the bed, shaking his hips as his cock bobbed in front of Gavin’s face. “You like?”

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“Every damn inch of you,” Gavin said huskily as he grabbed Alex and tossed him on the bed. “You’re a wet dream.” Alex squealed as Gavin tossed his legs back and wiggled his butt plug. “I’m about to tear this ass up.” “Tear away,” Alex moaned as his mate removed the plug, lubed his cock, and then sank into him. He tossed his heels onto Gavin’s shoulders as he lifted his ass for Gavin to go deeper. “You are my angel without wings.” Gavin leaned forward, taking Alex’s lips with his. Alex groaned when Gavin’s tongue swept across his. He was glad that Gavin had discovered his secrets. His life was far from perfect, but having Gavin accept him for who he was, it made it damn close. **** Tater stared at Olsen as the fire consumed his red barn. His bike had been in there. His reprieve was no longer standing, welcoming him when he needed to be alone. He turned to Olsen, the man who seemed to want to be a part of his life. Tater had been lonely for a very long time, as long as he could remember. But this was too much for him to handle right now. He turned and walked toward his house as the fire department showed up. Olsen followed him to the porch, grabbing his arm and spinning him around. “Tater.” Tater pulled his arm free, fearing the emotions assaulting him. He wasn’t going to allow himself to care for this man. He couldn’t. It would never work. It was bad enough he had to sneak into the city whenever the feeling hit him to have sex, but now someone close to home wanted a relationship, wanted to take it to another level.

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Tater couldn’t handle that. A small part of it was the fear of his father finding out, but that wasn’t a drop in the ocean compared to the real reason. Tater feared commitment, closeness. Tater feared Olsen Lakeland and what the man could do to his heart. “Go home, Olsen. There’s nothing here for you.” Tater walked into his house, feeling his heart breaking as he closed the front door.

THE END WWW.LYNNHAGEN.COM HTTP://FACEBOOK.COM/LYNNHAGEN.MANLOVE HTTP://LYNNHAGEN.BLOGSPOT.COM HTTP://GROUPS.YAHOO.COM/GROUP/LYNNHAGEN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lynn Hagen loves writing about the somewhat flawed, but lovable. She also loves a hero who can see past all the rough edges to find the shining diamond of a beautiful heart. You can find her on any given day curled up with her laptop and a cup of hot java, letting the next set of characters tell their story.

Also by Lynn Hagen Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 1: Maverick’s Mate Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 2: Hawk’s Pretty Baby Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 3: Sunshine’s Savior Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 4: Remi’s Pup Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 5: Stormy Eyes Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 6: Oliver’s Heart Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 7: Keata’s Promise Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 8: George’s Turn Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 9: Loco’s Love Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 10: Lewis’s Dream Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 11: Mark’s Not Gay Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 12: Nutter Nero Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 13: Heaven’s Hell Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 14: Nicholas’s Wolf Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 15: Murphy’s Madness Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 16: Montana’s Vamp Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 17: Carter’s Tryck Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 18: Joshua’s Law Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 19: Dagon’s Ride Everlasting Classic ManLove: Brac Pack 20: Steven’s Journey For all other titles, please visit: www.bookstrand.com/lynn-hagen

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