Blood Relations

MIA Case Files: Blood Relations Table of Contents MIA Case Files: Blood Relations

K. C. Burn

www.loose-id.com MIA Case Files: Blood Relations Copyright © October 2010 by K. C. Burn All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights. Purchase only authorized editions. eISBN 978-1-60737-879-2 Editor: Raven McKnight Cover Artist: Croco Designs Printed in the United States of America Published by Loose Id LLC PO Box 425960 San Francisco CA 94142-5960 www.loose-id.com This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or

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Prologue Thomas launched himself from the couch. The fucker knocking at his door sounded like he was going to break it down. What could be so urgent? Huh. “What are you doing here?” Thomas couldn’t remember the guy’s name. He’d been a nice piece of tail, and Thomas had told him he’d call. But shit, that was just something you said. Not like he was looking for anything more than a good time. Probably he should stop bringing them home to fuck, though. One day he’d bag himself a crazy stalker. The blond smiled at him, teeth shiny and white. “Can I come in?” Thomas shrugged. He’d planned on an early night before catching a flight the next day, but he could handle a repeat of last night’s…entertainment. “Sure, why not?” Thomas stepped back, and the smaller man slipped past, brushing up against his chest and groin. Oh yeah, Thomas could handle a repeat with that ass. Maybe this time he’d actually call after. After locking the door, he followed the twink’s tight butt into his living room. “Can I get you a drink?” The blond turned, and Thomas felt his fingers go numb. “Yes,” the blond hissed between canines that had lengthened into sharp, glistening points. “You can.” “Wha—” Thomas couldn’t speak. He stumbled back, hearing a crystalline crash as he did so, and before he could blink, the slight man was on top of him, pushing him back against the wall. With more strength than Thomas would have believed, the twink held him in place while wrenching his head back. When the fangs sank into his neck, Thomas screamed and struggled, but he knew it wouldn’t help. The same way he knew he wasn’t going to survive the night.

Chapter One “Frazer Nyland, do not tell me you’re giving up!” Becca, with her hands on her hips and her black hair pulled into a severe bun, looked like someone’s disapproving teacher. Someone’s hot, busty teacher. Hey, Frazer might not be heterosexual, but he knew a hot woman when he saw one. Then again, the way his luck with men had been going, maybe he ought to think about turning straight. Yeah, right. Like that was possible. Becca wasn’t finished, though. “You’ve had a bad dating streak. It happens to everyone.” She turned back to her suitcase. “I know, but it’s super bad this time. Ever since I broke up with Matt, I can’t seem to get a second date.” “Stop sleeping with them on the first date. Gotta keep the mystery alive, my friend.” Becca smirked. Depressed as he was, Frazer let out a small snort of laughter. Becca knew he didn’t sleep with guys on the first date. Usually. He always hoped for more than just sex. Not a popular outlook in the clubs, but he couldn’t help it. He wanted a companion, a lover, not a fuck buddy. “I’ll try that next time,” Frazer said. And he would. He’d slept with the last one. Who’d said he’d call, but never had. God, what was it about him? He was the wrong side of twenty-five, sure, but only by a year. He worked out most days and had a decent job. What had changed so drastically? He and his brother, Julian, used to garner quite a lot of attention when they hung out together. Frazer even remembered a time when his brother’s boyfriend, Henry, broke up with Julian to be with Frazer. Frazer hadn’t done anything with Henry, because ew. Way too incestuous, sleeping with his brother’s ex, but still. That was no more than a couple of years ago. Frazer hadn’t completely lost all of his allure for the same sex, had he? “Stop it right now,” Becca said. “What?” Frazer asked as innocently as he could. Becca knew him better than anyone alive, even his brother. “You’re dwelling again. Once I was younger, better-looking, could have anyone by snapping my fingers…” Frazer snorted again. He might be a cute blond twink, but he didn’t flounce around like Becca did when she mocked him out of his bad moods. “You know you’re attractive, but you need to shake things up a little. You’re in a rut. Get out of it. Do something different. Stop worrying about the next boyfriend, and have fun. It’ll

work. You’ll see.” She hugged him, improving his mood. Becca was right. Maybe there weren’t any more suitable eligible men in the area. While Becca was away on her business trip, he’d take her advice. Except for not sleeping with the guy on the first date. That he’d have to consider on a case-by-case basis. Hormones were a bitch. Frazer never went looking for one-night stands, but they sometimes found him. *** Agent Cooper Wallace strode down the antiseptic halls of the MIA office building, discomfort making him shift his shoulders. He couldn’t wait to ditch the laser pistol. Never sat right in his holster, but it was one of the best ways to take zombies down. He also couldn’t figure out why the office of the Metaphysical Investigative Agency had to be more utilitarian than any other building in existence. They were a secret government agency, for fuck’s sake. Who’d know if they had a few creature comforts like, oh, color? Wasn’t it enough they risked their lives fighting creatures no one knew existed outside of horror fiction? A few paces ahead walked Agent Carmichael and his agency partner, Oliver Cardoso. Oliver had been his own partner when Coop first joined the agency seven years ago. To this day they retained a bit of their mentor-student relationship, but Coop had never spoken much with the taciturn Carmichael until lately. Adam, a brand-spanking-new agent—relatively speaking—was Coop’s partner and Carmichael’s lover. Adam and Coop had joined the agency the same way—they’d both been bitten by werewolves trying to turn them, and it had given them an immediate camaraderie. Coop enjoyed teasing Adam about the fact that no one knew Carmichael’s first name. Adam’s response was always a look that told him Adam knew, but he wasn’t talking. Which was good for Adam. Coop couldn’t imagine fucking someone so reserved and distant. Cooper increased his speed, catching up with the two agents. “How’s it going?” “Fine,” Carmichael said. “Mission went okay?” Cooper rolled his eyes. Like he hadn’t monitored obsessively for Adam’s return. Still in the honeymoon phase, those two, even a couple of years in. “Well, Adam lost a lot of blood…” “What?” Carmichael stopped dead, grabbed Coop’s arm, and spun him around. Cooper didn’t think he’d ever seen Carmichael so pale. Shit. Bad joke. “I’m sorry, man. I was joking. I know you keep close tabs on him.” Carmichael flushed to the roots of his dark blond hair, letting his grip ease, and Cooper grinned. He might not go for men who were his own size and bulk, but the blush made Carmichael damned sexy. Oliver looked on benevolently, but there was a hint of sadness in his expression. It wasn’t the first time Coop had seen that look before, and he wondered why Oliver

always seemed so lonely even surrounded by people. “Not funny.” Carmichael growled and cuffed him, hard, on the shoulder. “I know. Sorry. It was an easy mission; I’m sure you heard. Should be quiet for a bit, give you some downtime with your man.” If anything, Carmichael’s blush intensified. Cute bastard. “Something’s coming,” he said. Cooper shrugged. “Always is. Don’t you worry. I’ve got Adam’s back.” Because he knew damned well if he let anything happen to Adam, he’d have to answer to Carmichael. Carmichael swallowed and nodded. “Want to meet us for dinner tonight?” His invitation had been for Coop only. Maybe that was part of Oliver’s problem. He never, ever socialized with any of them, no matter how many invites he received. “No, that’s okay. Maybe later this week.” Never let it be said Cooper couldn’t learn from his mistakes. Last time he’d gone to dinner with Adam and Carmichael the same day Adam returned from a mission, he’d had to go home and jack off. Twice. Cooper couldn’t understand why they bothered to eat in public when it was clear to anyone with eyes that the entire meal wasn’t sustenance, but foreplay. Anyone sitting too close, like Cooper, got zinged by their insane sexual energy, and he’d spent the entire hour and a half tongue-tied, jealous, and hard as a rock. Spaghetti and sensual were words he’d never associated with each other until that night, and thinking about it now made him chub up a little. So, no, he wasn’t doing that again. Not until he had a lover of his own. Of course, he had to get out and date for that to happen. Lovers weren’t going to fall from the sky. Adam had tried to set him up with a couple of his friends, but Cooper didn’t want to risk his working relationship with Adam if a fling with one of them went bad. Tonight, instead of going home and watching reruns of NCIS, he should go out. There was a bar, a little out of his way, but he’d had decent luck there in the past. The place didn’t make him feel like a troll, searching for a young piece of ass for the night. *** Frazer parked his silver Honda in front of Bar None and turned off the ignition. Maybe not the most original name in the world, but he’d heard the place was decent. Supposedly catered to a slightly older clientele than the clubs he frequented. Not that he was too old for the clubs—yet—but if he wanted something lasting, he wasn’t going to find it with a back-alley blowjob. Becca had told him to shake it up, and he was going to try. An hour out of his usual stomping grounds better be worth his time. Sometimes older guys were worse than the young ones for banging anything with a dick. Not too damned old and not on the prowl—that’s all Frazer asked for. His standards were lowering by the minute.

Frazer got out of the car and smoothed his hands down his shirt. His little Civic wasn’t the worst car in the lot, and some of his nervousness melted away. With determined steps, he walked in. Bar None had to get him out of his rut. Oooh. Nice. The place had a cozy, neighborhood-pub feel to it, but upscaled a bit. The rest of his nervousness dissipated when he glanced around and assured himself this wasn’t a sleazy hookup place. His gaze zeroed in on the muscular back of a man sitting by the bar. Oh yes. That was the place to start. Find out if the front was half as good as the back. With few patrons seated around the bar, it took mere seconds for the bartender to become aware of Frazer. “What’s on draft?” Frazer asked. Beer wasn’t his preferred drink, but he needed a little liquid courage. Martinis got him blitzed, and he had to drive home later. The bartender listed a bunch of names, some of which he’d never heard of. More choices than he’d expected. “Any Belgian beers?” He’d heard they tasted better. “Just one.” The bartender gestured at a long white tap handle. “I’ll take it.” “No problem, sweet thing.” Sweet thing? A grin pulled the corners of Frazer’s lips up. Nothing like a compliment to give him a bit of confidence. While he waited for the bartender to pull his drink, Frazer avoided looking at the man he’d first noticed. He didn’t want to get caught staring, and he didn’t want to initiate contact until he was ready. Which meant having a drink to hold. Otherwise he might do something lame, like wring his hands. Especially if the guy was as hot as Frazer imagined. With a wink, the bartender handed Frazer his beer, and Frazer took a quick sip before sidling up to his target. “Hello.” Frazer sat down in the seat to the man’s right. “Hey,” the man said without looking up. Which was a shame. Now that Frazer was up close, he could appreciate how brown the man’s skin was, how soft his black hair looked. Even the man’s aristocratic, pointed nose was attractive. The man didn’t seem interested, and rejection sucked, but Frazer couldn’t help himself. “I’m Frazer.” “Cooper.” The man swiveled toward Frazer. Oh. God. Perfect brown skin over perfect chiseled cheekbones. Eyes the color of his damned beer, almost whiskeylike. Lips smooth and firm, not too plump and not too thin. Thirty, maybe a little older. Frazer’s gaze traveled down the man’s neck to the open-throated

purple dress shirt, where he spied a few black chest hairs peeping out. Fingers trembling with the need to touch, Frazer held out his hand to shake, hoping he wouldn’t “accidentally” slip and stroke over the firm pectoral muscles visible underneath Cooper’s shirt. Cooper stretched out his hand, and as Frazer met those gorgeous eyes again, their hands touched. More of a caress than a handshake. Frazer couldn’t breathe. Cooper’s fingers transmitted some sort of lightning bolt that thundered through Frazer’s veins until it hit his cock, making it swell in the confines of his pants. The sudden dilation of Cooper’s pupils told Frazer he wasn’t the only one in lust. When Cooper finally released his grip, shaking his head a little, Frazer realized they’d been holding hands for several seconds. Wow. He’d never felt anything like it before. “Care to move to a booth, Frazer?” Cooper asked in a voice that stirred desire in the pit of Frazer’s stomach. “Yes, please.” Frazer grabbed his drink to follow Cooper. Was this a one-night stand? He hoped not, but he’d take whatever Cooper offered. Damn hormones. Cooper’s heart pounded. He was almost afraid to turn around and look at the man behind him. Frazer couldn’t be as good-looking as he’d thought. Frazer was exactly Cooper’s type. Not too tall—but then, most men were smaller than he was. Light blond hair, creamy skin, midtwenties, slim but not skinny. Enormous blue eyes with a hint of eyeliner and filled with lust. For Cooper. In a few harsh breaths, they were at an empty booth, Frazer moving around to slide in across from him. Cooper’s heart stuttered, and his dick flexed. Saliva pooled in his mouth as he imagined licking every inch of that smooth, pale skin. Dammit, he didn’t know Frazer’s last name—he didn’t even know if Frazer was his real name—and for a change, he didn’t care. The booth was darker than the bar, surprising Cooper, as the bar had been plenty dark already. The setting was more intimate than he’d expected, but he congratulated himself on his decision to come here tonight. Watching Frazer’s tongue slide out to wet pink, pink lips made Cooper ache. He knew in that moment that Frazer was his for the night if he wanted. He hadn’t tried for more in a long time. Too many others had claimed he was too clingy, too smothering. Made him gun-shy. But Adam and Carmichael’s happiness made him want to try again. Frazer could be the one. Maybe. Cooper pulled in a deep breath and caught a whiff of Frazer’s cologne. Light, fresh, like a recently mowed lawn. Sexy. He wanted that smell in his nostrils, along with the scent of sweaty man.

“Frazer.” Cooper liked the sound of the name. He hoped it wasn’t fiction, because he had a sudden vision of him calling it out while buried deep in Frazer’s ass, and it felt right. He couldn’t wait. “I’m Cooper Wallace.” If he was going to start this right, he needed to be up front about his name too. “Are you from around here?” Frazer smiled, sweet and pure. “I’m Frazer Nyland.” Good. Unusual enough. Frazer might be for real. Cooper relaxed, the tension in his shoulders making itself known only by its absence. “And I’m not far, about an hour away.” An hour. He could work with that. “Are you single?” Cooper had no interest in being someone’s dirty little secret. “Yes. Heard good things about this place, and from what I can see, it’s definitely good.” Frazer’s gaze roamed over his skin like a caress, and Cooper’s dick strained toward him. Sweat popped out on his forehead as he struggled to not reach across the table and drag Frazer into his lap. He wanted a taste so bad. Cooper had never been so desperate for someone, without anything more than a handshake. “I’m single too,” Cooper said in reply. Frazer nodded and beamed at him. Good. They were on the same page. For several long seconds, they just looked at each other. Frazer found himself completely speechless. He downed half of his beer for something to do with his mouth besides offering to fuck Cooper in his car. Or blow him in the bathroom. The whole point of coming here was to avoid another empty, depressing, sordid one-night stand. It was the whole reason he hated hookups. So why couldn’t he think of anything besides having sex with Cooper? No matter how much he wanted to get Cooper naked, he also sensed Cooper wasn’t a shitheel like most of the men he’d dated. He needed to say something. Something that would convince Cooper that Frazer was worth dating. Here he was with the sexiest man he’d ever come across, and the only things he could think of were lame, unoriginal, and crude pick-up lines. “So, Frazer Nyland.” Cooper drew out his name in a low tone, causing electricity to dance at the base of Frazer’s spine. “Where does that name come from?” Frazer hoped Cooper’s voice would take on that same timbre while Frazer rode him like a cowboy. And he’d been kind enough to throw out a convenient conversational handle. “Mostly Swedish.” “Mmmmm.” Cooper purred, and Frazer shifted before taking another big gulp of his beer. Mmmmm, indeed.

“What about you? Cooper?” “You can call me Coop. Most people do.” “Coop, eh? You can’t call me Fraze, though.” Frazer grinned. He’d had one boyfriend who’d kept calling him that, and it drove him batshit crazy. “Good to know.” Coop smiled back, teeth gleaming white against the dark tan of his skin. God, he looked like an elegant Indian raja. Cooper set his drink down well out of the way before deliberately reaching for Frazer’s hand. A square-tipped index finger traced the vein along Frazer’s knuckle. Frazer wriggled in his seat, careful not to move his hand away from Coop’s hypnotic touch. “What do you do for a living, Frazer?” That gorgeous hand lightly stroked Frazer’s fingers. How did Coop expect him to answer coherently when his blood had abandoned his brain and settled in his lap? “House sitter.” Really, Frazer? After he’d spent weeks trying to come up with something that didn’t make him sound like a glorified couch potato, house sitter popped out of his mouth. Not that it wasn’t true, but it was so much more than that, and it paid better than most people would have guessed. Enough to put him through college. A thoughtful look crossed Coop’s face, but not the disparaging look Frazer usually got. “House sitter?” Coop’s tone invited more explanation. “Basically I look after summer houses in Brinton during the winter. You know, take care of maintenance, make sure pipes don’t freeze or burst, stock the pantry at the beginning of the summer, stuff like that.” “What do you do during the summer?” “It depends. Sometimes I travel. Sometimes I take courses.” “Wow. Sounds like I’m in completely the wrong profession.” “And what profession would that be?” “Oh, uh, I work for the government. Research.” Hmmm. Evasive but not lying. Interesting. Did Cooper’s job embarrass him? Maybe he was an accountant or something boring. But shit, he was in damn fine shape for a pencil pusher. “You take courses? What kind?” asked Cooper. “Trying to finish up my bachelor’s.” “In what?” “Biology. Don’t know what I’ll do when I finish, but I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was a kid, and I always liked biology.” Frazer shrugged. His parents had wanted both him and his brother to go to college, but after they’d died, there hadn’t been any money. He’d worked

hard to get where he was now, but he knew damn well his dream of being a vet was nothing more than that. A dream. Cooper used his free hand to bring his drink to his lips. Distracted from his thoughts, Frazer watched those lips move, that Adam’s apple bob, that slick pink tongue emerge to swipe over full lips. Oh fuck. This time after Coop set down his glass, both of his hands grasped Frazer’s, gently stroking the soft skin on the inside of his wrists. A shiver raced through Frazer. He whimpered. There was no other word for it. No one had ever touched him there. How could he not have known how erotic and sensual that spot was? “Come home with me?” Cooper asked. Frazer nodded frantically. Although loath to give up the pleasure of Coop’s fingers, he wanted to find out how much better those fingers would feel on his naked skin. On his cock. Sliding into him. Coop watched him intently, as if he knew what thoughts were swirling through Frazer’s mind—and liked ’em. Cooper unfolded himself from the booth and stood. Good thing Frazer liked men who were taller than he was. “After you.” Cooper gestured. Oooh. A gentleman. Or he wanted a good look at Frazer’s butt. Either way was fine with Frazer. He put a bit of a shimmy in his step and was rewarded with a firm grope and a muttered “Nice.” Frazer’s cock practically popped his fly open. He needed Cooper to fuck him more than he needed to breathe. Out in the cool spring air, Coop wondered how he was going to be able to make it home without tasting that delectable mouth. “I can follow you home,” Frazer said. Fuck it. Coop couldn’t wait anymore. He reached out, pulled Frazer back, and slammed his lips down on Frazer’s, tongue demanding immediate entrance. Sweet. Oh, he hadn’t expected it to be so sweet, not while it was also scorching. Man and beer combined was a heady fucking mixture. Cooper caressed Frazer’s sexy, sexy ass, thrilled when Frazer wrapped his arms around Cooper’s neck and tried to crawl up Coop’s body. When their cocks met, even through two pairs of pants, it was so good that Coop groaned. Frazer opened right up to Coop’s kiss and pressed his hips into Coop’s groin as best he could.

Fuck. They were going to combust before they got to the car. Frazer’s movements got more frantic, and he pulled out of the kiss to latch his teeth onto Coop’s earlobe. “Oh fuck, yeah.” Coop grunted and gripped Frazer’s ass tighter to ensure he didn’t let up on the incredible, perfect pressure on his groin. He’d never seen a sexier man, and the near pain from Frazer’s sharp teeth as they worked down his neck to his collarbone was more pleasurable than anything he could remember. Between Frazer’s frantic undulations and those sharp bites, Coop was going to cream his pants within sight of the Bar None’s front door. Unbelievable. Possibly pathetic too. If Frazer was as close, though, then Coop wouldn’t feel so desperately eager. Coop worked his hand down the back of Frazer’s pants, sliding into the heated crease, his middle finger finding Frazer’s pucker like it belonged there. Frazer released his teeth, letting Coop hear the full volume of his excited moans. “Cooper, oh, Coop… S-so damned good,” Frazer stuttered. Cooper prayed his arms weren’t going to give out—an inauspicious beginning to what Cooper hoped might be something special. He was holding most of Frazer’s weight right now. Why hadn’t he thought to push the small blond up against a wall before starting this glorious torture? Just as Cooper slid his finger into Frazer’s hot, tight hole, a vibration began in Coop’s pocket right next to their rubbing cocks. Frazer squealed and shuddered, ass clamping down on Coop’s finger while he came apart in Coop’s arms. Sexy goddamned boy. Cooper would have come too, knowing Frazer hadn’t been able to hold it, if he hadn’t been so damned aware of what the vibration signified. Fucking Umbrae and their goddamned portals with bad fucking timing. It had been a year, maybe more, since Cooper had come close to getting laid, and he liked this one—a lot. Frazer slid back to his feet and wobbled slightly. He gave Cooper a gorgeous, dreamy smile, tempting Cooper to ignore the summons that had pushed Frazer into orgasm. But he couldn’t. “What the fuck was that?” Frazer asked, voice husky with repletion. “What was what?” “You packing a vibrator down there too?” Frazer flicked his finger toward Cooper’s stillswollen cock, although it had deflated a bit. “Nope. It’s my phone. Hang on a sec.” Coop pulled it out and read the text message. The emergency code. Shit. This couldn’t wait, not even for him to ease, quickly, the pressure in his groin. “I’m sorry, Frazer. An emergency at work. I have to go.” He slipped the phone back into his pocket.

Frazer’s mouth fell open, disbelief clear on his face. Yeah. Coop didn’t know if he’d believe a guy who’d said that either. Being evasive about your job and leaving at a moment’s notice wasn’t cool, but the truth, besides getting him fired, would be a bigger cock block. The Metaphysical Investigative Agency did work as important as all the other alphabet governmental agencies, although MIA was so secret, covert agencies didn’t know it existed. Telling people you believed in the existence of mythical creatures would label you crazy faster than the speed of light. At least the Umbrae were secretive. Coop didn’t know where they came from, but when his agency located a portal, it was imperative to shut it down as quickly and as quietly as possible. Letting the general populace know that werewolves, zombies, and vampires did exist because entities from another dimension possessed humans—well, that was a panic attack that didn’t bear thinking about. Fuck. He didn’t want to blow this. Been a long time since he’d had a sexy guy willing to talk to him. Having that same guy come, fully clothed, just from kissing? Never happened before, but he liked it. He wanted to get to know Frazer better, and he really, really wanted to fuck that tight ass. What the hell? That might have been the quickest and best orgasm Frazer had ever had, and he wanted more. Had Coop truly gotten a message from work? Or had Frazer done something to fuck up, again? Was he destined to not complete a single date, never mind get a second one? What was so wrong with him? “I’m sorry.” Surprisingly, Cooper looked as apologetic as he sounded. “I…” Cooper started to say something else, but a muted buzzing, from the direction of what had felt like a spectacular cock, interrupted. “I gotta go.” Coop pulled car keys from his pocket. He leaned in and rubbed his thumb across Frazer’s lower lip before he kissed him with sweet hunger. Frazer couldn’t quite believe it, but his cock twitched. Coop pulled out of the kiss with what appeared to be reluctance. “Call me, okay?” Coop said before he turned and strode for his SUV. Stunned, Frazer could only watch as Coop peeled out of the parking lot. That had to have been the weirdest hookup he’d ever had. He hadn’t gotten the chance to reciprocate. And call him? How the fuck was that supposed to happen? They hadn’t gotten around to exchanging numbers. Frazer thought Cooper had given his real name earlier, but now he wasn’t so sure. The wind picked up, and Frazer became aware that he faced the uncomfortable and unwelcome prospect of driving home in wet, sticky jeans. He’d be lucky if he could sandblast the fuckers off by the time he got home.

Frazer started his car and began the long, lonely drive home. He’d had a lot of experience lately with being blown off, but this was a new low. Partly because he badly wanted to see Coop again. He wanted to be able to call him. Even without lust impairing his judgment, he thought Coop was someone he’d like to spend time with. Was he pathetic or what? Frazer vowed not to bother Becca with his lackluster love life on her trip, but this sucked. He glanced in the rearview mirror and caught sight of his kiss-swollen lips. No way that attraction was one-sided. It couldn’t be, could it?

Chapter Two “All right. What the fuck happened?” Cooper snarled at Adam as he let his partner into the SUV outside the agency headquarters. “Where do we need to be?” “Airport, goddammit,” Adam snapped back. “We’re going to Middlefield, about an hour out of Boston.” “Boston? What the fuck? There has to be a team closer than us.” “How the hell should I know?” Adam punctuated his words with exaggerated hand gestures. “And it’s not like it’s my fucking fault, is it?” Cooper knew he was unfairly taking his bad mood out on his partner, but the sizzle of lust still heated his blood, and his erection hadn’t fully dwindled yet. What surprised him was Adam’s surliness. His partner was unfailingly sunny and happy, whether or not they were called out at weird hours. Truth be told, it didn’t happen all that often. Not like the FBI or cops or anything. Glancing over, Coop saw a few things he should have noticed immediately, had he not been so focused on his own ire and discomfort. Adam’s shirt was wrinkled and buttoned wrong. His hair was mussed. And the lips forming that adorable pout were definitely puffy. Precisely the way Coop had left Frazer’s. Looked like Adam was suffering the same affliction Cooper was. “Didn’t get to finish, huh?” Cooper teased, in a much better mood now that he was no longer suffering alone. Adam turned to look at him, and he saw a flicker of chagrin cross Adam’s face before Cooper directed his eyes back to the road. “No, dammit,” Adam groused, but he sounded much more like his regular self. “So, what’s your excuse for being an ass?” With the tips of his ears heating, Cooper was thankful his skin was too dark for others to see his embarrassment. “Uh, well.” Cooper considered lying, but what was the point? “Same reason, actually.” “What? No way! Who?” He’d talked to Adam enough about his love life that he should have expected Adam’s shock. Adam knew damn well he wasn’t dating anyone, and he also knew how Cooper felt about one-night stands. “Guy I met in a bar. Named Frazer.” Frazer Nyland. A name he wouldn’t soon forget. “A bar? I thought you hated hookups?” Cooper wasn’t going to admit it was envy over Adam’s relationship that had driven him to Bar None tonight. He shrugged. “I do. But sometimes… I clicked with this guy, you know?”

“Yeah? Tell me.” Adam settled in, all traces of his former irritation gone with the prospect of some good gossip. Bitch. Cooper didn’t have to pay close attention to the route he was taking. He’d gone from the agency to the airport almost as often as he’d headed home from the agency. “Not much to tell. I’ve never experienced such instant attraction to anyone. Like I’d do anything, break any rule, to be with him. We talked for a bit. I liked him, and he seemed happy to talk. Then we went out to the parking lot.” A wave of embarrassment and lust swept him. He shouldn’t have treated Frazer like that. Thinking back on it, he hoped Frazer didn’t think he’d been after a cheap way to get his rocks off. Cooper glanced over at Adam, who looked pleased, although Coop didn’t know why. Maybe he was happy to be sharing the misery of a thwarted orgasm too. “Yes…?” Adam prompted. Cooper couldn’t tell him all of it. He couldn’t bring himself to share such intimate details with anyone, even the close friend Adam had become. “We kissed. He was going to come home with me. Then I got paged.” So vanilla when he said it out loud. So hot when he remembered Frazer writhing against him, moaning, the sensation of Frazer’s hole sucking his finger in. God. “That stinks, Coop. I’m sorry. Are you going to see him again?” “I’d like to. I asked him to call me.” Cooper felt a ringing in his ears like he’d been hit upside the head with a baseball bat. “Oh shit.” “What?” Adam reached out and gripped his knee. “What’s wrong?” “I never gave him my number.” Fuck, fuck, fuck. What kind of idiot was he? Adam relaxed into his seat, drawing his hand back. “No problem. You’ll just have to call him.” Cooper remained silent, stewing in his stupidity. “No, tell me you didn’t,” Adam said, a pitying look on his face. “I didn’t get his number either!” “Oh, that’s not good.” “What do I do?” Was this panic? Over a guy Coop had known for less than a couple of hours? He had to be losing his mind. “Did you get his last name? We could find out his number or where he lives, I’m sure.” Yeah, they could. But how could Cooper possibly explain that? Even without using agency resources or letting Frazer know the nature of his job, Cooper would come off as a crazy stalker. Fuck. “I don’t know if I’d feel right about that.”

“Don’t worry about it now. Let’s get this mess in Middlefield cleared up first. Then you can decide if you want to chalk it up to a stupid mistake or if you want to pursue it.” Coop nodded. His partner was a smart guy. Had his doctorate in Egyptology and everything. And he was right. Worrying about it now wouldn’t change a damned thing and would only make their job more difficult. *** A week later, Cooper was back in Bar None, nursing a whiskey. He refused to give credence to the thought that he’d chosen this particular bar, this particular day, and this particular time because he was hoping to run into Frazer again. It was never going to happen. Fate didn’t work like that. Regardless of the reasons for his choice of watering hole, Coop had just got back into town a couple of hours ago, and he needed a drink or three. The past week had been hell. Five agents hospitalized and several more with various nonlife-threatening injuries. The nest of Umbrae had been especially vicious; when they created werewolves, it was a stone-cold bitch. This time, Carmichael and Adam hadn’t invited him for dinner. They’d raced home as soon as they could, and Cooper suspected that one or both of them would have difficulty walking after the weekend. Lately the Umbrae had been more devious, more difficult to eradicate. Cooper didn’t know if the entities that possessed humans were getting smarter or getting better at choosing their victims. None of his superiors were saying, but he knew the behavior was worrisome. Sooner or later, MIA would have to take the offensive. What a fucking mess. Cooper stretched, feeling his abused muscles protest, but enjoying the satisfying crackle of vertebrae popping. Was he getting too old for this shit? He was thirty-two, but days like this, he felt every damned year. Probably he was too old for Frazer too. It was better they’d never started anything. Cooper wouldn’t have the chance to drive Frazer away by being too needy, clinging, and old. His thoughts over the past week had kept touching on Frazer like he was worrying a sore tooth. It had to stop. Fuck this. Cooper downed the rest of his whiskey. He was going to go home and drink himself into a self-pitying stupor before going to bed, alone. He could get drunk here, but he’d driven, and it was fucking expensive to get drunk at the Bar None. He stood and turned. His breath huffed out, and he couldn’t seem to get it back. Standing there, a tentative look on his face, was Frazer, looking more edible than he had a week ago, something Cooper hadn’t imagined would be possible. “Hi, Cooper,” Frazer said. “Hi.” Cooper was pretty sure he croaked.

“You said to call,” Frazer said hesitantly. “I’m so sorry. I’m an idiot.” Coop found his voice again. “I kicked my ass all week for not giving you my number.” Frazer gave him a little half smile, sending an electrical surge from his heart to his groin. “I took a chance that maybe Friday night was your regular night here.” Cooper’s pulse accelerated. His aches and pains disappeared completely, and he felt more than equal to keeping up with the younger man. “It’s not, actually. I was hoping to run into you again, though.” Cooper felt a warmth in his belly when Frazer’s smile broadened and lit up his blue eyes. “Buy you a drink?” Coop held out his hand. Frazer nodded and took the proffered hand. Cooper led Frazer to the same booth they’d occupied before. “Can I see your phone?” Frazer handed it over with alacrity, and Cooper immediately programmed in his cell number while noting Frazer’s number for his own use. “Okay, that’s done,” Coop said. “Okay,” Frazer repeated, looking at him as though he were a god. The he’s the one feeling Coop had had about Frazer returned with a vengeance. “So, how was your week?” Frazer asked. And just like that, they were talking. *** Frazer couldn’t believe his good fortune. Cooper was as gorgeous as he was easy to talk to. They’d talked for a couple of hours, Frazer semiaroused the whole time, but he sensed both he and Cooper had the same thought—they’d moved too fast last time. His level of attraction for the older man had taken him by surprise, and while the attraction was as strong, if not stronger, Frazer was prepared this time and able to control it. Barely. Would they go back to Cooper’s place at the end of the night or not? Frazer had had a whole week to think about it, plus a few more hours in Cooper’s company. He wanted to. But he believed Cooper could become more than a quick fuck. Much as he wanted Cooper to fuck him, he liked the man. More than anyone he’d met in a long time. Maybe… “Frazer,” Cooper said gently, looking concerned. Oops. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Here Frazer was, imagining them having a life together while ignoring the man on their second date. “Sorry, what was that?” Frazer knew he was pink with embarrassment. Fortunately, Bar None did not spend an awful lot on lighting. “Are you getting tired? Uh…” Cooper looked a little uncomfortable as he shifted slightly. Frazer wondered what he’d been intending to say that made him look as embarrassed as

Frazer felt. “Not really, no.” Although if Frazer was going home to his own bed, he did have an hour’s drive to face. “Are you?” Frazer remembered the odd stretching motions Cooper had been making all evening. He’d looked sore, maybe had tight muscles. Oh shit. Did he want Frazer to go? Was he keeping Cooper from something? Should he ask? As he looked across the table, waves of awkwardness washed over Frazer. This was the first time they’d had an uncomfortable pause in the conversation since he’d realized Cooper hadn’t intended to blow him off the previous weekend. What kind of government job required you to be on call on the weekend, specifically one that had emergencies requiring you to leave in the middle of getting laid? Frazer didn’t know, but he was betting it wasn’t research like Coop had claimed. Maybe he was FBI or something. He looked much better-dressed than Frazer imagined an FBI agent would be, but it might explain Cooper’s evasiveness about his job. None of that helped him figure out what to say. “Look, Frazer, I need to be honest with you,” Cooper said, eyes downcast. Oh shit. Frazer had fucked up. It was the first second date he’d had in weeks. Maybe he’d been too desperate. Damn it. “Okay.” Frazer hoped he could throw down enough cash to cover the tab and escape with his dignity intact. He didn’t want to wait for a credit card transaction if Cooper was kicking him to the curb. “Shit. I didn’t know what to say, because as much as I want you to come home with me, I don’t want you to.” Frazer thought about that for a second. “It’s okay. I understand. You don’t want me to come home with you. I get it.” He stood and pulled some bills out of his wallet. What the fuck had he done? They’d been getting along great. “Hey, hold on.” Cooper grabbed his wrist. Frazer met Cooper’s amber gaze, saw the heat and vulnerability there. “Please. That came out wrong.” Those spellbinding eyes reflected the entreaty in Cooper’s voice. Maybe Frazer had been too hasty. His shitty dating spell had fucked with his selfconfidence. “Sit down, Frazer, please.” Wow. Cooper had never been great with words, but Frazer’s unexpected and abrupt attempt at departure had thrown him. He’d not meant to hurt the younger man, but he suspected that’s what he’d done. How to explain what he’d meant without making himself seem like

an idiot? Because he wanted Frazer to come home with him, more than anything, but he was afraid if he brought Frazer home, he’d never want to let him leave. Admitting it, though, would likely make Frazer flee in fear of the dreaded commitment. “I’m sorry. Please don’t leave,” Cooper pleaded, his fingers stroking the inside of Frazer’s wrist, trying to keep himself from clamping down in his panic. “Please sit. Let me explain.” Frazer sat, but on the edge of his seat, like he was ready to run. Cooper’s stomach clenched. No matter what, he couldn’t see this going well. It had been so long since he’d had a man in his life, and he shouldn’t have fixated on the first one to pick him up in a bar, but he couldn’t help it. He wanted this one. “I… Look, I want you to come home with me. Badly.” Cooper let his lust and need color his words, hoping he didn’t appear desperate. “But despite what happened the other night, I don’t deal well with one-night stands. They’re not my thing.” A delicate blush stained Frazer’s cheeks as his eyes widened to stare at Cooper. He slid back in his seat, pulling his hand far enough away that his fingers instead of his wrist met Frazer’s. Frazer cleared his throat, then smiled, a warm, happy smile that felt like a stroke along the length of Cooper’s cock. Oh, how he wanted to take Frazer home and sink into that peachlike ass. But he hadn’t lied. One-night stands messed with his head, long after the satisfaction of the orgasm faded. “So you’re saying that you don’t want this to be a one-night stand, right?” Frazer asked for clarification. “No, I don’t.” There. He’d said it. It had made more than one man run in terror. “And you think if you take me home and fuck my brains out, I won’t want to see you again?” Cooper’s breath whooshed out at the graphic words. “Uh…” He couldn’t seem to force any speech past the constriction in his throat. “Cooper. I didn’t come here looking for a one-night stand either. But I really want you to fuck me. And I think if you’re as half as good in a bed as you were standing up in a parking lot, you might have trouble getting me to leave.” Frazer snapped his lips shut and looked away quickly, as if he’d been too candid, but the tension in Cooper’s belly dispersed. It was exactly what he’d needed to hear. He squeezed Frazer’s fingers, willing him to look up. Finally Frazer lifted his blue eyes to Cooper. Whatever he saw there made that gorgeous, toothy smile return. “Let me pay the tab. Then you can follow me home.” Cooper was willing to do his best to make sure Frazer didn’t want to ever leave. Stupid, maybe, to think that way after the short time he’d known the man. But he had a history of falling hard and falling fast. Frazer might

break Coop’s previous record. “C’mon.” Frazer stood up, vibrating. The erection pushing at the fly of Frazer’s jeans, mouth level, made Cooper lick his lips in anticipation. Screw waiting for change. Cooper threw down a few twenties, hoping the server appreciated the huge tip, and slid out of the booth. Frazer grabbed his ears and pulled him into a hot, frantic kiss, tongues sliding in sensual combat. Cooper was going to burn to a cinder before he left the bar. With the one shred of common sense he had left, Cooper restrained himself from snugging Frazer’s erection into his own and gently disengaged. Thank God, they were both out of breath. Cooper didn’t want to be alone in this. “So I guess this means we’re seeing each other?” Frazer huffed out. Warmth spread through Coop’s insides, making his heart thump with an emotion he wasn’t willing to admit to. Not even in the confines of his own mind. He nodded. “Then let’s get out of here before I make a spectacle of myself.” Frazer glanced surreptitiously around, then pressed his palm against Coop’s erection. Cooper gasped and barely managed to keep from humping into Frazer’s hand. “I want you,” Frazer whispered before the warm pressure at Coop’s groin left. Oh. Yeah.

Chapter Three A million times during the longest drive home ever, Cooper checked to make sure the small Honda was still in his rearview. He hoped Frazer wasn’t having second thoughts. Now that they’d decided to officially start seeing each other, he’d be devastated if Frazer changed his mind about sex. Should they have left Frazer’s car in the parking lot at Bar None and gone home in Cooper’s SUV? No. From a practical standpoint, it was better if Frazer had his own car. If the agency called Cooper in again—and frankly, if that happened, someone was going to get shot—it would be better if Frazer had his own transportation. If Cooper could have spent the drive assuring himself that Frazer was as eager and on the edge as he was, he’d be a lot more confident. Frazer seemed like the type who’d put on a little show to tease Coop as he drove. Coop’s desire to see and feel the cock that had filled his thoughts for the past week was almost painful. Why had he thought having Frazer drive his own car was a good idea again? After eons, Coop pulled into his driveway. He spared a moment to wonder if Frazer would like his place. Cooper had spent some time making his little house into a welcoming home. A home he could one day share with a partner who wanted him. A partner with whom he could live in the domestic bliss he’d witnessed his parents share. He was already out of the SUV, waiting, when Frazer pulled in. Blood pulsing hotly, Coop watched the blond fumble with his seat belt, knowing he was the reason for Frazer’s clumsiness. Frazer flew out of the car and into Cooper’s arms. Now that they were out of the bar and in the relative privacy of Coop’s front yard, he wasn’t willing to give up the comfort of the warm, squirming bundle in his grasp for anything. He shifted his grip, tightening the arm around Frazer’s firm ass to anchor him, and carried him to the door. Frazer licked along the vein in his neck, from collarbone to earlobe, and Coop found his hand shaky enough to make it difficult to get his key in the door. Sharp little teeth sank into his neck by his shoulder, and if the key hadn’t already been in the lock, Coop would have dropped it as his hand flexed open. He groaned. Whimpering in response, Frazer pressed his erection even closer into Coop’s hips. “Naked, now, please.” Frazer breathed into his ear before nipping at his earlobe. God, yes. Naked was the best idea ever. He needed to get them into the damned house. Not that he was closeted or anything, but his neighbors didn’t need to see him fuck Frazer on his front porch. And he didn’t have any condoms on the porch, either. The door fell open, and Coop stumbled inside, his balance off because of the precious extra weight he was carrying. He kicked the door shut behind him and rushed to the bedroom.

He threw Frazer down on his king-size bed and began tugging at his clothes, fully prepared to strip Frazer as well, but Frazer began pulling at his own shirt. Shaking his pants off his leg, Coop stood naked, savoring the sight of Frazer nude. Toned muscles, pale, creamy skin, and a beautiful uncut cock, the flushed dome glistening with evidence of his arousal. He knew his own prick was answering the call with its slickness. “Cooper.” There was a wealth of meaning in that one word: Let me look. Let me touch. Let me taste. I want it all. I want it now. I can’t fucking wait. “Frazer.” Cooper returned the same sentiments in his own single word. Strangely, the panicky urgency had faded. He slid onto the bed and stroked a reverent fingertip down Frazer’s lithe chest, skimming past pink nipples that were already hardened little nubbins awaiting attention. He continued down to Frazer’s navel, circled it, and moved on to the barely visible treasure trail, the blond hairs tickling his skin. Coop lifted his finger and lightly stroked down from Frazer’s weeping slit. As he traced the pulsing vein along the shaft, precum eased his way down to Frazer’s tight, wrinkled balls. Frazer drew in a shuddering breath and abruptly sat up. Coop looked at him. Frazer’s face was almost as ruddy as his prick, but there wasn’t any censure in his gaze, only lust. “C’mere,” he said, crooking a finger at Coop. Following the directive, Cooper moved farther onto the bed. Frazer grabbed his shoulders and flipped him to his back. Little shit was stronger than he looked. Impatient too. But that was so not a problem for Cooper. Straddling Cooper’s waist, Frazer smiled down at him, a demonic smile that promised all kinds of wicked wonderfulness. As long as Coop got to slide into that tempting ass, he’d take whatever Frazer wanted to dish out. When Frazer’s tongue snaked out to wet those kissable lips, Coop bucked his hips involuntarily, bumping his dick into the small of Frazer’s back. So close to the goal and yet so far. “Not yet, my sexy one.” Frazer purred. He stretched out his hands, firmly stroking Cooper’s pecs, and Cooper groaned at the stark contrast between his coffee-colored skin and Frazer’s translucent paleness. That contrast had always turned his crank—it was one of the reasons he was so attracted to pale blonds. Frazer slid farther down Cooper’s waist, cradling Cooper’s aching cock in his crease. He ducked his head and lapped at one of Cooper’s brown nipples before he wrapped his lips around it and sucked strongly. “Frazer.” Cooper groaned, sliding his hands around Frazer’s muscular butt, wanting so badly to lift those hips, readjust, and slide into Frazer’s tight heat. Instead, he squeezed a Morse code pattern of distress into those firm globes, hoping that would help him keep control.

Frazer whipped his head up and looked into Coop’s eyes, a quizzical look on his face that did not belong in the midst of such fantastic foreplay. “SOS?” Frazer asked. If Cooper had had any blood to spare, he’d probably have blushed. Frazer wasn’t supposed to know Morse code. “You’re killing me.” Coop grinned. Frazer grinned back. “Oh good.” “How’d you know?” Maybe not the best time to ask. “Boy Scout,” Frazer replied. Frazer was clearly done talking. This time, when he latched onto Cooper’s nipple, he bit. Hard. Cooper yelled Frazer’s name, wondering if Frazer was going to make him come without even touching his dick. God. Cooper hadn’t ever had a biter before, but he knew instantly he was going to love it. Frazer flicked his gaze up to Cooper’s again while he gently laved the abused, throbbing nipple with his tongue. He nodded and moved to the other nipple. This one was treated to sweet kisses and licks. Cooper thought he’d die from anticipation, waiting for the teeth, wanting the sting. Frazer licked away from his chest, scooting his hips up and over Coop’s erection, tongue moving down as Frazer’s dick slid against Coop’s. Opening his mouth, Coop couldn’t force the words out. He wanted to ask Frazer to bring those sharp white teeth back up to his other nipple. Continuing to move down, Frazer licked the prominent hip bone, the crease between leg and ball sac, then right up the center seam of Cooper’s scrotum to the tip. His tongue was strong, firm. These were no gentle licks, and they were driving Cooper wild. In the back of his mind, he remembered those teeth, wondering if Frazer was going to surprise him again, wondering if he’d like it, wondering if he should ask. That tongue moved back down to Coop’s inner thigh. “Fuck!” Coop yelled and convulsed as Frazer bit the smooth inner skin of his thigh. God. The sting only made the pleasure sweeter. The teeth backed off a little, giving Coop a short breather, Frazer taking little nips up and down the skin over the throbbing artery in his thigh. Was it possible for a heart to pound through a chest, or a cock to actually explode from unfulfilled desire? Coop wanted to flip Frazer over and plow into him, but he also wanted more of Frazer’s unique brand of torment. So much more. Without warning, the lips and tongue moving over his thighs stopped. Coop opened his eyes to see Frazer looking up at him, one golden eyebrow raised. “Okay?” Frazer asked.

Coop had no breath for speech, so he mouthed the word more. God, Frazer’s grin was something else. Cooper’s cock twitched, more precum leaking onto his stomach. Frazer opened his mouth, then closed around each of Cooper’s balls in turn before finding the base of his cock. He paused, making sure Cooper was watching. Yeah, like Coop intended to miss any of this. This was a memory he wanted to store for the rest of his life—the day he first had Frazer Nyland in his bed. Opening his mouth again, Frazer bared his teeth. Under any other circumstances, Cooper would have been afraid, but he knew if Frazer did bite him, it would hurt in the best way. And wasn’t that a fucking shock? He’d never expected the younger man to be able to teach him something about himself he didn’t already know. Frazer set his teeth against the thick column of Cooper’s dick, pressing in hard enough that there was no mistaking it. “Oh, Frazer,” Cooper whispered in benediction. Frazer moved to the tip of Coop’s leaking cock, nibbling with almost too much pressure around the slit before he opened his mouth and swallowed Coop’s aching erection, letting Cooper feel the hard enamel of his teeth, all the way to the base. As soon as Frazer buried his nose in Coop’s black pubes, the teeth eased off, and the most devastating suction he’d ever experienced began. “Stop, please, stop,” Cooper said frantically, trying to keep from thrusting his hips up into that warm, wet haven. But his brain no longer had control, it seemed. Frazer let him go with a pop, halting everything and giving him a puzzled and vaguely fearful look. Cooper had no resources left for reassurance as he shuddered and forced his orgasm back by sheer will. “Everything okay?” Frazer whispered after a few seconds. “I want to come in your ass this time.” Cooper heaved the words out between pants. A flush of passion swept up Frazer’s chest, and his cock flexed against Coop’s leg. Damp precum covered his calf, and Cooper dimly remembered Frazer humping his leg. Cooper knew damn well he could make it good for Frazer. Frazer nodded, and Cooper scrabbled in the bedside table for condoms and lube. Within seconds, Cooper smoothed the condom over his throbbing dick, lube at the ready to prepare Frazer. Crooking his finger, Cooper silently encouraged Frazer to straddle his chest, giving him easy access to Frazer’s hole. Looking up at those blazing blue eyes, Cooper slicked his fingers and rubbed over the starburst of muscle. He could smell the musky maleness of Frazer’s cock, a hairbreadth from his lips. Simultaneously, he slid a finger into Frazer’s tight heat and opened his mouth around the ruddy, slippery tip.

Above him, Frazer threw his head back and yowled. Oh yeah. That was a reaction he had to see again. Cooper slid another finger into Frazer and scissored them open. He dug his tongue into Frazer’s slit, seeking out every salty drop of precum, while his fingers sought out… Frazer yowled again and thrust back against Cooper’s hand. Yep. Found it. “Now, now, now,” Frazer chanted, fucking Cooper’s fingers in the same rhythm as his words. “How?” Cooper asked. No matter Cooper’s attempts to regain control, Frazer was the one in charge here, and Cooper loved it. With his hips rocking, Frazer looked down and smiled that wicked demon’s smile. Because he knew it too. “However you want. This time.” Cooper took a split second to consider his options. His burgeoning tenderness for this sexy fucking spitfire made him want to fuck face-to-face. He never fucked one-night stands that way, but he already knew this wasn’t a one-night stand. Only problem was that he might lose control too damned fast this time, watching Frazer’s expressive face screwed up in passion. And he knew Frazer would be letting his teeth roam freely if Cooper gave him access. No way was he coming before Frazer. Not their first time. He needed it to be good for Frazer. So Frazer would want to stay. He pulled his fingers out of that wet, sucking heat and gave Frazer’s ass a light smack. “Hands and knees,” he growled. Frazer wiggled his eyebrows and his tight little rear before sliding off Cooper to position himself. Cooper knelt, and for the first time he got a good look at that peachy, bare-skinned ass. Oh. My. Fucking. God. Both of those squeezable butt cheeks were decorated with a black tribal sunburst tattoo, the center of each a circle of completely pristine, ink-free, pale skin. Each circle was about the size of Cooper’s palms and in the right place for him to grip those trim, luscious hips. God, he should have guessed Frazer might have tats, considering he’d worn a hint of eyeliner, but if Coop had thought about it, he’d never have imagined anything so damned erotic. “Now, now, now,” Frazer chanted. Coop started, wondering how long he had been staring, drooling, at those mesmerizing tattoos. Yes, now. He totally agreed with Frazer on that. Bringing his cock to the target, Cooper laid his palms reverently in the middle of the tribal sunbursts and pulled that round bum onto his hard-as-titanium dick rather than thrusting in. He held his breath as tight, gripping heat sucked him in. The sight of his long brown hands

stark against the soft white skin, the tattoos bleeding out between his splayed fingers, melted his damned mind. “Cooper,” Frazer wailed as he slid all the way home. Cooper let out the air in his lungs with a shudder. Had it ever, ever, been so damned good? He remained stationary, enjoying the sensation of Frazer rippling around him. Curling his spine, he bent to lick the bumps of Frazer’s vertebrae. Through his tongue, he felt Frazer’s growl. “Move, dammit,” Frazer said. Straightening, Cooper did as ordered, sliding Frazer back and forth on his pole. “So good.” Cooper’s balls pulled up. No, damn, no. He needed to make this last, needed to feel Frazer come on his cock. But he didn’t know if he could take his grip off those glorious handholds to reach around to that equally glorious cock. Cooper shifted position a bit. “Oh, right fucking there.” Frazer moaned, ass squeezing Cooper’s cock. Right fucking there. That would help. Cooper picked up speed, hips thrusting and pulling back, the tip of his cock almost leaving that clinging sheath before he sank back down as far as he could go. Faster and faster. Cooper wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold out. “Touch me,” Frazer pleaded, commanded, and suddenly Coop found he had the motivation he needed to loosen his grasp. “Oh shit.” Cooper groaned at the feel of that scorching-hot cock in his palm. This was even fucking better. He stripped Frazer’s cock up, down, up again. When that spectacular dick flexed, liquid heat gushing over Coop’s fist, it was all over. He ground his pubes into Frazer’s ass, and his groans mingled with Frazer’s yells of completion. When he stopped pulsing in Frazer’s passage, he pressed his forehead to Frazer’s sweatslicked back. He left his hand cupped around Frazer’s softening dick as Frazer panted below him. Unable to let this end, stop touching, he lightly stroked Frazer’s hip, careful not to rest his weight on Frazer’s still-quivering body. As their breathing calmed, Coop skimmed his lips along Frazer’s shoulder, tasting the sweet salt of their exertion. All too soon, he had to pull out or risk losing the condom. “That was fantastic.” Coop tied off the condom and dropped it into the bedside wastebasket. Frazer pulled him into an embrace and kissed his neck gently. “Thank you,” Frazer whispered. Cooper wanted nothing more than to wrap Frazer in both arms, but his hand was a little sticky.

Once again, Frazer seemed to read his thoughts. A slender, pale hand grabbed Coop’s bigger brown one, shiny and slick, and placed it on Frazer’s hip. Frazer snuggled in, and Cooper absently rubbed Frazer’s cum into his skin. Eyelids drooping, Coop briefly thought they might wake up fused to the sheets and each other, but he was too satiated to care. He tightened his hold, and as Frazer’s breathing evened out, muscles relaxing, Cooper let himself drift off. *** Frazer puttered around the Harringtons’ mansion, making sure everything was in order. At least, he hoped it was. He’d spent the day in a daze of sexual exhaustion, and he couldn’t be happier. Although it hadn’t been his plan, he’d spent the weekend in Cooper’s bed—they’d only gotten out to eat and shower. It had been fantastic, and he’d already let himself entertain the thought that Coop might be the one. Mr. Harrington wouldn’t be pleased if Frazer missed anything, but he was damn good at his job, and most of the tasks had been arranged and completed before his wild weekend of sex. Stocking the pantry could wait another couple of days. Alan and Megan Harrington weren’t expected for another week, thankfully. Thoughts of Cooper had kept him hard most of the day. It wasn’t professional, and he didn’t want to give anyone the wrong idea, although Alan Harrington was less worrisome than some of the others. A couple of his clients were old queens who thought he’d roll over and spread for a few extra bucks. Frazer had too much self-respect to do that. After a quick tour of the exterior of the house, Frazer headed to the garage, ready to leave. It was already dusk, but he had gotten a late start on his day, so it wasn’t entirely surprising. “Frazer,” someone called out as he was opening his car door. Frazer looked up. A well-dressed man, dark hair with faint threads of silver, approached. The man was quite good-looking and in his late forties, younger than most of Frazer’s clients. “Mr. Harrington? I wasn’t expecting you until next week. I don’t have the pantry—” “Oh, no, no, I understand. I’m here early. My business plans wrapped up. Megan won’t be here until next week. I wasn’t trying to disrupt your plans—I’ll work around them. And please call me Alan. We’ve had this discussion before.” “Right, okay, Alan.” Frazer didn’t feel comfortable getting too familiar with his clients, but it wouldn’t do to alienate them, either. “That’s better.” “Well, I was heading out now.” “Surely you can stay for a quick drink. I know I’m stocked for that, at least.” Alan stood close enough that Frazer could smell his aftershave.

“Uh, well, okay.” It wasn’t something he often did, but a few of his clients liked socializing. Alan might also want to give him a few last-minute instructions. “Excellent,” Alan said softly as he placed his hands on the car, bracketing Frazer’s body. What the fuck? Alan pushed his hips into Frazer’s at the same time as he brought his mouth down on Frazer’s lips. Stunned into paralysis for a few short seconds, Frazer never lost awareness of the erection digging into hip. The half chub he’d sported all day completely deflated. This wasn’t the first time a married man had put the moves on him, but he’d never once suspected Alan Harrington swung his way, not even a little. The tongue insistently seeking entrance to his firmly closed lips and the hand tugging his shirt up snapped Frazer out of his shock. Hands on Alan’s shoulders, Frazer pushed him back enough to break the kiss—which, by the way, was not good. “Mr. Harrington. I hope I didn’t give you the wrong impression. I have a boyfriend.” Frazer hoped to God that was true, but past experience had taught him to handle rejections delicately. At least this hadn’t happened before he’d met Cooper. He’d been so down in the dumps he might have had sex with Alan to convince himself he was still attractive. “So? I can pay you.” Alan reached for Frazer’s cock. “Your boyfriend would never have to know.” Pay him? Older guys sometimes tried to use their wallets to open his pants, but the way Alan had said it was strange. Like it was a done deal, no negotiation required. “I’m not for sale,” Frazer said firmly, blocking Alan’s grope. His last boyfriend, Matt, had made that assumption too. Except he’d thought Frazer had been cheating on him with his clients. They’d fought, and the last Frazer had heard from him was that he was moving away. That had kicked off Frazer’s dismal dating streak. “That’s not what I heard.” Alan avoided Frazer’s defense with enough alacrity to grab his balls. “Alan!” Frazer said sharply. “I don’t care what you heard.” Matt must have said a lot of shit to a lot of people before he’d left town. If he ever saw that asshole again, he’d kill him. “I’m not interested. Not for money, not for anything. I’m sorry.” The older man’s nostrils flared before he turned on his heel and strode away. Fuck. Frazer hoped he wasn’t going to lose a client. Or worse, have Alan spread some nonsense about him to his friends. If Alan felt slighted, he might be vindictive. Leaning back against his car, Frazer considered his options. Follow Alan now and talk about it, wait until his next scheduled visit, or pretend like nothing happened?

“I wouldn’t have turned him down.” Frazer jumped and whirled at the sound of the voice behind him. “Julian. What are you doing here?” Was today a full moon? In a rare fit of superstition, Frazer took a quick glance up into the sky. Who could tell? He couldn’t see shit through the thick, gray cloud cover. Frazer hadn’t seen his brother in over a year. Not since the last time Julian had asked for money. The time before that had been when he’d tried to get into Frazer’s boyfriend’s pants. Any man Frazer had been interested in since the Henry incident had been a target for his brother’s overt and overpowering seduction attempts. Any of those men who’d suggested a threesome, Frazer had cut loose immediately, letting his brother have them. At least Matt hadn’t been that crass, despite being emotionally unavailable and suspicious. Julian shrugged. At one time, watching his brother had been like looking into a mirror, but Frazer thought Julian looked a lot rougher now. “Saw your car, thought I’d catch up with you.” “At my work? You could have called, you know. How long have you been back in town?” Frazer didn’t even know where Julian lived now, except that it wasn’t in Brinton. Julian shrugged again. Nice. So typical of his brother to avoid the question. Could have been a couple of days or a month. Frazer knew their relationship was strained and never had the hallmarks of a typical twin relationship, but shit. His brother didn’t have friends here, just Frazer. Why would he come back and not get in touch with Frazer right away? Frazer should be thankful. It had been over a year since he’d asked Frazer for money. Frazer had given it to him too. Guilt and sympathy had prompted him, though he’d done nothing to encourage Henry and hadn’t hooked up with him or returned his phone calls after he broke up with Julian. Julian hadn’t appreciated Frazer’s efforts. Last time Julian had come back to town, Frazer had realized Julian was milking the guilt to get money out of Frazer. Frazer wasn’t hard up exactly, but he had plans for his savings. If he took three more classes during the summer semester, he’d finally have his bachelor’s degree. But it would take every cent he saved up to do it. “What are you doing here?” Maybe if he kept asking, Julian would answer. “I lost my job. Could use some cash to help me while I find a new one.” Frazer never knew what Julian did with the money. Drugs, probably. Frazer shook his head. “Where are you staying?” “Don’t worry about me, little brother. I’ve got a place to stay. But I need some cash.” Little brother. Julian was only ten minutes older. But it was the rest of the statement, and others like it, that made Frazer remember Becca’s advice and decide to stop giving his broth-

er money. He could have asked to crash at Frazer’s. It wouldn’t have been ideal, but a lot cheaper. It would also mean more time in Frazer’s company. No way Julian wanted that. “I don’t have any to spare.” “Well, if you’d bent over and spread ’em for Mr. High and Mighty there,” Julian said with a sharp nod toward the Harringtons’ house, “you’d have plenty extra. I heard him say he’d pay you.” Yeah. Like Frazer was going to prostitute himself for his deadbeat brother. Not a fucking chance. “Shut up.” “So were you lying about your boyfriend? If you have one, I’d like to meet him.” Frazer knew it would be a long time before he let Julian meet Cooper. He didn’t want to scare Cooper off. And he didn’t want to subject Cooper to Julian’s forceful and scary flirting style. “I thought it was the best explanation to get him to leave me alone.” “Maybe I ought to go and accept the offer. Think he’d notice it wasn’t you? I’d take whatever money he’d be willing to give, and it might be fun.” Julian smirked at him, and Frazer’s ears heated up. Bastard. “Don’t even think about it, Julian. This is my job. Don’t fuck with it.” Frazer had always known Julian was jealous of him, but this was going too far. Pretending to be him so he could fuck Frazer’s house-sitting clients for money? Absurd. And yet he had a feeling Julian wouldn’t bat an eye. “Hey, little bro, I need some money. If you won’t give it to me…” Dizziness swamped him. His brother was blackmailing him. “Fine. Meet me at the coffee shop on Jefferson at one tomorrow. I’ll have some money for you then.” “No can do, bro. I got plans tomorrow.” “Fine. Wednesday, then. At one.” “Too early. Eight would be better for me.” Frazer couldn’t believe it, but he found himself nodding. Wasn’t it enough that he was giving Julian money? Did he also have to bow to Julian’s apparently busy social calendar? Rhetorical question, since there Frazer was, doing just that. “Thanks. I can always count on you,” Julian said, a sneer in his voice. He patted Frazer on the cheek, with enough force to sting, before he sauntered away, heading for the wooded strip separating the Harrington property from the park. Slowly Frazer opened his car door and sat down. Dropping his forehead to rest on the steering wheel, he wondered how his life had come to this. He couldn’t see any way out of it. He didn’t want to tell Becca. He sure as fuck didn’t want to talk about it with Cooper. Their budding relationship was too new for such a burden, but damn. Amazing how a good mood

could vanish within minutes. His phone rang, and Frazer couldn’t decide if he should bother pulling it out of his pocket to see who was calling.

Chapter Four “That’s a good look on you,” Adam commented, startling Cooper. “What?” Cooper asked. Adam sank into his chair and stared at him across their facing desks before answering. “Happiness. You’ve been smiling all day.” “Oh, er…” “This isn’t another bar hookup, is it?” “No. No, it’s the same one as before.” “Oh ho! Decided to take advantage of the resources available to you as an investigator, eh? Tracked him down?” Adam grinned at Cooper, clear green eyes flashing with humor. Cooper tore his gaze away. “No, actually. I went back to the same bar, hoping he’d show up. He did.” “Coincidence?” Adam asked with a hint of concern. “Said he was looking for me.” Cooper knew his smile was as brilliant and happy as Adam’s with that answer. “We spent the weekend together.” “That’s awesome. I take it the weekend went well?” Cooper nodded. Adam had become one of his closest friends, but he didn’t want to say too much about his weekend. He wasn’t normally superstitious, but he’d hate to blurt out that he thought maybe Frazer was the one and then have Frazer dump him a week later. He couldn’t keep the hope from building, though. Cooper pressed a spot over his clavicle, suppressing a hiss at the sting. It was one of many bruises and hickeys he sported due to Frazer’s toothy habits, but the memento provided a welcome and sensual reminder. He might be more upset if his skin weren’t so brown. The hickeys were all below the collar, thankfully, or Adam would never have let him hear the end of it. The bruises weren’t visible, but he could feel them, like a sexy little secret. Adam nodded, letting Cooper see how pleased he was. Coop almost expected an invitation for the four of them to have dinner together, but Adam wasn’t stupid. Carmichael was either too abrasive or too damned sensual to inflict on a brand-new relationship. It would be nice to be able to combat their sensuality as a couple with his own special someone, though. Without another word, Adam turned back to his computer and began tapping keys, likely flicking through his e-mail. Cooper never bothered checking at the end of the day; their days were long enough without having to think about new assignments or whatever crap the higher-ups sent five minutes before quitting time. Anything urgent and his damned cell would ring. Besides, he could always count on Adam to tell him if there was something he needed to know.

“Hmmm,” Adam said softly. Sounded like maybe there was something Coop should know about today. “What?” “Looks like Carmichael was right.” “About what?” “He said something bad was coming.” “Yeah, he told me that too, right before that goatfuck mission with the werewolves. But there’s always something bad coming. The Umbrae are relentless. You know that. Sometimes the breaks between portals are longer than others, but that’s it. We have to take the fight to them.” Adam rolled his eyes and continued tapping on his keyboard. Well, it was true, even if it was Coop’s own little soapbox. He knew MIA had tried, more than once, to pass through or send probes to wherever the Umbrae came from, but all experiments had ended disastrously. One day, though, Cooper hoped they’d have enough information to prevent the Umbrae from possessing people and turning them into nightmare creatures. “You know how he is with the portals, though, don’t you?” Cooper nodded. Higher-ups at the agency believed recovering from Umbrae bites provided both immunity to subsequent attempts at possession as well as the ability to sense Umbrae incursions. Carmichael, who’d felt the portals even before being bitten, was either the exception that proved the rule or demonstrated the less popular theory that gay men were genetically more attuned to the emanations from portals. Besides the fact Carmichael hadn’t needed a bite to recognize the disturbances the way the rest of the MIA operatives had, he had a phenomenal range, and it seemed to be growing. Cooper could sense portals when he was nearly on top of them, Adam within a couple of miles, but Carmichael became aware of them from over fifty miles away sometimes. He was the most reliable long-range sensor they had, and it chapped the asses of the top brass in R&D something fierce. “He knew something was building. If it were easier to pinpoint when the portals first open, I might have some better empirical data about his skill.” And that was Adam’s own soapbox. Carmichael hated it when his lover treated him like a science project, but Coop knew it was directly applicable to Adam’s research into predicting the placement of future portals. When they weren’t out in the field, Adam spent a lot of time comparing ancient texts to the Umbrae phenomenon, looking for connections. Coop helped as much as he could. He had a master’s in systems biology, specializing in predator-prey interactions. Unfortunately, there weren’t enough behavioral similarities between the Umbrae and large predators to pinpoint portals or nest locations.

“Anyway.” Adam tapped his monitor. “We’ve got some mysterious disappearances tracking nearby. Brinton. We’re to keep an eye on the situation, but I’m betting this is the portal that’s got Carmichael all jumpy.” Cooper bit off a laugh. He couldn’t imagine ever calling the stoic Carmichael jumpy. Wait. “Brinton?” “Yeah, why?” Probably meant nothing. But… “It’s where Frazer’s from.” “Your new guy?” Adam thought about that for a second and tapped a few keys. “I know it’s no comfort, but there’s enough people in Brinton that odds are good he’ll be fine. Even if these disappearances are the work of the Umbrae, we’re looking at a single possession, maybe two. It’s definitely early days yet.” Cooper nodded, wondering if he should call and check on Frazer. Would that be too needy? He sure as hell couldn’t explain his concern in any way that wouldn’t make him sound like a crazy stalker. After a few minutes of staring blankly at his computer screen, Cooper pushed his chair back and stood up. Fuck it. He was going to call. Adam looked up from his own work and gave him a little wave, knowing damn well Cooper hadn’t been able to let it go. He stepped out into the hallway and pulled out his personal cell, not the fiendish work one that had tried to sink him and Frazer before they’d started. “Hey,” Cooper said when Frazer answered. “Oh, hi, how are you?” Frazer said. That didn’t sound like his happy, sweet, sunburst-assed Frazer. Not a bit. “Did I catch you at a bad time?” “No. Just finished up at one of my clients’ places.” Frazer did not sound right at all to Cooper’s ears. Oh shit. Was he being too clingy already? Cooper had to reassure himself that Frazer was okay. And maybe he was, physically. But something was bothering him. Maybe Coop’s neediness was weighing on him. He also didn’t much like Frazer working after dark. Sure, Coop was too, but double standards meant nothing where Frazer’s safety was concerned. “Are you okay? Should I not have called?” Coop could have kicked himself for letting that last question out. He didn’t need validation or reassurance. Really. He didn’t. He was a grown man, not a desperate teenage girl.

“I’m kind of having a bad day. But it’s nice to hear your voice.” It didn’t sound like Frazer thought it was particularly nice, but Coop couldn’t stop more words from tumbling out. “Did you want to come over? Stay the night? You could talk about it, or not, but I’d be happy to try and cheer you up.” Cooper held his breath. Too much? Too soon? If Frazer thought Coop was desperate, this would confirm it. Coop didn’t know what he’d do if Frazer said no. What if Frazer was going on a date? Sure, it was a weeknight, but that didn’t rule out a date. They’d talked about seeing each other, but there’d been no talk about whether they were also seeing other people. “If you don’t mind, I’d like that,” Frazer said, his voice picking up a bit. Cooper let out his breath quietly and sagged against the wall in relief. “Are you off work?” Frazer asked. “I’ve got a couple things to wrap up. It’ll take you an hour to get here?” “About that.” “Great. I’ll be home by then.” It wasn’t a guarantee; the nature of his job was too erratic. But odds were good he’d be there when he told Frazer he would. Thankfully, the Umbrae had been quiet since that night he’d had to leave Frazer in the parking lot at Bar None. Some of the other teams were called out unexpectedly more often than he and Adam were. Things had to stay quiet a little longer, because he needed to do whatever he could to take away that strange, defeated note in Frazer’s voice. Keeping Frazer out of Brinton and away from the Umbrae was merely a bonus. Cooper smiled as he put away his phone and went back into the office in a much better frame of mind. He put the finishing touches on his report, made a few notes for the following day, and then shut down his computer. “Gonna call it a night, I think.” Adam glanced at his watch. “Yeah, it’s about that time. I’ll leave shortly too. Have a good night.” Cooper intended to. Having Frazer in his house and knowing he was safe would make it a great night. Grabbing his jacket, he left before Adam noticed how leaving work excited Cooper much more than normal. *** Frazer looked up at the house. He’d spent a grand total of two nights here so far. Why did it feel like home? But he knew. Knew. Cooper. Late last night when he’d returned to his own bed, he’d been abysmally lonely, worse than ever. The thought of staying here tonight should sustain him through the next day, including the painful task of withdrawing money from the bank.

No sense letting Cooper know half of his family was crazy and mean. Someday he’d tell Cooper about Julian. But for now, it was enough that Cooper offered comfort. And Frazer was more than willing to take him up on it. Even if Cooper had only offered more sex, Frazer wanted arms around him. Arms that hadn’t offered to pay him, damn it. Frazer walked up to the door and had raised his hand to knock, when the door opened. Cooper wore a light blue dress shirt, which made the contrast between it and the smooth brown skin of his neck that much more pronounced. The warm smile, revealing straight white teeth, made most of Frazer’s remaining tension dissipate. “Hi,” Cooper said. “Hi,” Frazer replied. He stepped closer to the door, and Cooper wrapped his arms around him. Oh. So good. Exactly what he needed. Frazer slid his hands around Cooper’s waist and clutched that firm, muscular back. He buried his face against Coop’s hard pecs, inhaling the distinct, spicy scent he recognized immediately as Coop’s own smell—soap, aftershave, and warm male skin. Cooper’s hands rubbed up and down his back, and Frazer felt lips press against the top of his head. “Come in. I rented a couple of movies. We can call for pizza.” “Again?” Frazer said with mock exasperation. Most of the weekend had been spent in bed, fucking and sleeping. Eating hadn’t been close to a priority, and all they’d eaten was pizza in bed. Shit, Frazer didn’t even know what the rest of the house looked like. He’d only seen the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. And yet, despite a very hot weekend, Cooper seemed happy to spend time with him, fully clothed. Frazer hadn’t known until that minute how much he needed this new friendship…relationship…to be about more than sex. Frazer wasn’t giving up the sex, though. Best sex he’d ever had. Frazer tilted his head back and brought a hand up to cup Cooper’s cheek. His five-o’clock shadow was sexy, and the rough sensation against Frazer’s palm sent a little shiver through his frame. He looked into Coop’s beautiful brown eyes and then stretched a little to kiss his full lips. Coop returned the kiss, but neither of them made any attempt to deepen it. “Thank you,” Frazer whispered against that soft mouth. “Anytime,” Cooper whispered back and pulled Frazer into the house. Frazer followed Cooper into the den. The television wasn’t huge, but the couch looked incredibly comfortable. Perfect. Cooper took out his phone and called in a pizza order. After their second order on the weekend, he didn’t have to ask Frazer what kind of pizza he wanted.

While he waited, Frazer wandered around the homey room, picking up pictures, wondering how Cooper knew the elderly white couple featured in so many of them. He was holding one of the expensively framed photos when Cooper hung up. “Who are they?” Frazer asked. He wanted to know everything about Cooper. Well, unless Cooper had had more fun in bed with someone besides him. That was information he never needed to know. “My parents,” Cooper said, looking at the picture. Surprise loosened Frazer’s grip on the frame, and his gaze flickered from man to photo and back again. Cooper looked like a gorgeous Bollywood star. “I’m adopted. My parents are British.” Frazer tilted his head, wondering at the somewhat defensive tone. Was he supposed to pretend he didn’t notice? Was he supposed to ask questions? It wasn’t like he cared one way or the other, but clearly something uncomfortable was going on in Cooper’s head. “Um…and does that upset you or something?” “No! I find I’m always explaining it. My biological parents didn’t want me. My real parents did, in spite of our different skin color.” Oh. So, yeah, a little defensive. But hurt too. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to act surprised. Have you met your biological parents?” “No! And I don’t need to. My birth mother was high caste from India, studying abroad in the UK. My biological father wasn’t high caste. If that was enough to give me up, I don’t want to meet them. My parents are good people. We moved here when I was young.” Cooper ducked his head shyly. “Maybe you could meet them someday.” “I’d like that.” Could the tremble Frazer felt in his belly be heard in his voice? Cooper might introduce every casual fuck to his parents, but Frazer hoped not. He’d never had anyone want to introduce him to the parents before. If his own parents were still alive, he’d want them to meet Coop too. He put the picture back on the shelf and slipped into Coop’s personal space. Wrapping an arm around Coop’s waist, he kissed the underside of his jaw, rubbing his lips back and forth to enjoy the rasp of stubble. Cooper shook himself. “I’m sorry. Tonight was supposed to be about me cheering you up, not the other way around.” “That’s okay.” “Come on. Let’s sit down. We’ve got a few minutes before the pizza arrives.” Cooper guided him to the sofa. Dark red, plush, it beckoned him to sin. Frazer couldn’t fucking wait. As Coop sat, he pulled Frazer down and into the circle of his arms.

“Want to talk about today?” Frazer snuggled up against that warm body and thought about it. He got tense remembering Julian. Laying that shit on Cooper now might scare him off. But Alan’s actions had disturbed him too and would more than explain his crappy mood. “Had a client come on to me today.” “I’d think that would happen all the time. You’re so damn sexy.” Blood heated his face at the compliment. “Yeah, it does some. I’ve never taken anyone up on it, though.” Cooper stiffened next to him and turned his head to look directly at the television that was not yet on, exaggeratedly fiddling with the remote. “And you did this time?” Frazer punched him in the side, not hard, but enough to convey his conflicting emotions. Cooper grunted as the air left his lungs. As pleased as he was by Coop’s apparent jealousy, he’d be happier if people would stop assuming he was going to hop into the bed of anyone who offered. “No, damn it. And when I refused, he offered to pay me.” Even at his most rebellious, he’d never have considered that. “What? That son of a bitch! No wonder you’re upset. I’m so sorry.” Frazer lifted an eyebrow. Should he bother having a discussion about trust now? Probably not. It was too early. Trust would come. And it’s not like he was spilling his guts about Julian. Although that wasn’t a trust issue exactly. More like prudence. Yeah. Prudence. “That’s not the worst of it. Apparently my ex decided to spread a few rumors before he left town. That’s why Alan assumed I’d fuck him for money. And Alan’s married, which kinda raised the whole ick factor to another level.” Cooper’s shock was almost tangible. “I…I don’t know what to say. I want to go punch one or both of those guys.” Anger colored his words. A grin played across Frazer’s lips as he imagined Cooper actually hitting them. Both Alan and Matt were way smaller than Cooper. There’d be no contest. And wanting to defend his honor? That was nice too. Better than his brother’s response to the situation. Instantly Frazer’s bad mood vanished. He flipped himself over so he was straddling Cooper’s lap. A slight ache in his ass reminded him of the number of times Cooper had filled him, but all it did was make him want Cooper again. Now. Pressing his lips against Coop’s, Frazer threaded his fingers through Cooper’s soft black hair. God, what a beautiful man. Cooper mumbled against his lips. “I thought we were going to have pizza, relax.” Frazer moved his mouth and bit down on the smooth brown skin under Cooper’s ear. Just like that, Cooper was vibrating, pushing his erection up to rub against Frazer’s.

“We are going to relax,” Frazer whispered. “Later.” The doorbell rang. “Fuck!” Cooper cast an apologetic glance at Frazer and lifted him up so he could answer the door and pay for the pizza. He returned within seconds, flung the pizza box onto the coffee table, and dove back onto the couch to press Frazer into the cushions. Frazer grinned. “I thought we were going to have pizza.” The naughty smile Cooper gave him made his cock throb in his pants. “We are going to have pizza. Later.” Cooper mimicked his earlier statement. Oh good. No matter how much Frazer appreciated the care Cooper had taken of him tonight, he was thrilled Cooper wanted him over pizza. Frazer reached up, grabbed Cooper’s shirt in his fists, and pulled. Skin now. Buttons flew, rewarding Frazer with a wide expanse of smooth skin lightly dusted with black hair. Yum. Cooper was all man and—for now, at least—all his. “You little shit,” Cooper said with a laugh. Little shit, eh? Frazer leaned up and sank his teeth into one of Cooper’s brown nipples, already hard for him. At Coop’s sharp intake of breath, Frazer looked up. There was no laughing now. Coop’s expression was pure lust, and Frazer couldn’t have been happier. He fucking loved biting. It was so hard to find a good top that would let Frazer be as aggressive as he wanted. Yet another reason Cooper was perfect for him. Frazer cupped Cooper’s straining erection. He wanted to taste it, fill his mouth with that beautiful cock, suck it until Coop came down his throat. They could fuck later. He yanked Coop’s pants open. He totally loved the office-executive look. He still didn’t know what Cooper did for a living, but he imagined Coop draped over a desk, legs spread, inviting, like in a sexy photo shoot. Coop’s cock sprang out at him in an eager greeting, tip already wet in welcome. Grasping that warm column of flesh and stroking was better than stroking his own. The look of utter abandonment on Coop’s face was worth anything, but there was no sacrifice required on Frazer’s part because he loved sex and everything about it. The fact that Cooper was great in bed and turned Frazer on in all respects made it better. Coop’s cock was a thing of beauty, deserving of Frazer’s attention and admiration. Frazer rubbed his fingers in the moisture beading from Coop’s slit, using it to lube the rest of that fabulous equipment, smoothing the friction of his firm handjob. At Coop’s groan, Frazer looked up into his beautiful face. Definitely a groan of contentment. Cooper began humping into Frazer’s strokes, and while there was a certain wicked appeal in letting Coop come all over his clothes, Frazer wanted that in his mouth.

Letting his grip loosen, he maneuvered Coop into a sitting position, pleased the older man followed his lead. Frazer slithered to the floor, unzipping his own pants in the process. Coop’s legs splayed open, and again that sexy image of the half-dressed executive was right there in front of him. This was more explicit, and yummier, than the tame Vanity Fair spread he’d imagined earlier. Shirt half off, open pants framing a large, hard dick, and a slumberous look in Coop’s eyes—fuck, Frazer wanted this forever. His very own porn star, and a great guy to boot, within tasting distance. He could practically come just from looking. Frazer leaned in and sucked the bulbous tip into his mouth. Cooper arched up into the sensation with a grunt, pushing a couple more inches into Frazer’s welcoming mouth. He lapped at the leaking slit, and Coop’s salty, bitter flavor burst over his tongue. Frazer’s hand on his own dick sped its strokes. So fucking good. Frazer let his teeth tighten as he pushed his face into Coop’s stomach. The wordless groans were getting more frequent, and Frazer moaned around his substantial mouthful. The groans got louder, and Cooper’s fists moved to Frazer’s hair, gently stroking but not providing any pressure. Frazer wasn’t sure if he was happy about that or if he wanted more. Coop was so fucking sexy, lying there, accepting the blowjob. Sucking harder, Frazer used his free hand to gently roll the ball sac pulled tight against Coop’s body. He wanted to slide his finger back, slip it inside Coop’s heat, but they hadn’t done anything like that yet. It had only been a weekend—not like they’d had the chance to run through all the positions in the gay Kama Sutra or anything. But Coop might not like ass play…or, at least, having it done to him, because he sure as hell had no objections to doing it to Frazer. Thank God. Splaying his hand, Frazer stretched his index and middle fingers, stroking below Coop’s balls along the underlying soft strip of skin. Cooper widened his legs and tilted his hips up. Well, if that wasn’t an invitation, Frazer didn’t know what was. Letting Coop’s dick pop wetly out of his mouth, Frazer sucked his finger before settling his lips back around that luscious piece of meat. Coop couldn’t mistake what Frazer’s actions meant. Frazer was damn sure the moan and deep thrust into Frazer’s mouth weren’t an objection. Maybe a demand to hurry up, but not an objection. Oh God. So hot. Frazer whimpered around Coop’s dick and sucked more frantically while sliding his finger past the resistance into silky heat. The need to drink Cooper down superseded Frazer’s initial desire to bend over the back of the lush sofa and have Coop pound into him from behind. His finger sped up and curled a little, searching. “Frazer!” Coop shouted. Oh. Oh. Frazer couldn’t help it. He spilled hot spunk all over Cooper’s leg, groaning and shuddering around the hard length pushing in and out of his

mouth. He’d owe Coop for the dry cleaning. “S-soon,” Cooper stuttered. Limp from the force of his orgasm, Frazer pressed his finger against Coop’s prostate while he swallowed Cooper whole. A silent grimace etched itself on Cooper’s face a split second before the cock in Frazer’s mouth pulsed, cum shooting down his throat. He pulled away a bit so he could capture the salty bitterness on his tongue, savor the essence that was pure, distilled Cooper. He gentled the suction but kept his tongue moving lightly over Coop’s flesh, pulling completely away once Cooper’s cock began to soften. “Wow,” Cooper whispered. He yanked Frazer back up onto the couch and tucked him into the crook of his arm. “That was…unbelievable.” Frazer grinned happily at him. “Uh-huh,” he agreed, still satiated enough to wonder about his ability to form sentences. “You ever want to, uh…” Frazer looked up at Coop, surprised by his nervousness. The tips of his ears were red. Was he embarrassed about something? If so, Frazer was filing that little bit of knowledge away in his Coop folder, because damn. Most of Frazer’s emotions showed on his face, putting him at a disadvantage at the best of times, never mind with a guy whose brown skin disguised all but the fiercest of blushes. “Want to what?” Frazer asked. He looked longingly at the pizza, but it was so fucking far away, and he was loath to leave the warm circle of Coop’s embrace. “You know…top.” Coop wasn’t looking at him, thank God. Because Frazer was stunned. His mouth opened and shut. What did Coop want to hear? Cooper’s words weren’t the most enthusiastic invitation Frazer had ever heard, but then, he hadn’t expected Coop to see his actions as a request. He’d not intended to convey that at all, whether Coop was amenable to the idea or not. He’d topped a couple of times, early in his sexual exploration. It had been okay, not great, and he’d never bothered trying to repeat the experience. At the time, it had unnerved him, trying something new, wondering if he was hurting the other guy, wondering if it was any good for him. Maybe it would improve with practice, but after the first couple of times, he’d never thought about it again. He was a happy bottom boy, but with Coop… Now he wasn’t sure. “Um. Did you want me to?” Did Frazer want to try? They seemed to be getting closer to each other every hour. Would topping change that? What if it was as lackluster as his previous experiences? Frazer didn’t want to fuck up this incredible thing they’d started. “Um.”

Well, they’d been reduced to reciprocal ums. Never a good sign. They needed to communicate. Because this was the kind of thing that could break a relationship. At least, it could break up a purely sexual relationship. Frazer liked to think that a more emotionally involved relationship could withstand a little compromise, but he’d never been in one long enough to find out. And he wasn’t entirely sure he was in one now. No. That was a lie. He knew he was in one, but what Cooper thought was a mystery. For all Frazer knew, Cooper considered them fuck buddies. Damn it. “Can we dress? Eat? Then talk about this?” There. That ought to tell Cooper that this meant more to him than a simple discussion about roles and positions. Cooper’s stomach growled. Perfect timing. “Sure thing.” Coop looked amused. He dropped a kiss on the top of Frazer’s head and stood. Frazer chuckled and felt the weird tension dissipate, thankful Cooper hadn’t hesitated a bit about having a talk. He let Coop hoist him off the couch, then performed a cursory cleanup while Coop grabbed sweatpants for both of them from his bedroom. Swimming in his much-too-large sweats, Frazer retrieved the pizza from the coffee table. After they’d filled their bellies, Cooper looked at him expectantly. Shrugging, Frazer figured he’d start. If Coop didn’t like the way he communicated, well, then this relationship wasn’t going to go as far as he hoped. “First off, is that something you want?” With a serious expression, Cooper considered the question, no pretending he didn’t know they’d picked up their conversation exactly where they’d left off. “Is it something you want?” Frazer rolled his eyes. “Is there an echo in here?” Cooper snorted. “Fine. That wasn’t fair. Here’s the thing. I’ve done it before, and I found it uncomfortable at best. But I’d be willing to try it out again, if it was something you’d like. Everything so far has been…” Cooper inhaled, and his eyes dilated slightly as he stared off into space for a few seconds. “Fucking fantastic.” “No pun intended?” Another laugh bled out. “No, no pun intended.” “I agree, you know.” Cooper smiled at him, and Frazer’s dick twitched, amazing him that he could consider another round so soon after his most recent, stunning orgasm. “Anyway, everything’s been great. If there’s a chance I could enjoy it, I think it would be with you. If you wanted to try. But it’s not like it’s something I’m missing in my life.”

“But you don’t mind a little, you know…” Frazer waggled his fingers suggestively. “Fingers, some toys…nope, don’t mind that at all.” Frazer nodded, thoughtful. “Well, it sounds a little like my experience. I’ve tried it a few times, and it hasn’t been great. Although I’m tempted, I’m afraid it won’t be any better.” Frazer felt his face heat. “And I want it to keep being great, you know?” Cooper leaned over and kissed him softly. “Yeah, I know. So let’s leave it for now. We can revisit it later, if one of us feels more like trying, uh, something out of our comfort zone.” With the pizza eaten and serious discussion over, the two of them settled back on the couch, and something occurred to Frazer. “How come you don’t have any pets?” Because this house sure looked like a pet-friendly place, and Cooper seemed like a guy who would enjoy a pet. Frazer’s own apartment was too small. Too cruel to keep a pet locked up there, besides a goldfish or a hamster. And since he wasn’t eight years old—pretty much the last time he’d have been happy with either—Frazer didn’t have a pet. “Hmmm?” Cooper said as he reached for the remote. “Oh, work. I’m away a lot, sometimes with very little notice. Someday, maybe, I could get a cat or a dog…” Cooper’s voice trailed off. Frazer nodded. Maybe if Cooper had a lover, a partner… But that was jumping ahead too fast. Like Becca had told him, he needed to enjoy himself. The boyfriend thing would take care of itself. But he really, really hoped Cooper was it. Relaxing into Coop’s arms, he let himself get caught up in the movie.

Chapter Five “Have we got a target yet?” Cooper asked as he walked into the office he shared with Adam. “You’re late,” Adam commented, without any judgment. Yeah. He’d kind of slept in. If you counted spectacular morning sex, followed by awesome shower sex, as sleeping in. Of course, they’d woken extremely early so Frazer could get back to Brinton for work. He’d left before light, and Cooper had fallen back asleep. So, yeah, he had actually slept in. But he could get used to starting every morning like this one. He smiled and nodded. “Cooper. On a weeknight? You dirty dog,” Adam exclaimed with a grin, throwing his yellow stress ball at Cooper’s head. Ducking, Cooper laughed as the ball rolled out into the hall. “How did you know?” Coop had to ask; he hadn’t done anything more than smile. Somehow Adam always knew, with everyone. Although, Adam was skilled at deductive reasoning—Cooper had made a private call last night and then left like his ass was on fire. “How did I know you had sex? I always know. Don’t know how to explain it, but it’s totally my superpower.” Cooper shook his head and laughed again. “Hey, grab that, will ya?” Adam waved in the direction of his errant stress ball. “Why? I didn’t throw it at me.” “Asshole,” Adam muttered good-naturedly and rounded his desk to chase down his ball. “Holy shit, Coop,” Adam said as he got closer. “What?” “Is that a fucking hickey? Dude. It’s huge. I’m in awe.” Shit. Most of his other marks were subtle and below the collar. This must have been the one Frazer had sucked up in the shower as Cooper pounded him into the tiles. Frazer had been wild before the sun came up, and Cooper thought he could attribute it to the talk they’d had the night before. It gave Coop hope that Frazer felt the same connection he did, that this sexual relationship could be the basis for something more, something solid. Adam was looking at him expectantly, and he wasn’t sure what to say. “Same guy as the weekend?” Cooper nodded. “Good. Ready to double date yet?” Cooper rolled his eyes. It would take more than an extra day in Cooper’s bed to prepare Frazer for meeting Carmichael. So…he guessed Frazer needed to spend several more nights

in Coop’s bed. That would be absolutely no sacrifice on Coop’s part. He’d wanted to ask Frazer to come back again tonight, but he didn’t dare. Yes, he was worried for Frazer’s safety, but he wanted Frazer in his bed, in his home. Maybe forever. Until they discussed a relationship or living together, he couldn’t expect Frazer to commute so far during the workweek. Not as a regular occurrence. Reluctantly, he’d let Frazer go early this morning before dawn, with a promise to keep in touch and an invitation to spend the weekend with him again. Frazer’s response had been gratifyingly enthusiastic. That would have to satisfy Cooper for now. He didn’t want to frighten Frazer by being too clingy. Unfortunately, he had a hard time controlling that. “Okay, back to work, you sex-crazed fiend.” Adam returned, stress ball in hand. “Any more about that portal?” “Looks like we’re going in. Tomorrow, likely. Local law enforcement found a body. Between that, Carmichael’s gut, and the disappearances twigging our search algorithm, it’s a safe bet the portal’s located in Brinton somewhere.” Cooper nodded. At least Brinton was big enough they wouldn’t stand out like sore thumbs. Undercover work was a bitch in tiny towns, like the one Adam came from. “Got a list of possible locations?” “Yep.” Adam waved the sheets he’d taken off the printer. That was another benefit of not going into an extremely small town. The more inhabitants, the greater potential number of unusual occurrences, resulting in more blogs, tweets, or other online reports. Increased Internet chatter meant MIA noticed sooner. With any luck, they’d have this portal found and shut down before Friday. Canceling his weekend date with Frazer would be too disappointing. “How many?” “Twenty-two probables.” “Ugh. That many? I assume there’s more possibles.” Adam nodded and gave him a rueful look. Yeah, Coop didn’t want to know how many places they might have to search. Hopefully once they got there, they’d find something to narrow down their target area. It was one advantage to being able to sense the portals. “Gonna call the new man? Maybe we can crash at his place,” Adam said. What? He didn’t want Frazer involved in their investigation in any way. It was way too dangerous, as Adam should bloody well know. But then he caught a glimpse of Adam’s teasing smile. Cooper should have known better. Adam lived with an overprotective field agent; he had to know Cooper would feel the same after having known Frazer a few days.

“Very fucking funny.” “Seriously, though, where do you want to stay? We could try and get a hotel not too close to his place, reduce the risk of accidentally running into him on the job. Or we could get a hotel real close, and you can sneak out at night.” Adam’s smile became more devilish. Shit. Cooper hadn’t thought of that. Running into Frazer wasn’t a good idea on so many levels. Coop was a little afraid of Adam meeting his new lover. He didn’t want Adam to pity him for panting after a guy so clearly out of his league. Coop might have a master’s degree, but that didn’t make him any smarter than Frazer, and it sure as hell didn’t make him as hot as Frazer. Nothing more pathetic than a smart guy too stupid to know when he’s in over his head. And there was the simple matter of telling the truth. Or not, in this case. There was no way he could explain to Frazer exactly what he was doing in Brinton. Given his lover’s recent experience with his client and discovering that his ex-boyfriend had started such an appalling rumor about him, Coop imagined Frazer might not easily forgive a breach of trust. Wait. Cooper wanted to smack himself. None of that fucking mattered, not one bit. Clearly, since meeting Frazer, his groin had diverted blood vitally needed by his brain too many times. Adam looked at him, waiting. How the hell was he going to admit this? “Well?” Adam asked. “Pick something near the city center.” Cooper fumbled with the papers on his desk. “Jeez, Coop. You don’t know where he lives, do you?” Damn. His partner was a smart fucking cookie and could read Cooper far too well. “Shut up. Did you even know Carmichael’s full name when you first did the deed?” Oh ho. Coop would bet his life savings that Adam’s fierce blush was a resounding hell no. Since none of their coworkers knew Carmichael’s given name, except for possibly his superior and his partner, Coop assumed it had taken a while before he’d told Adam what it was. “Can we let this go now?” Cooper asked. As much as he wanted to think and talk about Frazer, those same topics highlighted him as a lovesick idiot. Adam nodded. “We got any info on the body yet?” Coop knew it wasn’t the most elegant change of subject, but they were on the clock. “Not much. Throat sliced open. The guy bled out. Teeth marks the cops are attributing to wild animals. Discovered by a dog walker in a secluded wooded area. One Thomas Amherst, thirty-one, Caucasian, one hundred and sixty-five pounds, according to his license. Reported missing by his employer.” “Bled out and teeth marks? And we’re positive it wasn’t animals?” Determining the species of monster created by each portal was important. Bringing garlic to a werewolf nest would get

you killed. Coop made it a point to make sure neither he nor his partner went into a situation without all available information. “Might be animals, but not likely. The body was moved. Guy’s living room was the scene of the crime. They think. Not enough blood, though.” Adam squished his stress ball between his palms. “Vampires, you think?” “Most likely,” Cooper confirmed. They needed more concrete evidence, though. The Umbrae substantially modified their hosts’ physiology—photosensitivity and the need to ingest blood every week or so were the most helpful signs for MIA agents. If only waving garlic, religious icons, or mirrors around were enough to find the infected. “Okay, and reported missing by employer. That means no friends or family close by.” Cooper began jotting down a list of supplies they’d need to take with them. “Nope. According to this report, he moved here fairly recently due to his new job. His mother and brother and his closest friends live hundreds of miles from here. He’d made a few new friends, but of the bar-hopping variety. Think that was premeditated on the part of the Umbrae?” Adam asked. “What, the possessed deliberately searching for those who won’t be missed as quickly? Sure, I think that fits their pattern of escalation so far. Or maybe they’re getting better at integrating with their human host.” Cooper sighed. Just served to make their job harder. Although MIA trained their operatives, standard criminal investigative procedures weren’t often applicable to their jobs. Intuition often played a more significant role than anything else. Sometimes Coop wondered if they were any more effective than simple monster hunters. “What about local law enforcement?” Cooper asked. “Conducting their usual investigation. I don’t think they’ve got any suspects, thankfully.” Cooper nodded, realizing how odd that statement would sound to anyone not in the building. But the police could unknowingly muck up an MIA investigation. The Umbrae were masters at hiding their tracks and became more vicious when cornered. When the police were involved, they either suspected a complete innocent, or they provoked a possessed victim or victims into launching a bloodbath. Neither of which led MIA investigators to the portal they needed to close down, and frequently hampered the process. MIA much preferred to get in before the police had a reason to do a full investigation—made their lives a lot easier. And if the police were some of the possessed? That made it worse for the innocent suspects. Umbrae-possessed cops were more evil and terrifying than the worst dirty cops ever. They had the knowledge and authority to hide their crimes better than anyone else. “Right. Let’s get in there as soon as possible. I’ve got a date for Friday night.”

“Got it,” Adam said with a smile. *** The next evening, Frazer pulled up to his apartment complex. With the tasks and clients he’d needed to deal with that day, leaving Coop’s place before sunrise had been the best plan, but it had been hard to do. Now it was dark again, and this was the first he’d been back to his apartment. It was a good thing his work tended to be solitary, because he would have had a hard time not gushing about Cooper. As it was, he’d texted Becca half a dozen times during the day, unable to hold it in. Just his luck she was still in LA on her business trip. Texting wasn’t the same as discussing details over a martini. With the same goofy smile and partial chubby he’d been sporting all day, Frazer headed up the stairs. Even going to the bank to get Julian’s money hadn’t deflated him. His shitty dating streak was officially over. Hopefully his need for dating was also officially over. How soon was too soon to have the exclusivity talk? He pushed his key into the lock, looking forward to an early night. He wasn’t accustomed to the…ahem…intense physical activity. But he was up for more practice to increase his stamina. Oh yes. “You must have a boyfriend. You weren’t home all night.” Frazer barely held in a shriek as Julian appeared out of an alcove, as though mere thoughts of his loan had conjured him up. “Spying on me? Following me? What the fuck, Julian!” “When can I meet him?” “Why? So you can hit on him?” “Why not? We look the same; he should like me too.” Frazer squelched the shot of jealousy and unease those words caused. Yes, he and his twin did look an awful lot alike, but their personalities were totally different, always had been, and he tried to feel confident Cooper would be interested in him and not his brother. “He’s mine,” Frazer said firmly. No matter how uncertain he was, it was no good letting Julian know that. “Henry was mine too.” Henry. The biggest source of friction between him and his brother. The reason Julian spent so much time making plays for Frazer’s boyfriends. The reason they’d finally stopped talking, except when Julian wanted money. Like now. “Jeez, Julian. Let it go. The guy was an asshole. I never did anything to encourage him. Find someone else. Please.” The grin Julian gave him was…disturbing. But his anger had receded somewhat. His brother had to be hopped up on something.

“Is he one of the rich old buggers around here? That would be smarter than I’d expect from you. I’ll find out, you know.” “Julian, what do you want?” “Where’s my money?” “I thought we were meeting at eight. Tomorrow. At the coffee shop on Jefferson.” Shit. Yesterday’s random thought about letting Julian stay with him for a few days returned to mock him. He hated Julian standing so close to his own personal space, his apartment. He’d never have been comfortable letting Julian have the run of the place. “So? I know you. You’ve been to the bank already. Doesn’t matter where we meet. We don’t need to have some douche-bag coffee date.” Frazer winced before he turned around and marched back to his car. Maybe the car wasn’t the safest place to leave several thousand dollars, but it was as safe as his tiny apartment. Where anybody could ambush him. He glared at Julian. “Here. Will you go, now? Leave town? You got what you came for.” “Thanks, bro. Gonna invite me in?” “Fuck, no.” Frazer hadn’t intended his refusal to come out so forcefully, but he hadn’t realized how much he did not want to hang out with his brother—at all and possibly never again. Julian frowned. “Fine. Don’t. I’ve got things to do.” Julian flipped Frazer the bird as he left on foot, but Frazer noticed he didn’t say anything about leaving town. And Frazer could do sweet fuck all about it. He’d already given Julian half of his savings, money not tied up in long-term investments. But let him into his apartment? Not a chance. Not after this little episode. He might have to move so Julian couldn’t find him the next time. Frazer tried to hang on to his good mood but found it eluded him completely. He wanted nothing more than to talk to Cooper, but he didn’t think he could confess to Cooper how awful his brother was and how hard it was for Frazer to stand up to him. It was too embarrassing. Besides, if Cooper felt sorry for him, he might invite Frazer over again. He wanted Coop to invite him because Cooper wanted him there, not because Coop pitied him. They’d made plans for the coming weekend. That had to be enough to satisfy Frazer. It was Tuesday. He could last until Friday without seeing Cooper. Of course he could. Maybe he could call Becca later, once he was sure she was back in her hotel room. God, he was lonely. If he weren’t careful, Cooper would pick up on his desperation to be loved, and that would be the end of that. Standing in the doorway of his darkened, empty apartment, Frazer realized how little he wanted to enter. Screw it. He’d have his own douche-bag coffee date. At least there’d be people at the café. Might stave off his loneliness.

Chapter Six Settled at a table with a magazine and a cappuccino, Frazer inhaled deeply. The rich smell of brewed coffee was almost an aphrodisiac. The bustle of people, genial conversations, and solitary folks tapping at their laptops was exactly the right atmosphere to chase away Frazer’s unpleasant mood. One of the baristas, a tall, lanky guy, maybe a year or three younger than Frazer, stopped by his table, a sweet smile on his face. “Can I get you anything else? A scone, maybe?” Frazer smiled back. “No, thanks. I’m okay.” The barista’s sweet smile infused with a hint of spice. “You’re more than okay.” Oh hell. Now that he had a boyfriend—he hoped—did that mean he was suddenly catnip for every gay man in Brinton? Still, this guy was cute. “I’m Kyle. I don’t think I’ve seen you in here before.” Hmm. As pick-up lines went, his needed work. Since Frazer had no interest in Kyle, the shitty line didn’t affect him. “I don’t come in here often. I’m Frazer.” “Nice to meet you, Frazer.” Kyle held out his hand to shake. Frazer took it but made sure to release it quickly. He didn’t want Kyle to get the wrong idea. A light flirtation was one thing; leading Kyle on was something else. “I get off work at nine. Want to meet for a drink afterwards?” Was this guy old enough to drink? Frazer got carded fairly often himself, so that didn’t mean much. “He’s got a boyfriend, but I’d be free to plow your sweet ass.” Both Frazer and Kyle jumped at Julian’s sudden appearance and words. Kyle’s eyes widened as his gaze darted between Frazer and his brother. “You’re twins,” Kyle said almost accusingly. “Aren’t you a smart cookie? But you don’t want this dried-up old prune.” Julian knocked Frazer’s cell phone onto the floor. “Why are you here, Julian?” Frazer scrambled beneath the table for his phone. “I thought you didn’t have time for douche-bag coffee dates.” “Oh, I do when the help is so fuckable.” Julian pressed his palm to Kyle’s crotch. Kyle leaped back, cheeks red, expression completely bewildered. “Julian, lay off, would you?” Frazer revised his estimate of Kyle’s age downward a little. He had to be fairly inexperienced to react so skittishly to Julian’s overt and heavy-handed attempts at flirting. “We could meet later, my little fuck toy.”

“Fuck toy?” both Kyle and Frazer repeated, both angry. Unfortunately, Frazer didn’t have the option of stomping back behind the counter. “Julian, it’s no wonder you can’t keep a guy’s interest. Why do you go out of your way to be so obnoxious?” “Fuck off, Frazer. You always think you’re better than me.” “Oh, for God’s sake.” Julian sucked his teeth at him and flipped him the bird—for the second time in as many days—before he sauntered back out of the coffee shop. What the fuck was that about? Frazer was starting to wonder if Julian was following him. Or just coincidentally harassing him. Either way, Julian had ruined the calm Frazer had managed to find, briefly, in the company of strangers. Might as well go home. At least he could be sure he wasn’t going to find Julian inside his fucking apartment. *** Late the next afternoon, Frazer dropped off his list at the grocery store. How awkward would it be on Friday when he returned to the Harringtons’ place to accept the delivery? He was determined to do his job, and do it well, but he hoped Alan would see fit to be somewhere else. How did you make nice after someone offers to pay you for sex, if you’re not an actual whore? No damned etiquette book in the world covered that situation, Frazer was certain. If Alan was home on Friday, Frazer decided he’d pretend the whole incident had never happened. If Alan did the same, well, good news for Frazer. Maybe he wouldn’t lose a client over Matt’s jealous meddling. No matter what happened, at least he’d have the haven of staying at Cooper’s for the weekend. Cheering up Cooper-style might be Frazer’s new favorite thing. He scanned the street, looking for Julian. After the number of encounters he’d had, Frazer now expected to run into Julian everywhere. Funny how his dating spell had gone from craptastic to fantastic at the same time the rest of his life had gone from fine to weird and uncomfortable. It seemed like the weather was mirroring his foul mood. It had been darkly overcast for days now, and cold. It was hard to feel upbeat when everything, including the weather, was terribly dismal. The only sunshine in his life lately was in Cooper’s arms. How fucking pathetic was that? An opalescent white SUV caught his eye. Looked like Cooper’s. Frazer shook his head. Right now his mind could twist anything into a reminder of Cooper. God, he had it bad. ***

There was a man in a dark suit waiting for him at his apartment when he got home. Taller and darker than Julian, he didn’t glide from the shadows like his brother had. But he gave Frazer an uneasy feeling all the same. “Frazer Nyland?” the man asked as he approached. Okay, that was promising. At least the guy wasn’t mistaking him for his brother. Last thing he needed was Julian’s dealer after him because he looked like Julian. Frazer nodded, his keys clenched in his hand, wondering if he should brush past the guy and head into his apartment. This guy looked strong enough to follow him in, or at least try. Frazer was stronger than he looked, and people had underestimated him more than once, but Mr. Suit outweighed him by at least fifty pounds—all of it muscle, Frazer was sure. Actually, the guy was kinda hot. Maybe it was the suit. A former goth shouldn’t be so enamored of the executive style, but if Frazer had a type, that was it. As attractive as this guy was, though, he wasn’t nearly as hot as Cooper. The man flipped out his wallet. Shit. A shiny gold police badge was more intimidating than Frazer had ever believed. “I’m Detective Luis Goodson. We’d like to ask you some questions down at the station.” “We?” Even as the word came out of his mouth, Frazer realized it was the most ridiculous part of the sentence for him to ask clarification about. Detective Goodson nodded his head to a blue sedan parked a few spots from Frazer’s own Honda. Huh. You’d think he would have noticed someone hanging around, sitting in a car in his parking lot. But then, he had a lot on his mind. “Would you be willing to come down?” The words definitely formed a question, but the tone brought Frazer’s attention right where it should be—on this dangerous man standing in front of him. There was no question in the tone, and if Frazer chose to say no, he might regret it. For all the television he’d watched, he wasn’t quite sure what his rights actually were. “What for?” Frazer saw a muscle in the detective’s jaw tighten a fraction, and realized he must have sounded a little defensive. “We’re investigating a murder, and we believe you knew the victim. We’d like to get your statement. Everything you can tell us will help us find the murderer.” “A murder? Who?” Frazer’s heart squeezed painfully. It was an awful thing for him to think, but he didn’t want it to be anyone he knew and cared for. “Thomas Amherst.” “Who?” Relief broke over Frazer’s head. Clearly this was all some sort of misunderstanding.

The detective pulled a photo from his pocket and handed it over. Frazer took it automatically, but inside he was doing a happy dance. He didn’t know a murder victim. He glanced down, took a look at the poor bastard, and found he couldn’t breathe. He wished he hadn’t slept with anyone who’d been murdered, but alas, now he had. “So you do know him.” Once again, it was no question the detective was asking. “Yeah, I do.” Frazer watched, detached, as the photo shook in his suddenly trembling hand. “I never knew his last name.” “Are you willing to come down to the station with us?” Frazer shrugged. “I guess so.” A small corner of his mind screamed out a denial, but his shock gagged it. “Let’s go.” “What about my car?” “Don’t worry. We can have an officer drop you off later. It’s important we get your statement as soon as possible, so the details are fresh in your mind.” “Okay.” Stunned, Frazer tried to assimilate the information, but he couldn’t, and it made him feel a little stupid. “Can I ask how…?” Should he ask? Or was it morbid curiosity to want to know how his most recent one-night stand had met his demise? Frazer could hardly believe it had only been a week before he’d met Cooper. Before his life had irrevocably changed. “We believe his throat was slit.” “You believe?” Derision of cops wasn’t smart, but either a guy had his throat slit, or he didn’t. It wasn’t a matter of degrees, Frazer didn’t think. “There were animals… We’re still waiting for confirmation.” Animals. Oh God. Frazer’s stomach lurched, but he willed his nausea away. He wished he could think clearly, but this was the most unbelievable thing that had ever happened to him. He let Detective Goodson lead him to the sedan and got in, as though programmed. *** Three hours later, Frazer emerged from the police station, shaky and upset. He couldn’t believe it. The same questions, over and over again—phrased differently each time, sure, but the same questions nonetheless. When Detective Goodson had said statement, well, Frazer hadn’t known what to expect. Relentless attempts to get him to change his story were unimaginable. Until he’d ended up in an interrogation room. Detective Goodson had been worse, by far, than his partner. Detective Sheila Ames gave off a comforting, matronly vibe. Or at least as comforting as one could be when partnered with a scary motherfucker like Luis Goodson.

Giving a statement shouldn’t result in extreme antagonism from the cops in charge, nor should it take as damned long as it had. They hadn’t even let him go to the bathroom. Frazer had been afraid he was going to embarrass himself by the time the detectives allowed him to leave. Thankfully Goodson hadn’t come right out and told him not to leave town, because he was going to need the weekend at Cooper’s more than ever. Last night, alone in his bed, he hadn’t slept well without Coop’s comfort. Tonight was going to be immeasurably worse. He didn’t want to get Cooper involved, or even let him know, which would be impossible to avoid if he had to log his movements with the police. Shit, shit, shit. Frazer sat heavily on a nearby bench, trying to compose himself. Once again, the detective hadn’t said it, but Frazer was damned sure he was a suspect in Thomas’s death. Frazer had known going home with Thomas had been a bad idea at the time, but he hadn’t been able to help himself. Although, if he’d had any inkling, he would have sucked Thomas off in the men’s room at the club instead. Or done nothing. That would have been the smartest. Did he need a lawyer? He knew shitloads of them, as clients. Could he bring himself to ask any of them for advice? When he didn’t know how many of them thought he’d bend over for a few bucks? He wasn’t under arrest. At least he had that going for him, but for how long? Frazer didn’t think Goodson had let him leave because he believed Frazer was innocent. More like he was waiting to spring, maybe trying to gather more evidence. What was he going to do? Fumbling in his pocket, he yanked out his phone and dialed Becca’s number. “Becca?” Frazer spoke before she had a chance to utter a greeting. “Frazer, what’s wrong?” “Uh. I think I’m in trouble.” “Not that new guy you’ve been texting me about for days?” “Uh. No. It’s bad.” After he related the story to Becca, the reality of the situation hit him like a wrecking ball, and his hands shook hard enough, he wasn’t sure if he could keep a hold of the phone. “Are you there?” he asked, wondering why she didn’t say something. His best friend in the world couldn’t think he’d done something so horrific, could she? “Of course I’m here. I just can’t believe it. No one could seriously think you did that. It’s crazy!” Frazer’s insides warmed a little when he heard the conviction in her voice. “Look, you might need a lawyer. I hope not, but I’m going to e-mail you a name and number. Our firm has dealt with them before, and I’ll give Lori a heads-up that you might need her

help.” “Okay, thanks,” Frazer said, and he heard the tremor in his voice. It matched his shaking hands perfectly. He wondered if he could get his money back from Julian. Frazer knew he hadn’t killed Thomas, but he might need every available cent to prove it. It had been the height of stupidity to go home with a man he didn’t know and fuck like minks. Yes, he’d hoped at the time Thomas would have called for a second date, but getting blown off wasn’t worth murdering anyone over. But he didn’t have much of an alibi for the day of Thomas’s death, and he might have been the last one to see him alive. Combined with the fact that his fingerprints were all over Thomas’s place—including two fairly clear handprints on the dresser where Thomas had bent him over and fucked him—well, Frazer had seen enough cop shows that he suspected the cops might not look much further. Frazer had even made their job much easier by having his prints on file from when he’d opened his business and gotten bonded. “I’m catching the next flight home, but you might want to call your new man.” “No, Becca.” No to both. He didn’t want to put Becca’s job in jeopardy, and he sure as hell didn’t want to burden Coop with this. Julian seemed like small potatoes now, and Frazer couldn’t even bring himself to tell Cooper about that. Coop hadn’t shared his day job, for fuck’s sake. How could Frazer possibly share this travesty? Way too much baggage for a new relationship. But then, if Frazer ended up getting arrested, it wouldn’t matter. He’d have to find a new boyfriend…in the clink. Oh. God. He squeaked and tried to draw in a breath as his stomach rolled, hard. Cold, clammy sweat popped out all over his body. “Frazer!” Becca’s sharp note of command burst through the phone. “Stop it. Don’t panic. It will all work out. Trust me. I’ll be home as soon as I can.” Frazer took a few deep breaths, nausea receding somewhat. “Becca. I don’t want to get you in trouble with your work.” “I won’t. They owe me time. You know that. What about Cooper?” “I don’t think I can tell him. It’s too…” Frazer trailed off. Humiliating? Partly. But Cooper had no reason to believe Frazer hadn’t…oh, jeez…killed someone. Coop was now one of two shining stars in his life, and he couldn’t bear it if Cooper believed Frazer could be a murderer. If he could hold out until the cops found the real killer, maybe Coop would never have to know. Maybe it could be a funny story he could tell Coop, like twenty years from now. “Well, you think about it. I’m going to pack and head to the airport as soon as I book a flight, but it might be several hours before I can get home.” “Do you want me to pick you up?” “No, because I’m hoping you’ll call your man and he’ll keep you better company than I can. I’ll call you when I’m landing, and we’ll go from there.”

“Thanks, Bec,” he said softly before he heard the dead air of the disconnected call. If nothing else, his other shining star was going to be back with him soon. His shoulders slumped, and he couldn’t find the energy to move from the bench. Shit, he was still in sight of the police station, and even that wasn’t enough to motivate him. Staring at his phone, he toyed with the idea of calling Cooper. God, how he wanted to. He wanted those strong arms to hold him. He wanted that comfort. But no. He couldn’t. He could wait a couple more days, somehow. Hoisting himself up, Frazer groaned, wondering how a few hours in a police station could make him feel like he’d aged forty years. He was going to go home, have a bath, and try to forget this shit storm. Huh. That guy looked like Cooper. Frazer kept looking, enjoying the little thrill thinking about Cooper gave him. Surprised, Frazer realized it was Cooper. He had no idea why Cooper was in Brinton, but right now, he didn’t care. The surge of relief and well-being that flooded Frazer calmed him. “Cooper,” he called out. “Frazer?” Cooper replied, his voice mostly surprised but colored with something else. Was that a shifty look? The relief he’d been feeling faded. “Hey,” Frazer said as Cooper and his companion drew closer. He glanced at the other man. Back in his goth days, with his hair dyed black, he’d probably looked a lot like the man Cooper was with. “Frazer, this is my, er, colleague, Adam. Adam, this is Frazer.” The hesitation before the word colleague and the fact that Adam was a fucking gorgeous, clearly gay man made Frazer’s breath hitch. Those two things told Frazer all he needed to know. The bright smile on Adam’s face made it worse. Frazer understood why Cooper hadn’t been able to resist. Adam was temptation in the flesh. Breathing became an effort—the air didn’t want to pass through the despair wringing Frazer’s lungs. Too much. It was all too much. His life was imploding around him, and he knew damn well he wasn’t going to survive unscathed. His eyes burned. Why had he refused the drive home when Detective Goodson had offered? Then he wouldn’t have had to see…this. Sure, they’d not talked about exclusivity, but somehow Frazer had thought Cooper felt something for him. Maybe it was better to learn now. Before he got more invested. Logic didn’t stop the pain, though. “Nice to meet you, Adam.” The rasp in Frazer’s throat could have been attributed to anything, but he needed to get out of there before Cooper saw him cry. “I’ve got an…appointment. Gotta go.”

Frazer ran down the street. He thought Cooper called after him, but a taxi appeared like magic in front of him, and he whipped open the door and gave his address. Without a backward glance, he let the taxi take him home, feeling hot tears snake down his face and soak into the T-shirt he’d snagged from Cooper’s drawer. *** “Well, he was cute. A little abrupt, maybe,” Adam said as Cooper watched Frazer sprint away. Cooper hadn’t expected to bump into Frazer. He’d thought Brinton was big enough that he could get in, do his job, and get out without Frazer ever knowing. The agency he worked for was so covert, he couldn’t tell anyone about it. Carmichael had told Adam, but by that time, Adam had already seen werewolves firsthand. There was no good reason Cooper could give Frazer about being in town, so he’d panicked a little when he’d seen him. But within seconds, the warm welcome on Frazer’s face had disappeared, and he was giving Coop the brush-off. If Coop had taken the time to think about what would happen if he did chance across Frazer in Brinton, he never would have expected such aloofness. “I… He’s…not normally like that. I don’t know what’s wrong.” Coop could barely squeeze the words past the blockage constricting his throat. Had he been so wrong about what they felt for each other? “I do,” Adam said. “And I’m sorry.” What? “Why are you sorry?” “Oh hell, Cooper. When was the last time you dated? He thinks you’re tapping this fine ass.” Adam gave his own butt a little pat. “Who could blame him? It’s a great ass. But you hesitated a bit before introducing me. Your sexy man there thinks you’ve got a boy on the side. Or that he’s the boy on the side. And he’s jealous as fuck.” Cooper opened his mouth, but he didn’t know how to respond to such an outrageous statement. The role of jealous lover had always been Coop’s. He’d never had anyone who returned the sentiment. But if that was truly why Frazer had run away, Cooper had to make it better. He’d been cheated on before, and he knew how much it hurt. “I have to go. Find him.” Shit. Cooper still didn’t know where Frazer lived. But dammit, he’d find out. Cooper found himself swaying back and forth, indecision about which way to turn hampering his impulse to speed after Frazer. “Hey.” Adam clamped his hand down on Coop’s forearm. “Stop. Breathe.” Coop did as instructed, calming enough that his brain wasn’t leaping in all directions. “As much as I hate to say this, you can’t go after him now. We’ve got an appointment with the coroner, remember? And we have a job to do.”

Fuck the job. Oh. Shit. Coop couldn’t believe he’d had that thought. What they did saved so many lives, even if those lives were totally unaware they were in danger. Sure, they lost some. The war against the Umbrae was not without casualties, and most of those casualties were innocents, but Coop knew the loss would be much greater if it weren’t for MIA. This was, however, the first time he’d had a conflict between his private life and his job. “Okay. Fine. Let’s get this over with.” He took a deep breath and nodded. At least their cover story was one they’d used before. Every team worked differently, but he and Adam had found that when bodies were discovered, med students coming to interview the resident coroner about choice of profession garnered them a lot of gossip they could use to their advantage. The unusual and often horrific nature of the deaths they investigated made lips slightly looser than normal. Neither he nor Adam were medical doctors, but in addition to Egyptology, Adam’s studies had included anatomy and osteology courses, and Cooper’s own degree covered animal anatomy and biology. They knew enough between them to fake it. “I understand. I do.” Adam’s eyes were sympathetic. He’d spoken to Coop, more than once, of how he and Carmichael had gotten together. Carmichael had been undercover and in the field. He had lied to Adam and, because of that, put him in danger. Although Adam ended up forgiving Carmichael, obviously, he’d told Cooper he’d never truly understood Carmichael’s conflict until he’d gone out in the field himself. For the first time, Coop felt enormous empathy for what Carmichael must have gone through, trying to balance the emotional turmoil of meeting his future partner with the lies and deceit that surrounded an MIA operation. “After we finish here, you go see what you can do about fixing it up with your man, and I’ll set up base camp in the hotel, okay?” Coop nodded and forced his muscles to relax. He hadn’t realized he’d tensed them all in preparation for flight. “And once you patch things up, the three of us can hit one of the gay clubs around here. I’ve heard they’re awesome, and I can’t ever get Carmichael to go dancing with me.” Surprised laughter escaped Coop, and he cuffed Adam on the shoulder. “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea. Carmichael might kill me if I let you go out where a bunch of gay men could ogle you. He’d be sure I couldn’t protect you.” Adam smirked. “I know I’m well-nigh irresistible, but I can protect myself. Your boy, though, might be another story.” Coughing at the unexpected knife blade of pain that sliced through his middle, Coop realized Frazer likely went to those clubs, had men ogle him, and, despite his opinion of one-night

stands, may have let more than one guy pick him up and fuck him. Jealousy—red-hot, searing, and more intense than anything he’d ever experienced—flashed through him. In that minute, he knew. He would do whatever he needed to make sure he made things up to Frazer. Because in his gut, he knew. No more dancing around it and no more disbelief that it had happened so fast. He loved Frazer, and maybe, just maybe, Frazer loved him too. It was too early to admit it to Frazer, but he could at least admit it to himself. “Come on. Work to do,” Adam said. Coop nodded and climbed the steps to the police station. The sooner he got this done, the sooner he could smooth things over with Frazer. He hadn’t liked spending last night alone in bed. It had bothered him more than he would have believed possible. He wasn’t willing to use agency resources to find Frazer—yet—but he could probably find what he needed online without having to go through official channels. He’d be damned if he let Frazer go like this. *** A couple of hours later, Adam and Cooper left the morgue. “Well, he wasn’t nearly as chatty as some,” Adam said. “True. But we got a couple of things, all the same.” Coop checked his BlackBerry, surfing for likely addresses for Frazer. “Guess we’re going to check that club out after all.” Adam smirked at him and wiggled his hips. Their meeting with the coroner had been a bust. They’d confirmed to their own satisfaction that Thomas Amherst had likely been killed by an Umbrae-possessed vampire, and they’d learned he’d frequented one of the gay clubs. But they hadn’t learned anything else. Not even the identity of the police’s person of interest or why they were interested in him. Checking out the club seemed like a good plan, though. Vamps frequently found their meals at nightclubs, so it was possible this one had scoped Thomas out at Catch 22. Adam had practically jumped up and down because he’d recognized the name. “Stop that. You’re going to get me in more trouble than I already am.” “What? Your boy is nowhere near here. He’s sulking somewhere, not answering any of the million texts you sent him while I was in there trying to do our job.” Adam gave him a mock-stern look. “Go on, it’s early. Go talk to your man. Invite him to go to the club with us.” “You’re assuming he’ll forgive me.” Coop didn’t want to think about how empty his life would be without Frazer in it. A couple of days was a short time, but that didn’t seem to matter. Not to his heart or to his mind. Adam smacked him in the bicep. “Shut up. You’re sexy, sweet, and if Frazer didn’t care about you, this whole thing wouldn’t upset him. You’ll be able to make it right. I’m going to catch a nap, maybe give Carmichael a call. Drop me at the hotel, and come back to pick me

up when you’re ready to go.” Cooper thought Adam was being overly optimistic, but as he dropped Adam at their hotel and wheeled the SUV toward the address he hoped was Frazer’s, he tried to believe Frazer would forgive him. *** By the time Frazer got home, his nose felt swollen and hot, but everything had dried up. In appreciation for the cab driver stoically ignoring Frazer’s tears, he tipped extra. Hopefully those few dollars wouldn’t matter to his defense fund, such as it was. Before he exited the cab, Frazer peered into the shadows by his apartment door. He’d had enough people surprise him at his doorway this week. He wasn’t up for another ambush. And if a tiny part of him hoped to see Cooper there, properly apologetic and remorseful? Well, he firmed his jaw and suppressed that errant thought. He didn’t want to think about the betrayal that had him crying like a girl. He’d dated Matt for nearly a year before their huge and final fight that sent Matt away, and Frazer remembered being angry but not heartbroken. Oh. Damn. With leaden steps, Frazer approached his door. That was a truth he didn’t want to face. He was heartbroken. A heart could only break if it was in love. Realizing he was in love with a two-timing asshole was as painful as discovering Cooper was a two-timing asshole. His vision blurred again, but Frazer blinked back the tears as he unlocked his door. He wanted to curl up in bed under the covers and not come out until they came to—oh God—arrest him. He pulled out his phone and flung it onto the coffee table before sinking down on his pathetic excuse for a couch. He couldn’t help but compare his apartment’s shithole frat boy chic with the comforting hominess of Cooper’s house. Why wouldn’t Coop be on the lookout for someone else? Someone more successful to share his life with. Sure, Frazer’d had a few knocks. His parents’ deaths eight years ago had messed him and Julian up emotionally and financially. College had been completely out of the question until Frazer started to take classes around the career he’d built for himself. That Adam guy had looked self-assured and worldly. Frazer had no way to compete with that. After what felt like several hours of staring blindly at his tiny television, Frazer realized two things. One, he’d neglected to turn on the TV, and two, he had no idea exactly how long he’d been sitting there doing nothing, stewing over Cooper’s betrayal. Maybe Becca would be back soon, and he could cry on her shoulder. Metaphorically, anyway. He didn’t think he could muster up any more tears and didn’t much want to. A cheater wasn’t worth the emotional devastation battering him.

Grabbing his phone, he realized he must have turned it off completely after talking to Becca. When he turned it on, he saw he’d received several text messages. From Cooper. As he read through the messages, they got more frantic, more desperate. Cooper begged Frazer to let him explain. Frazer found himself wavering on whether he should listen to whatever story Cooper had to tell or ignore him completely. Would he be objective enough to discern if Cooper was lying to him? He wasn’t going to be a piece of tail on the side. He had more respect for himself than that. One of the messages was from Becca. She had a flight time, but it was an overnighter, so she was going to keep working until then. As tempting as it was for Frazer to call her and talk to her about this, he didn’t. It was enough she was flying back. A knock sounded on Frazer’s door. He didn’t get up. No one he knew should be knocking at his door. Cooper didn’t know where he lived. His phone buzzed with another text from Coop. It said, Please. With a sense of inevitability, he rose to his feet. Stumbling a bit, he realized he must have been sitting motionless for quite some time. Peering through the peephole, Frazer saw the person he both most and least expected to see. The fish-eye lens didn’t give him any inkling of Cooper’s expression; it barely revealed Cooper was indeed on the other side of the door. Resting his forehead against the doorframe, he considered his options—open the door, or pretend he wasn’t home. His phone, clutched in his hand, buzzed again. I’ll wait. Please.

Chapter Seven Frazer should have realized Coop wouldn’t give up so easily. Resigned, he opened the door. Coop didn’t make a move to come inside. Looking intently at him, Coop brought a hand up to cup the side of Frazer’s face. “Oh, babe. I’m so sorry.” He traced his fingers over Frazer’s swollen eyelids and stroked down to the tip of his throbbing nose. Fresh dampness trickled down his cheek. Coop wiped it away. Apparently Frazer had had more tears in him than he’d thought. “It’s not what you thought. I swear,” Coop said, bringing him in close, the warmth of his big body calling to Frazer. His words were doing a number on his hurt too, but he wanted—needed—an explanation. How did Coop know what he thought, anyway? “Then what?” “I’m here on business. Adam really is my colleague.” Coop moved them gently inside, pushed the door closed, and led them unerringly to the couch. Frazer rolled his eyes. “Uh-huh.” Cooper opened his mouth and looked thoughtful before he closed his mouth again. What did that mean? What had he been going to say? “Look, I’ll be as honest as I can.” What? What the fuck did that mean? “I know I haven’t told you my profession. I do work for the government, but I can’t tell you what that entails.” “A secret agent? That’s a bullshit line to get you laid.” Frazer’s stomach roiled again. He’d had enough of liars and untrustworthy men. Coop grimaced. “Not precisely, no. More like a researcher or an investigator. But I can’t tell you more than that. I would if I could. Please believe me. And if anyone asks, I’m a med student thinking about becoming a coroner.” Frazer felt his eyebrows climb into his hair, shock chasing away much of his hurt. “And Adam?” “Same story. We work together. And definitely don’t sleep with each other, I swear. Even if I’d been so inclined, his partner would kill me.” Coop let the corners of his mouth lift in a tiny, ingratiating smile. Frazer couldn’t help but reach out a finger to trace those soft lips. Lips that strained to capture his finger, suck it into warm depths, tongue flicking over its tip. Frazer let his finger slide into Coop’s hot mouth, wondering briefly what Adam’s partner must be like that Coop would worry he could be bested by him. But then that talented tongue twisted around his finger, and Frazer’s cock ex-

panded so rapidly, it was almost painful. “Forgiven?” Cooper asked as he drew Frazer’s hand away from his mouth. “We can go out with Adam. You can meet him. Adam wanted to check out some of the nearby clubs. Catch 22, he said.” Catch 22. One of his regular hangouts. Dark enough to appeal to his lingering goth tendencies. Lots of jokes around the name and what you could catch and how many, but fun. It was also the place he’d picked up Thomas. But he wasn’t going to think about that. “Now? Tonight?” Frazer asked. His cock pulsed painfully in his pants. He’d anticipated make-up sex, not going to a club and making nice with Coop’s colleague. Cooper couldn’t be serious. “Oh, tonight.” Cooper moved his lips close enough to Frazer’s that he could feel the heat rising from Coop’s skin. “But later, definitely later.” Oh good. Frazer didn’t—couldn’t—wait anymore. He closed the distance between them and climbed onto Coop’s lap, tongue thrusting forcefully into Cooper’s mouth. Coop responded instantly, accepting the onslaught for a moment before that nimble tongue began fighting back in the best possible way. Frazer ripped apart Cooper’s dress shirt as he directed kisses and nips downward. “Hey, toothy.” Cooper’s hands moved restlessly on Frazer’s ass. Toothy. Yeah, that was a good description of him. Biting, hickeys, anything to mark his man. The breathiness of the words and the hot, hard cock pressing up into his butt told Frazer that Coop didn’t mind in the least. “Yeah?” Instead of looking up, Frazer continued his oral exploration down Coop’s chest. “Try to keep them below the collar, okay?” That made Frazer look up. Oh shit. He had left one too high. Hadn’t been his intention, but knowing he’d marked Cooper and that others had seen it made his dick flex slightly. He growled against the warm brown skin, let his lips rub against the sparse black hair before moving to an already erect nipple. He warmed it with his breath, not putting any pressure on it. Cooper squirmed and moaned beneath him. Fuck. So sexy having this big, gorgeous man at his sexual mercy, knowing that as soon as he wanted, he’d have that big brown cock sliding into his ass. Frazer shivered in anticipation, enjoying Cooper’s wordless attempts to move—or do something. He stabbed his tongue at the nubbin, wetting it, and then blew across it. Cooper writhed. “Please.” He panted, arching his chest toward Frazer’s mouth. Frazer pulled his head away, drawing out the moment a little longer before he clamped down, teeth and mouth fully involved, biting and sucking, hard.

“Frazer.” Cooper ground his hips upward, clutching Frazer’s back like a lifeline. Frazer ground back. So damned good. But skin on skin was better. Pulling back, Frazer whipped off his T-shirt. The pause in the action made Coop open his eyes. Not far—his eyelids looked heavy, drugged with passion. His normally light brown irises were dark, swallowed by dilated pupils. Swamped by lust so fierce, Frazer knew he couldn’t stretch this out. If he didn’t get that fat cock up his ass soon, he was going to come in his pants. No way was the night ending that way. “Strip. I’ll be back in a minute.” Frazer bounded off the couch. If he’d known Coop was going to come by, he would have stored lube and condoms closer than his bedroom. He wiggled out of his clothes while he retrieved the necessary supplies. Prick slapping his belly as he bared it, Frazer was tempted to give it a few quick strokes but knew he’d have a hard enough time controlling his orgasm while he prepped himself. If asked later, Frazer would have refused to admit he ran back to his sexy, naked…boyfriend? God, he hoped. Deep down, he knew he’d run toward a naked Coop anytime. “Hurry.” Cooper’s hand hovered over his dick like he had the same problem as Frazer. Precum welled up in the slit, catching the light of the lamp and making Frazer long for a taste. Frazer nodded and slicked the condom down on Cooper’s dick without any teasing. As soon as Frazer’s hand lifted, Coop began thrusting his hips up, as though Frazer were already seated. Cooper’s hands clutched the worn brown fabric of the sofa cushions, and he gazed hungrily at Frazer’s ruddy dick. Squirting some lube onto his fingers, Frazer contemplated it for a half second before he smeared it quickly onto his hole and along Coop’s dick. If they were going clubbing tonight, he wanted to feel every inch of that awesome prick with every move he made, winding the anticipation higher. Then they could come back here and fuck like bunnies. In a flash, Frazer positioned himself over Coop and buried half of Coop’s length in his ass. He hissed as his muscles clenched against the intrusion, but Cooper’s strangled cry of pleasure did a lot to ease the discomfort. “Are you sure?” Cooper held Frazer’s hips motionless, fingers digging into his butt cheeks. Frazer’s eagerness caused his hole to undulate around the thick cock. He needed more. Deeper. Frazer sensed the indecision ripple through Cooper—slam him down to the root, or lift him off and prepare him properly? Frazer had no interest in Cooper the gentleman right now. He wanted Cooper the down and dirty, horny man. Forcing his muscles to relax, he gave Cooper an intense stare.

“Do it. Now.” Coop hitched in a breath and then yanked Frazer’s hips down at the same time as he thrust up. Oh. Fuck. So good. Frazer threw his head back, hands braced on that strong chest, and held himself still for a second, enjoying the fullness throbbing in his ass. He looked down, and the expression on Coop’s face warmed both his heart and his libido. Without another thought, he started to move, letting Cooper’s tight grip guide him up and down the hard, fat prick stretching him. His balls tightened, and he hoped Cooper was ready to come soon—this was going to be a fast fuck, one of the fastest he’d had. Considering his sluttish behavior in the parking lot the first night they’d met, that was saying something. Cooper pulled one of his hands away from Frazer’s ass and wrapped it around the back of Frazer’s neck, pulling him down. Frazer expected Cooper to kiss him, but Coop’s target was lower than his lips. The shift in position had Coop’s cock sliding over Frazer’s prostate, and when Cooper latched on to his throat, sucking strongly, it was all over for Frazer. He spilled, hot and wet, between their bodies, ass milking Cooper through his subsequent orgasm. Frazer slumped against Cooper, breathing heavily into his neck. Cooper held him tightly, and Frazer felt their racing hearts beating in time. Perfect. “That was…something else,” Cooper said. “Mmmm. Make-up sex,” Frazer replied. “Oh. Right. I’ve never had make-up sex.” Cooper stroked Frazer’s sweat-slicked back. Hell, for all that he was a few years older than Frazer, he sometimes seemed so much more innocent. Frazer shrugged as best he could in his too-comfortable snuggle. “I’ve had it a couple of times. And mostly I’d rather not have a reason to have it.” He and Matt had fought a lot near the end of their relationship, and eventually the sex hadn’t been enough to patch up the cracks. “Me neither. Maybe we could pretend sometimes, though.” Frazer laughed, not expecting that answer at all. “Yeah, if you’re good.” “Oh, babe, I’m always good.” Frazer lifted up and kissed Cooper. “Yeah, you are.” “Hit the shower?” Cooper gently disengaged to deal with the condom and flip it into the nearby trash can. “Sure. Are we going to the club tonight?” “Yes, if you’re up for it.” “As long as you’re coming home with me.” That was about as close as he could get to asking Cooper to be his exclusively. He didn’t want to think about it right now and ruin his

good mood, but how could he expect Cooper to be his alone when he was a suspect in a murder, for God’s sake? Cooper kissed him, a leisurely exploration of his lips. “Of course. Although it might be better if you came back to the hotel with me.” Frazer waggled his eyebrows. “Hotel sex? Sounds great.” Cooper laughed and swatted his ass, the sound loud and fucking sexy in the quiet room. “Wait, you’re not sharing a room with Adam, are you?” Cooper frowned. “No, of course not.” Whew. “C’mon. Let’s get cleaned up and dressed.” Frazer eyed their discarded clothing. “You’re not wearing that, are you?” The dress shirt was rumpled and more than likely missing a button or two. The dress pants weren’t customary uniform for the club either, but the office-executive look really worked for Cooper. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. Cooper laughed again and grabbed his hand. “Where’s the shower?” Frazer gestured toward the hall. His apartment was small enough that the bathroom wasn’t difficult to find. After showering, he’d have to remember to text Becca, let her know he wasn’t going to be able to pick her up at the airport tomorrow morning. He intended to be completely fucked out. “I have other clothes. I’ll change when we go back to the hotel to pick up Adam.” Cooper pulled Frazer up against him for another kiss before they hit the shower. As Coop held him tight, Frazer felt a wonderful ache in his ass, an ache that would be like foreplay on the dance floor. He could stay like this all night. Cooper shifted, and Frazer realized they were starting to stick to each other. Maybe not all night. He urged Coop into the bathroom, wondering if they’d be able to shower together without any more orgasms. When Coop plunged his tongue into Frazer’s mouth like he was staking his claim, Frazer kinda hoped not. *** “Are you ready to go yet?” Cooper asked, exasperated. He and Frazer were sitting on Adam’s hotel-room bed while Adam primped in the bathroom. He’d had no idea Adam was so high maintenance, but he and Frazer had been ready to leave thirty minutes ago. With Frazer’s gaze flicking over his body, each damned second made it more difficult to keep from rolling him on Adam’s bed and bringing the banked lust in Frazer’s eyes out in full force. Coop was only wearing faded jeans and a tight T-shirt, but Frazer had taken one look at him and readjusted his cock while licking his rosy lips. Cooper had never felt so sexy and appreciated in

his life. He wanted more than anything to have the talk. He wanted Frazer to be his boyfriend, his partner, his exclusive lover. Whatever terminology Frazer wanted to use, as long as it was just the two of them, Coop would be okay with it. But how could he broach the subject when he had to lie about his job and this investigation? After they closed this portal, Coop was taking Carmichael out for a beer to pump him for information. It didn’t matter how fucking reticent Carmichael normally was. He had to find out how Carmichael had made this all work. So far, Frazer seemed to be good with the half-assed, cryptic explanation Cooper had given him, but that might not hold up to a discussion about a relationship. Relationships were based on trust, and for the first time he found himself in a position where he was uncomfortable keeping this information from his hopefully significant other. He might have fallen fast for other guys before, but the urge for full disclosure was new. He should talk to Adam too, to get some insight into Frazer’s side of this equation. Not tonight, though. “Hey, Adam, I know I just met you and all, but if you’re not out in another five minutes, Coop and I will start making out on your bed. Hope you’re okay with that.” Frazer grinned wickedly at Cooper. With an exaggerated gesture, Frazer looked at his watch. “Tick, tock,” he said in a quieter tone, staring directly at Cooper’s crotch. One look from those sexy blue eyes, and Coop’s dick was filling as though on demand. As pleased as he was that Frazer was on the same page, he decided a little payback might be in order. He waited until Frazer’s gaze returned to his face before he licked his index finger, slowly, showing Frazer what he wanted to do to Frazer once they were alone. Adam burst out of the bathroom. “Don’t you fucking dare,” he said, sounding far angrier than he looked. He ruined it by laughing. “Fine, fine. It’s not like I’m picking up or anything. I guess I can look subpar.” Cooper shook his head. Frazer stared. If Cooper hadn’t seen the lust-filled gaze he’d so recently been the recipient of, he might have been jealous. But all Cooper could see was simple admiration for an extremely good-looking man, which Adam was, without a doubt. “Your partner is a lucky man.” Frazer’s gaze skimmed Adam from head to toe. “And I think you know it.” Adam shrugged and gave them one of his sunny smiles. “Thanks, but when you meet him, it wouldn’t hurt to mention it, eh?” Frazer looked stunned and turned with wide eyes to Cooper. He looked vulnerable and young, and Cooper wanted nothing more than to reassure him that Cooper did want him to meet his friends. In fact, Frazer would be his first choice for one of those super-sex-charged “dates” Adam and Carmichael had after returning from missions. Maybe after this one.

Cooper didn’t say anything. Didn’t do anything but smile at him. They had a few things to work out first, and Cooper had a job to do. *** Twenty minutes later, the three of them entered the dimly lit nightclub, Coop following Frazer’s hot ass. Frazer scoped out the situation before leading them to an unoccupied section of the bar. Coop noticed Adam also looked the place over, but he knew it was from a vastly different frame of reference. “Hey, Frazer, how are you?” the bartender asked. “Not bad, Trevor. You?” “Doing okay. Arctica again tonight?” When Frazer nodded, Coop bit back an irritated growl. This bartender was a little too familiar with Frazer. He placed his own order for a couple of beers for himself and Adam and watched the bartender create a pale yellow concoction in a martini glass. “What’s in that?” Cooper asked Frazer. “Couple of things. Vodka. Pineapple juice.” Frazer looked a little embarrassed. Then Coop remembered what pineapple juice was supposed to do for the flavor of cum. God. He was fucking horny and jealous all at the same time. Maybe he should have one too. Nah. He wasn’t a martini guy. “It’s quiet tonight, but I think that’s normal. I don’t usually come here during the week,” Frazer explained after they’d received their drinks. Probably the smaller customer base was the reason they could hear each other talk—barely—over the pulsing music. Coop’s memories of clubbing failed him; he didn’t remember this decibel level. It hadn’t been that many years since he’d been clubbing, but he was verging on too old to be going by himself. With two sexy twinks in tow like he had now, though, he’d be the envy of everyone here. Both Adam and Frazer looked younger than their ages, and heads had turned immediately upon their entrance. Interestingly enough, neither of them seemed to particularly notice the attention. “Are you going to dance?” Frazer asked Cooper. He shrugged. “Doubt it. I’m not comfortable dancing. But I’ll happily watch you.” He brushed his lips across Frazer’s. Frazer nodded. “Adam?” he invited. “In a minute, hon.” Adam gestured for Frazer to go ahead, and with one last look at Cooper, Frazer headed away from the bar and out to the dance floor, where nearly naked men writhed to the music. Frazer found a spot he liked and began to move his hips. Fuck. Yeah, Cooper had every intention of watching Frazer, partly because he always enjoyed hot men dancing and partly to make sure Frazer stayed safe, but he’d had no idea seeing

Frazer dance would be a sensual torture like nothing he’d ever experienced. Coop couldn’t take his eyes off the lithe blond man and found himself needing to cross his legs to hide his burgeoning erection. Adam punched him in the shoulder. “What?” Cooper dragged his gaze away from the dance floor. “You’re drooling. And I’ve said your name, like, twelve times now.” “Twelve?” Cooper asked incredulously. “Twelve, two, whatever. Point is, I sent your boy out to the dance floor for a reason. The portal’s nearby. I can feel it.” Right. Work. He wasn’t here to play, no matter how much Frazer distracted him. “I’m going to wander, ask a few questions. You stay here.” “What, why?” Adam rolled his eyes. “I know this is the first time we’ve conducted an investigation in a gay club, but surely you’ve been in one before, right?” Cooper shrugged. He wasn’t sure what difference it made. “Well, I’m cute and harmless.” Cooper leveled Adam a look. Adam was able to take care of himself; all MIA agents could. Adam laughed. “Okay, so I’m harmless-looking, fine. Anyway, you’ve got that big, scary vibe about you. I don’t know if it’s your size or that you’ve been an agent for so long. Oliver has it too.” “Not Carmichael?” Cooper interrupted. “Well, yes, but not for the same reasons. He is frightening; you’re not.” “Hey!” Did Adam think he was soft? He was no Carmichael, but he could be mean and intimidating when he wanted to be. He wouldn’t have lasted in this line of work very long otherwise. Although years ago? When he’d started doing fieldwork by accident? He’d never thought he could be a badass. Adam rolled his eyes. “You know how grouchy he is with other people. It enhances his big-scary agentness. Anyway…” Adam drawled the word out far longer than necessary to illustrate his exasperation with Cooper’s obtuseness. “I bet people will clam up if you try to question them. They’ll probably talk more openly to me.” “When they’re not trying to grab the goods, anyway.” Adam shrugged again. “The sacrifices we make…” Cooper’s jaw fell open. “What? I’m kidding. Keep an eye out for any strange behavior, and we’ll compare notes in a few.” Adam wandered away, hips swinging in time to the music.

Cooper scanned the room quickly, but he didn’t see anything unusual. His gaze kept returning to the dance floor—and Frazer. God, he was sexy. The whole club knew it too. Between him and Adam, who had also made it to the dance floor, they were garnering the lion’s share of attention. Almost certain he’d be preventing at least one fight before the night was over, he couldn’t decide if it would be between two guys fighting over one of his companions, or if a few twinks were going to try to take out the competition. Because some of those looks directed at Adam and Frazer? Never mind looks that killed, if those guys had their way, his friend and his lover would be fat, disfigured, and unfashionable—a fate possibly worse than death for some of the men he’d come across in clubs like this. Sharks circled both Frazer and Adam, and every time they homed in on his man, Cooper found himself tensing his muscles in preparation to go defend his territory. Such a primitive reaction and one Frazer might not appreciate, but the impulse was instinctive. Each time a man came close, Frazer skillfully eluded intimate contact, and Cooper was able to relax. Relax was a relative term, though, because his cock had started throbbing in time to the thumping bass beat. Or maybe it was throbbing to Frazer’s rhythm. Whatever it was, he was truly glad for the dim lighting in the club. A slow song came on. Frazer stopped, made eye contact with Cooper, and crooked his finger. Coop couldn’t fuck up a slow dance too badly, and he wanted everyone to know Frazer was his. No doubt—he’d been hooked but good, and Frazer was reeling him in without a fight. Without any solid memory of crossing the club to the dance floor, Cooper found himself wrapped tightly around Frazer as they swayed gently to the music. The sweetness lasted all of a second or two before Frazer bit Cooper’s neck. His surprised groan was completely lost in the music, and he pulled Frazer’s head back so he could kiss him, although kiss was too tame a word for how thoroughly he plundered Frazer’s wet mouth. Lust thrummed through him as Frazer tried to climb him again, like he had in the parking lot the night they’d met. Frazer’s hips began humping, and Coop lost himself in the hot, sensual haze Frazer inspired. The sensation of another erection pressing up against his ass broke his single-minded focus. Cooper pulled out of the kiss and glared at the interloper. A bit beyond, Adam caught his eye and tapped his watch. Halting the sweet torture Frazer was inflicting by sucking up small bites on Coop’s neck was the last thing he wanted, but he had a job to do. Also he didn’t want to come in his pants in public, especially with his partner looking on. He’d never be able to meet Adam’s eyes in the morning. It was bad enough Adam knew Frazer was staying the night in his hotel room. And why.

“Come on,” Cooper said softly, putting a few centimeters between them. Frazer’s disappointed moan floated to Coop’s ears. It took every ounce of willpower not to give in to Frazer’s wordless, plaintive request. “It’s time to go. Hotel sex, remember?” Cooper made sure those last words couldn’t be overheard. Like anyone with eyes didn’t know they were going to fuck, but Coop didn’t think everyone needed his verbal confirmation. Frazer drew in a quick breath and grabbed his hand. “Let’s go. Now.” He pulled Cooper along and grabbed Adam by the arm as he went. Cooper thought he heard a collective sigh from the crowd. With Frazer towing them toward the exit, Cooper looked over at Adam and mouthed a question at him. Anything? Adam tilted his head and turned his free palm up toward the ceiling. Cooper had been working with his partner long enough to recognize the Maybe—I need more information look. Which was good. Cooper had been far too distracted to have been any use at all to Adam in an investigatory capacity. With the heavy wood in his pants, he didn’t much care right now, either. His main concern was getting them back into the hotel and getting himself into Frazer. That sunburst-tattooed ass had been making all kinds of promises he wanted, and needed, to collect on.

Chapter Eight When the alarm went off the next morning, Cooper groaned and stared blearily at the clock. There was a damned good reason he didn’t go to clubs anymore, especially in the middle of the week. He was too fucking old. Thank God he’d only had a couple of beers. In his younger days, he’d occasionally gone into work hung over, a misery he never wanted to repeat. Waking up with a warm, naked Frazer made it doubly difficult to leave the bed. Having sex until four in the morning hadn’t been the smartest thing he’d ever done, but Cooper couldn’t imagine not having done it. Whenever he and Frazer were together, he turned into a slavering animal. It had been years since he’d been this perpetually horny, and it was a damn fine feeling. Getting out of bed, he groaned again and stretched. Okay, maybe he could do without the muscle aches. Probably the younger Frazer didn’t creak after a night of hot sex, but again, it was a small price to pay. Of course, Coop had pounded Frazer pretty good. He might not have muscle stiffness this morning, but he might be sore elsewhere. Coop made a mental note to take it easy on him tonight. Because there was no doubt in his mind that they’d see each other tonight. Soon Cooper would have to screw up the courage to talk to him about their relationship. Soon. “Hey.” Coop gently shook Frazer’s shoulder, barely keeping himself from making it a caress. He was already going to be late meeting Adam in the hotel’s dining room for breakfast. Frazer mumbled something and burrowed his blond head under the pillows. “Frazer. Do you need to get up? Do you work today?” “No. Sleeping.” Cooper had no idea if Frazer was conscious enough to be fully aware of Cooper’s questions, but Frazer was a big boy. Cooper knew Frazer had a lot of pride in the work he did. If Frazer needed to be up, there was little doubt in Coop’s mind that he would pull himself out of bed, much as Coop had done. After a super-fast shower, Coop considered trying to talk to Frazer again but decided against it. Instead, he left the spare room key for him. *** “Morning,” he greeted Adam as he pulled out a chair in the dining room. Adam looked up at him and glared, a hint of shadows purpling the area beneath those piercing green eyes.

Huh. Coop didn’t get that evil look from Adam very often. “Are you okay?” “No. My neighbor was having wild monkey sex until four in the morning. Loud wild monkey sex.” Between the pointed look and the mention of the time, Coop put the pieces together, despite his own sleep-deprived state. “Oh. Sorry. I, uh…” Coop didn’t know what else to say. Embarrassed was too mild a word. Knowing Adam had heard them was one thing, but that they’d been loud enough to keep him awake was quite another. Adam’s face broke into his customary sunny grin. “Hey, no problem. Way to go, Coop. Hot.” Adam leered good-naturedly, and Coop’s ears flamed hotter as his guilt drained away. “Not another word,” Cooper said as sternly as one could when one’s ears were on fire and hickeys covered one’s neck. “Oh, Cooper.” Adam moaned theatrically, but thankfully quietly. “It’s so hard…” Coop wondered if it was actually possible to die of embarrassment. He had no trouble recognizing Adam mimicking some of Frazer’s louder exhortations. “…not to tease you.” Adam finished his sentence with a normal tone of voice. “Is Frazer absent because he’s dead of sexual exhaustion? No, never mind. I don’t need to know. So, I bet you’re starving this morning.” He hadn’t noticed until Adam mentioned it, but yeah, he could eat the legs off his chair right about now. At least breakfast was a buffet. *** After breakfast, back in Adam’s room, they perused detailed maps of Brinton, focusing on the areas closest to the club in an attempt to find the portal. “Okay, here’s my top three picks,” Adam said, stabbing his forefinger at the map. Now that they had some likely locales, they would be out beating the brush, in a manner of speaking. They couldn’t be too obvious that they were searching for anything. If their calculations were mistaken and there were more than one or two vamps, it could be dangerous for them to be near the portal. Umbrae-possessed people were highly protective of the portals. Not surprising. The Umbrae, like most species, had a strongly developed survival instinct. Cooper sighed. At least he’d had the foresight to put on jeans and a T-shirt instead of the business attire he usually wore on a weekday. “Let me guess—they’re all in some out-of-the-way, hard-to-get-to patch of deserted land. You’d think the Umbrae were picking their portal spots.” The Umbrae weren’t that clever. He didn’t think. Adam shook his head. “I’ve explained this to you before. You’re being a pain, and I’m not doing it again, not when you’ve got nookie-brain.”

“Nookie-brain?” “Too much fucking means there’s no blood left in your head for thinking. Nookie-brain.” Silly term, but Adam had a point. Coop had been distracted ever since meeting Frazer. This morning was even worse, due to a combination of significant physical exertion and an alarming lack of sleep. Besides, he knew damn well Adam’s pet theory was that portals opened in the same places periodically over the ages, and they left enough lingering malevolent energy that sensitive people avoided the places, thus leaving most of them overgrown and secluded. Cooper had merely been hoping to delay the inevitable. Tramping around in the bush, getting dirty, bug-bit, and possibly snake-bit was not his idea of a good time. He’d much rather spend the day in bed getting Frazer-bit. When his cock twitched at the thought, Cooper decided it was time to go. Adam wouldn’t stop teasing if he noticed Coop getting an erection. “What did you find out last night? Looked like you might have come up with something.” Adam gave him a strange look. “Nothing concrete. Thomas hung out at that club a lot. Had a habit of going home with random guys.” “Didn’t we know that? We got that info from the coroner.” “Yeah, but going home. He never went into the back rooms or the restroom. He took them home.” Coop’s eyes widened when he realized what Adam was saying. “Dangerous choices. Made it easy for anyone to get to him. Especially for a killer that needed to be invited in.” “So do you think it was random luck that he picked up an Umbrae, or did the Umbrae go looking for him? Maybe Thomas saw something he shouldn’t have?” Coop shrugged. “Don’t know. We may never know. The only thing that’s good about this is we may be able to influence the police easier with this bit of knowledge.” Glancing at his watch, Coop made some mental calculations about how long it would be before he could be back with Frazer. Ugh, too long. “Let’s go and get this over with.” Shaking his head, Adam held the door open for Coop. “You say that like we’ll be in and out. You know damn well it won’t be easy. It could take days, unless we get lucky.” The BlackBerry on Adam’s hip buzzed, and they both looked at it in surprise. Unless the cops had discovered another body, there was no real reason for headquarters to contact them. Portable electronic devices were notoriously unreliable close to portals. Because of that, headquarters required regular check-ins but generally left the teams in the field on their own. Cooper’s began to vibrate moments afterward. Yep, definitely headquarters, and they had something important to pass on. Since Adam already had his device in hand, Cooper didn’t

bother checking his own. Adam pressed a few keys to review the message. “Another missing person. This one’s rich, so the police are in a frenzy.” As soon as Cooper heard the word rich, he immediately became suspicious. Given the number of disappearances he’d investigated as an MIA agent, the ones where the person in question was rich were more often than not some sort of selfish junket rather than a legitimate disappearance. “Any reason to think it’s the Umbrae? Or is it unrelated?” “Not sure. The police are holding off hauling in their person of interest in the Thomas Amherst death. Looks like they might be trying to tie the two together.” “Without a body? Thomas was new around here, and he wasn’t rich, so it’s unlikely he’d run in the same crowd. Either someone on the force is very smart, or someone’s trying to make a name for themselves.” Adam nodded absently. “Any idea who their POI is?” Coop asked. Unless a body turned up, he didn’t care who the missing person was. Data compiled at agency headquarters would determine the probability of the cases being related, but the identity was unnecessary information. The Umbrae didn’t kill according to any sort of pattern law enforcement profilers could properly recognize. “Strangely, no. But I’m going to find out. I’ve got Easterly working on it.” Noah Easterly was a good hacker and data miner, one of their best. No matter how discreet and close-lipped the Brinton detectives were being, Coop would lay odds that Adam would have the suspect’s name by the end of the day. Because that person was either possessed by the Umbrae, or they were on the Umbrae’s radar. Either way, they were a person of interest to MIA as well. Adam pocketed his BlackBerry, and they headed out to the SUV and a day of outdoorsy hell. *** Frazer stretched, arms reaching for a warm body that wasn’t there. The coolness of the sheets spurred him into full wakefulness. Cooper had managed to dress and leave without waking Frazer at all. Sure, he’d had some stressful days, but sleeping so solidly was unusual for him. Rolling over, he buried his nose in the pillow beside him. Smelled like Cooper, his new alltime favorite scent. What the fuck time was it, anyway? Another stretch and Frazer rose up, searching for the clock. What? Four in the afternoon? He’d slept the entire day away. Very unlike him.

Normally the sun would have woken him up, but they hadn’t seen the sun in a week, and today wasn’t any different. Damned spring weather. Before he did anything, though, he called Lori, the lawyer Becca had recommended, to confirm he was likely going to need her help. Her retainer alone was going to take up most of the rest of his available cash. At least she wasn’t in a hurry to take it. After Frazer had showered and dressed, he sat at the desk, wondering if he should write Cooper a note. What was the normal protocol in this type of situation? Honestly, he’d rather wait naked in the bed until Coop returned, but he didn’t much want to be naked if Adam decided to come into the room with Coop. Since he didn’t know exactly what Cooper did for a living, he had no way to judge how long Coop would be gone. Could be a long time. They hadn’t made any specific plans for the evening. Well, screw it. He had to talk to Becca today, and he needed a change of clothes if he was staying there another night anyway. He didn’t have any groceries. And…oh shit. How had he forgotten? Thomas was dead, and Frazer might be arrested. He glanced over at the closet. A small black suitcase standing by the door reminded him. What was Cooper doing here? Why would a researcher come to Brinton undercover? And was it truly a coincidence it had happened the same day he’d been questioned? Hating himself, Frazer quickly and neatly rummaged through the drawers in the dresser. Nothing unusual came to light, and nothing provided any clues as to what Cooper’s day job was. The suitcase was next. There was nothing inside except a false panel. Frazer had seen enough movies to be suspicious when he noticed one side of the suitcase seemed shallower than the other. Go him. He’d found it, but he didn’t know what was in it. In the movies, he’d never seen a locked one before. Nothing moved or rattled. Unless he wanted to take up lockpicking, he was shit out of luck. That left the closet. He went through the pants pockets, hoping to find a business card, anything. When he’d come to the last item, a brown leather belt, he thought he was done, and he still didn’t know anything. Until the hanger holding the belt fell to the floor. He bent down to replace it, when he realized it wasn’t a belt at all. It was a shoulder holster. As he peered at it, his hands shook, and his breath got shallower. Fingers trembling, he replaced the holster where he’d found it. Taking a second look at the dress shirts hanging in the closet, Frazer determined Cooper wore his holster on his left side. Some rational part of his mind not completely flummoxed by this revelation assured Frazer this was perfectly reasonable since he’d already noticed Coop was right-handed. The rest of his mind gave that unperturbed portion a quick bitch slap while he sat on the bed, staring at the black suitcase as though it were a scorpion.

Who the fuck was Cooper, and why was he here? Drugs? Or something worse? Did it have anything to do with Thomas’s murder? More importantly, why was Frazer remaining in the room, thinking about it? The tiny rational piece of his brain persuaded him to grab the plastic key card as he left the room, though Frazer was convinced he’d have no reason to use it. He didn’t know Cooper at all. Not like he’d thought. And he didn’t want to look too closely at that piece of knowledge, because he was afraid he was in love with a lie. *** Back at his apartment, Frazer couldn’t remember the drive home at all. Driving in shock was not the healthiest thing he’d ever done. The strangest thing about this revelation—if he could call it that—was that it didn’t devastate him. Nothing like when he’d thought Cooper was fucking Adam. Apparently he could accept anything but sharing Cooper. Or losing Cooper. Frazer was going to have to think about the implications of that, maybe over a glass of wine. Before getting out of the car, he returned one of the many messages Becca had left while he’d been sleeping the sleep of the sexually satiated. Even knowing Cooper was hiding something from him, Frazer got a little tingle in his spine and a quick throb in his groin as he remembered last night. Fucking amazing and amazing fucking. Best ever. If he got to keep it. “Hey, Becca,” Frazer said when the call connected. “Where the fuck have you been?” Becca’s voice was piercing, loud enough to hurt his ear a little. “Hey, calm down.” “How can you tell me to calm down? I’ve called the police station looking for you, dammit.” “Becca, I’m sorry. I…” Shit. He couldn’t exactly say he’d gone clubbing the night before, had fabulous sex with a man who was keeping some significant secrets, and had slept the entire day away. Could he? It seemed frivolous in the wake of his ordeal yesterday at the police station. However, he hadn’t had a chance to really think about it and freak out since Cooper had arrived at his apartment yesterday. Which, in all honesty, was a nice break. “I talked to Cooper, and…” If by talk, he meant fuck, then he wasn’t lying. Becca squealed. “Is he going to help?” “Uh, no. I couldn’t tell him.” Less so now. Becca didn’t know Cooper was in town. And he didn’t want to tell her. He wasn’t sure when he’d become that guy who kept secrets from everyone, but he didn’t have the energy to be open with anyone, not even his best friend or his lover. “Frazer, you’re an idiot. If nothing else, put Lori on your speed dial. She can help if you have any more run-ins with the cops. If they try to take you in for more questions, call her im-

mediately. Don’t say anything to the cops without her there.” God. Maybe he was going to freak out, because that sounded so damned ominous. “Hey, are you there? Did you hear me?” “Yeah, Becca, I heard you.” “Where are you?” “Getting ready to go into my apartment.” “Did you want me to come by?” Did he? No. He had to think, and he wasn’t going to be able to do that with Becca around. He hadn’t decided if he wanted to tell her everything. This was getting so complicated. Why him? “No, thanks, Bec. I’m going to have an early night.” Yeah right. He’d been awake, what, an hour? Two? Between the excess of sleep and the whirling of his mind, if he got to sleep before midnight, it would be a miracle. “Okay, but promise me you’ll call me if you need me.” “I will.” Frazer hung up and headed to his apartment. As he stuck the key into the door, a voice drifted over his shoulder. “Hello, brother.” Fuck. Frazer kept himself from jumping and screaming by sheer force of will. Julian would not be able to sneak up on him in full daylight; he was sure of it. “What now, Julian?” “Let me in. We need to talk.” “Oh fine, whatever, come on in.” What bizarro universe was he living in that his deadbeat, blackmailing brother was the least of his problems? Frazer threw his keys onto the small table by the door and headed into the kitchen. “Did you want a beer?” He had some in the fridge. Frazer rarely drank it, but other people did. He headed straight for the wine rack and pulled out a cheap Merlot. None of his wine was expensive, but no sense wasting the better stuff on getting blotto. He thought he heard a snort. “No. I said, we have to talk.” Frazer heard an undercurrent of anger in Julian’s voice. Well, he’d soon know what angry was if he was there to ask Frazer for more money. Frazer might have wanted his savings to finish his degree, but now he was going to need them to keep himself out of jail. Julian was the fuck-up in the family, not Frazer. How the hell had that happened? He managed to fill his glass without spilling a single drop, quite a feat for him even at the best of times, never mind when he was so freaked out he’d actually invited his brother in for a

beer. Back in the living room, he sat, surprised by the hungry look Julian directed at his glass. He’d returned to his senses, though. If he offered Julian a glass and Julian accepted, who knew how long he’d be there? “What do you want, Julian?” “You need to stop getting into my business.” Julian spat out the words—which, strung together, made no sense to Frazer. “What? I don’t give a flying fuck about whatever business you have, as long as it doesn’t involve screwing my clients for money, goddammit.” The frustrations of Frazer’s day rose up, and Julian was a convenient target for his fury. His brother deserved at least a portion of Frazer’s anger. Julian stared at him for a second before replying. “You’re lying. I could smell you. And sex. Maybe it was your boyfriend. Scents don’t lie, Frazer. Either way, keep out of my business.” Julian cocked his head to the side as though listening, then stood so quickly that Frazer didn’t quite see it. Frazer blinked in astonishment as Julian left without another word, the door closing quietly behind him. Given Julian’s strange mood, Frazer would have expected a slam. What the hell was that about? Smell him? Shit. Frazer had a feeling Julian had used his money to purchase some highly illegal drugs and wasted no time in partaking. He should have known better. He set his wine down and locked the door behind his brother. No more of that tonight. Frazer had a date with a bottle of wine and some heavy-duty contemplation. Sitting back down, he wondered if he should turn off his phone. Did he want Cooper to call? He couldn’t help but try to analyze his reaction to discovering there was more to Cooper than he’d realized. Why hadn’t it affected him as profoundly as it had when he’d thought Cooper was cheating on him? There was only one reason he could think of. He didn’t believe Cooper was into anything illegal. Obviously his character judgment wasn’t necessarily the best, but he’d bet his life Cooper wasn’t a criminal. That alone was enough to ease his mind about the incongruous items he discovered in Cooper’s room. Cooper had hinted he was there undercover. And if he was a cop or an FBI agent, well, the shoulder holster made a lot of sense. It had to be coincidence that he was there, because otherwise Cooper would have tried to ferret out information, wouldn’t he? And real policemen or agents didn’t actually sleep with their suspects, did they? Women, maybe. Men couldn’t fake the interest—the erections—Coop had shown for him.

With a small sigh of relief, Frazer picked up his glass and downed a large swallow. He was a little freaked out, but maybe he didn’t need to get hammered to deal with it. Frazer spilled a bit of his wine on the couch when a loud knocking began at his door. Feeling some of his anger and frustration return as the knocking continued, he shook his head, then flung the door open. “Oh, it’s you. What do you want?”

Chapter Nine Cooper and Adam were dirty, smelly, and scratched when they finally returned to their rooms. Cooper had hoped Frazer would be there when he returned, but he had no real reason to think that. After all, Frazer did have a job. Of sorts. It didn’t sound like a job requiring a lot of hours or regular nine-to-five shifts, but depending on the number of clients Frazer had and the time of year, it could be very busy for him. Adam checked his BlackBerry. It seemed to be working again, judging from the lack of cursing. While they’d been in the field, Easterly had tried to get in touch with them, but they’d been too close to the portal, fucking the signal all to hell. “Your boy here?” Adam asked, still perusing the small screen as they took the elevator up to their floor. “No, his car was gone.” Was it sad that Cooper had made a point to look for Frazer’s little silver Honda in the parking lot? “Okay. We need to talk.” Cooper looked at Adam, who was studiously not catching his eye. “I’m going to grab a shower,” Adam said, letting himself into his room. “I’ll be over as soon as I’m done.” Cooper nodded, but Adam didn’t look back before closing the door behind him. Well, whatever Easterly had found out, it hadn’t made Adam happy. Not one bit. Which meant Cooper wasn’t going to like it either. He opened his own door, pleased to see the rumpled sheets. A faint hint of sex and Frazer still hung in the air, and Cooper sucked it in. The warm feeling he got when thinking about Frazer would hopefully sustain him through Adam’s bad news. He thought it was bad enough they hadn’t managed to find the portal today. Seemed more and more likely he wasn’t going to have the relaxing, sex-filled weekend with Frazer he’d hoped for. But then, Frazer knew he was in town. There was no reason for them not to spend the nights together in the meantime. Unless there was some sort of emergency, he was going to call Frazer after he spoke to Adam. A quick glance at the dresser informed Cooper that Frazer had taken the spare room key. Good. He would have been happier if Frazer had left a note, but at least he had been confident enough in the two of them to assume he’d be back. Because Cooper wanted that more than anything. As soon as this investigation was done, he was talking to Frazer about making their relationship exclusive. If he could find a way to get Frazer to move in with him, well, he’d do that too.

*** “So, what’s the issue?” Cooper settled himself in a chair after letting Adam into his room. Adam, taking the other chair, appeared as uncomfortable as Cooper had ever seen him, reluctant to look Cooper in the eye. “Easterly managed to find out who the cops’ person of interest is.” “Okay, so who is it? Are they going to arrest them anytime soon?” “Hard to say. The evidence is pretty circumstantial, which is why they haven’t moved yet, but they could make a conviction stick.” “Well, who is it? We should be tailing whoever it is, in case they’re one of the vamps.” “Oh for fuck’s sake,” Adam ground out and looked at him with a pitying expression. “You’re not normally this obtuse.” Cold and dizzy, Cooper realized what had Adam all wound up. “Are you… Is it… It’s Frazer, isn’t it?” Lightheaded, he wondered if he was going to faint. Frazer wasn’t one of the Umbrae. He couldn’t be. No way. No fucking way. Adam shoved his chair back and grabbed a bottle of water. “Jesus, Coop. Are you okay?” How was he supposed to answer that? Mechanically, he swallowed a mouthful of water from the bottle Adam opened and offered to him, but he wasn’t sure how water was going to help anything. “Look, I didn’t tell you this to freak you out. I’m sorry—I didn’t expect you to take it like this.” Adam squeezed his bicep in what Cooper assumed was a comforting manner, but like the water, he didn’t know how it would help. “Maybe they’re wrong,” Cooper said, softly enough he could barely hear himself speak. “Maybe.” Adam sat down again, face filled with worry. Now he wouldn’t stop looking at Cooper, and Coop kind of wished he would. Or leave. He was poised on the edge of a breakdown, and he didn’t much want Adam to see that. “You know the Umbrae have a history of leading local law enforcement astray, Adam. The cops have been wrong before.” “Yes, but unfortunately, this might not be one of those times. The agency thinks the cops are looking at the right guy. I’m sorry. I should have broken this to you differently.” “It’s okay.” It wasn’t, but that wasn’t Adam’s fault. “What do they have?” “Frazer knew Thomas and the missing man, Alan Harrington. He’s been in both residences. Frazer is believed to be the last person to see either, although there’s no guarantee Harrington is dead.” Adam glanced away again. “How did he know them?” Coop didn’t know where he found the strength to ask.

“Alan Harrington was a client of Frazer’s. They’ve found blood at his house, but not enough to convince them Harrington’s dead. Thomas and Frazer met at the club we were at. They…uh…” Adam patted Coop’s hand gently. Coop’s stomach heaved. “They fucked.” When? Wait. “Hold on. When did they think Thomas died?” “Almost three weeks ago.” The tight band of betrayal that had constricted Coop’s chest eased slightly, making it possible to breathe again. “Okay. So before he met me.” Adam looked at him with that damned pitying expression again. “Coop. I think we need to proceed as though Frazer is our vamp. I had Easterly check around as much as he could without alerting anyone, and Frazer had some sort of interaction with a few of the men whose disappearances have triggered our alarms. Some of them sexual, some not. But if the cops get wind of this, they’ll arrest him for sure.” “No. No way. He’s not our vamp. He can’t be.” Was this for fucking real? He knew damned well he wasn’t able to be objective where Frazer was concerned. If he was the only one who believed Frazer was innocent, then logically… God. Logically, he had to accept his belief was flawed—he was wrong. “Cooper. Think. Please. Take the emotion out of it if you can. Any aversions to garlic?” Coop shrugged. Did they use garlic in pizza? He wasn’t much of a cook. Besides, vampires didn’t like garlic, but it wasn’t poisonous for them like silver was for werewolves. “Did you have to invite him into your place?” Staring at Adam, it was an effort to keep from rolling his eyes. Coop’s sole thought that day had been getting Frazer into his bed with his legs spread. “I can’t fucking remember.” Adam tapped his fingers together. “Have you seen him outside during the day?” “Yes, we saw him yesterday, remember?” Coop hung on to that thought like a shipwreck victim to a life raft. “True, but like today, it was overcast enough that he could have gone out.” Adam blew his life raft out of the water. “Any other times?” Dark. Always bloody well dark when he saw Frazer. With a quick headshake, he gave Adam his answer. Shit. The band tightening his chest had returned with a vengeance. Frazer was stronger than he looked. It also explained the biting Cooper had come to love, crave. Frazer had never broken the skin, but that didn’t mean anything. The Umbrae were able to fool loved ones and family. Why should Cooper be any different? “Anything else suspicious? You’re going to have to be careful around him.” Cooper had been anything but careful with Frazer so far. He wasn’t sure if he could actually do it. Frazer was like a drug in his system, and going cold turkey might break him. It also

might warn the Umbrae. What to do? Analyzing the best course of action in the field should have been second nature for an MIA operative, but the roiling emotions he’d been subjected to since starting this mission negated that skill. How could he tell Adam about the biting? It was too personal. And he still didn’t want to believe Frazer was possessed. How could life be so unfair? A cooling sensation alerted Cooper to wetness on his cheek, and he brushed it away with the back of his hand. “Aw, fuck, Coop.” Cooper heard the sympathy in Adam’s voice. “Please don’t. We don’t know anything for sure. If you think he’s not, then he’s not.” But his tone belied his words. Adam was a highly intelligent man, and he thought Cooper’s lover was a diabolical killer. Coop wasn’t sure how he found the strength to say it, but he had to. Not only was it his job, but many lives were at stake. “I don’t know. He could be.” Admitting it felt like a betrayal of his lover. Looking over at the bed, he wanted to bury himself in sheets that smelled like Frazer and pretend this day had never happened. “Okay, if he is, we’ll deal with it. I’ll help you. I promise. Are you seeing him tonight?” Coop shrugged. He’d planned to, but they hadn’t discussed it. “Maybe you shouldn’t. See if you can get your head on right. Let’s grab something to eat, and then you can get some sleep. It’ll look better in the morning. I promise.” Various scenarios flashed through his mind. Any outcome arising from Frazer being an Umbrae was going to be shattering for Coop. Regardless, he knew arresting Frazer was not going to make any of the outcomes better. “Stall them—the police. However you can,” Coop urged Adam, grabbing his wrist and gripping it tightly. “Stall them?” “Don’t let them arrest him. Everything will be worse.” Adam nodded. “I know. Believe me, I know. I’ve got Easterly monitoring communications, and I’ve already alerted the appropriate people that we may need to bring the big guns to bear. But listen, if we can wrap this up in a few days, we might not have to worry about it.” Easy for Adam to say. If Frazer were possessed, in a few days, the life Cooper had begun to envision for himself and his lover would be no more than ashes. *** “Can I come in?” Detective Goodson asked, but as with the many other questions he’d asked Frazer the previous day, it wasn’t a question, as evidenced by the tall man pushing his way inside Frazer’s apartment as soon as Frazer nodded. “Sure, come in.” Frazer wondered if cops understood sarcasm, because he knew his voice was heavy with it. At some point, he’d ceased behaving wisely, maybe because his life was

beginning to resemble a movie of the week rather than any sort of reality. How would anyone deal with this? How did one become accustomed to this? Detective Goodson prowled around, not actively looking for anything, Frazer didn’t think, but just observing. The detective’s size was intimidating, and it made Frazer’s small apartment seem much smaller. If Frazer were prone to claustrophobia, he’d be in trouble right now. Strangely, Goodson wasn’t any bigger than Cooper, but he was more alarming in close quarters. Maybe it wasn’t Goodson’s size so much as his purpose. Goodson glanced at the large glass of wine on the table where Frazer had left it. If he hadn’t already coped with Julian, he might have offered the detective a beer. “Trying to block something out? Drown a guilty conscience?” Frazer felt his face flush with anger at the implied accusation. He opened his mouth to rebut but caught himself at the last second. He didn’t have to defend himself. Not yet, anyway. “I shouldn’t be talking to you without my lawyer present. You should go.” Goodson looked at him with a pleased, smug expression. “Lawyering up, are you? You know that looks suspicious, don’t you?” Yeah, well, Goodson could think what he wanted. Considering Frazer was damned sure he was already a prime suspect, he didn’t feel like getting railroaded for something he hadn’t done. Frazer sat down in the armchair and took a large mouthful of wine. Goodson didn’t appear to be in a hurry to leave, and Frazer was at a loss as to how to get him to go. Do you call the police to get rid of the police? Goodson leaned over him, bracing his hands on the chair’s armrests. The nearness of this large man was disturbing on more than one level. The man was good-looking in a dark, swarthy, biker-gang way, and the danger he exuded was a potent aphrodisiac. If it weren’t for Cooper, Frazer might have been tempted to kiss Goodson. Under normal circumstances, he’d not consider making a move on a cop, since such a thing could get you beat up, but Frazer sensed Goodson would be receptive to a come-on, if Goodson didn’t think he was a murderer. “When I find Alan Harrington’s body, we’ll be having a different discussion. Lawyer or not.” Frazer gaped at Goodson. “What happened to Alan?” He snapped his mouth shut again. His lawyer might take a dim view of this interaction, but Goodson had managed to surprise him. “He’s missing. And he’s not the only one.” “What? Missing? Who else is missing?” “I’ve been taking a long, hard look at you.”

Frazer lifted a brow. Didn’t sound too professional, and it was clear Goodson realized it as soon as the words left his mouth. Unfortunately, it made him angry. “Lawyer up all you want. I know what’s going on here, and I’m going to make sure you get what’s coming to you. You’re a monster, and soon everyone will know it.” Um. What? Was this detective actually crazy? “I think you should leave now. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Frazer would have been a lot happier if he’d managed to say that without a waver in his voice, but he was becoming concerned. He inched his hand toward his cell phone, wondering if he could reach it without moving Goodson, because he didn’t think that was likely to happen. Goodson’s arms stayed where they were, bracketing Frazer into his chair. “Serial killers. Always think they’re so damned smart.” The words were quiet enough that Frazer wasn’t sure he was supposed to hear them. But he did. Did Goodson actually think he wasn’t a murderer but a serial killer? Oh God. He needed a lawyer. Or someone. Gooseflesh rose up on his skin as he realized Goodson would do whatever it took to pin these imaginary crimes—well, Thomas was really dead, and that wasn’t imaginary—on Frazer. No matter what. “Please. I didn’t do whatever you think I did.” Frazer needed this man out of his apartment. Now. A heavy knock on the door reverberated in the charged silence, breaking the hypnotic stare Goodson had captured Frazer with. Shit, he’d be happy to see Julian at this point. The handle began to turn, and Frazer realized, with some relief, he hadn’t locked the door after Goodson had barged into his place. His lover appeared in the doorway, but all Frazer could see over Detective Goodson’s broad frame was Coop’s head and shoulders. “Who the hell are you?” Cooper’s expression was as harsh and stony as his voice. Detective Goodson flinched, one hand going to his gun, but he remained where he was. He smiled, but Frazer was sure that whatever made the man smile did not bode well for him. “Frazer and I were having a little chat,” the detective said silkily, with a menacing undertone. “You’ll get your hand off that gun if you know what’s good for you.” Frazer had never heard Cooper sound so angry. He was surprised his laidback lover had the capacity for such fury, but then, as he’d recently discovered, there was an awful lot he didn’t know about Cooper. Frazer caught the razor edge of the glare those words prompted in Detective Goodson’s eyes before he straightened and turned his attention to Cooper.

Cooper’s gaze flickered briefly over Frazer and Frazer’s glass of wine. For a moment, Frazer thought he looked hurt, but his anger slipped back into place as he focused one hundred percent on the detective. The two men sized each other up, Frazer expecting them to circle each other like alpha wolves preparing for battle. They were of similar build, but until now, Frazer had believed the detective to be the more intimidating of the two. Clearly, though, he was wrong. “And who are you, exactly, to be making threats like that?” Frazer noticed Goodson had not moved his hand from his weapon, which took more balls than Frazer would’ve had in the same situation. If Frazer were smart, he’d get the fuck out of the way, but his wild emotions made him useless. And the testosterone level in the air was enough to drug him to the gills. “Someone who can back them up,” Cooper responded to Goodson with a similar menacing tone. “Let’s say I don’t appreciate your attitude towards my…boyfriend.” Frazer didn’t know what to do with that information, but he could tell Detective Goodson heard the hesitation before the word boyfriend as clearly as Frazer had. “Your boyfriend, you say,” Goodson said with the air of someone who believes he’s been handed a shitload of…well, bullshit. Frazer didn’t blame him. He wasn’t sure he believed Cooper either, and he’d been fucking Coop. He wanted it to be true, more than anything, but he was as skeptical as the detective about Cooper’s pronouncement. For a man supposedly undercover, he was pretty bad at lying. “And what did you say your name was, boyfriend?” The last word held such a derisive sneer, Frazer wanted to hit the detective himself. Was it so fucking improbable someone could want him? Frazer kept his insecurity to himself, though, as he realized Goodson’s tone had inflamed Cooper further. Now they resembled gunfighters, waiting for their cue to draw. Adrenaline zinged through Frazer. There was a good chance someone was going to get shot, and he didn’t know if Cooper was a better shot than he was a liar. “Are you willing to shoot a police officer over this boy?” Goodson sneered again. Boy? Who was he calling boy? In the midst of his indignation, Frazer saw the surprise on Coop’s face, but the expression didn’t make him appear much less menacing. “Are you willing to have a harassment complaint filed against you?” Coop asked. Huh. That was a tactic Frazer had not expected. The tension bled out of his shoulders in relief as those fatally charged emotions receded. And having Cooper defend him, despite the hesitation over his title, was revving his engine something fierce. “I’m not the one you should be worried about, boyfriend.” Goodson pushed past Cooper to the door, aggressively making more contact than required.

And what was that last crack supposed to mean? Goodson couldn’t seriously think Frazer was a killer, could he? Cooper slammed the door shut behind the detective’s retreating form. He turned back, and Frazer saw the caged anger vibrating through that gorgeous body. Frazer dared a quick look at the taller man’s groin. The heavy bulge there told Frazer the confrontation had aroused Cooper as much as it had Frazer. With a whimper, Frazer flew across the room and skidded to his knees, fingers scrabbling at Coop’s fly before he’d come to a stop. Cooper’s hard, pulsing cock leaped out at Frazer, begging with silent tears for his mouth. Fortunately Frazer felt there could be no better reward and parted his lips, letting Coop thrust, filling his mouth with heated flesh. Frazer moaned around his almost overwhelming mouthful, unable to focus on anything beyond the cock in his mouth and the one that had found its way into his right hand. He had no memory of opening his own jeans, but he also didn’t give a shit about the how or when. A growl of abandonment rumbled in Cooper’s chest as he fucked Frazer’s face with a punishing rhythm. Frazer matched his speed, stroke for stroke, on his own dick, precum lubing his hand and slicking his tongue. Their furious pace couldn’t last—it was too intense. When Coop yelled his name and salty, bitter cum pulsed down Frazer’s throat, it catapulted him into his own orgasm, his scream garbled but loud as he spurted all over the floor. Cooper dropped his head back against Frazer’s front door, panting, as his shiny, semihard prick slipped from Frazer’s mouth. Frazer wanted to curl up where he was on the floor, but he also wanted to snuggle with Cooper. Assuming that was his real name. Real name or not, Frazer couldn’t believe everything between them had been a lie. That would break him. Was it blissful ignorance? Maybe. But he’d wallow in it as long as he could. What did it say about him that his most satisfying and loving relationship was possibly fake and had so far lasted less than a month? *** Within a few minutes, they’d cleaned themselves up and were seated on Frazer’s couch. Cooper preferred his own couch, but this wasn’t bad. Deciding if he should seek out Frazer at his apartment had been agony, the discussion he’d had with Adam still fresh in his mind. But this wouldn’t be the first time he’d gone after something he wanted, whether or not it was good for him. He hadn’t expected to see another man in Frazer’s apartment, though. That had been an unpleasant shock. Deep down, he’d already made the decision that no matter what Frazer might have done as an Umbrae, he’d never harmed Cooper, and Cooper had decided to trust that he wouldn’t. The Umbrae were evil entities, and even though they turned people into monsters, they also

didn’t always kill everyone who came across their paths. And Cooper, like other MIA agents who’d been bitten in the past, had an immunity to the Umbrae and the bites they used to possess humans. Once he’d made that decision, there didn’t seem to be any good reason for avoiding Frazer. What he hadn’t expected was the cop. Okay, when he’d first seen the huge man looming over Frazer, he hadn’t known he was a cop. But the pissing contest he’d had with the man, along with the subsequent…well, he didn’t know what to call it. He’d never been that quickly aroused nor that quickly brought to completion. Seeking satisfaction had been almost vicious in its execution, but they’d both been frantic. He’d not been alone, either. Cooper hadn’t missed Frazer blowing his load all over the floor, mostly because the screams vibrating through his dick had been exquisite, extending the pulses of his orgasm. Was that what happened when a willing participant was available to slake battle lust? If so, Cooper wished Frazer could accompany him on all of his missions. “So who was that guy?” Frazer wouldn’t look at him, which concerned Cooper. Was this yet another competitor for Frazer’s affection? The scene he’d interrupted had been charged, but not with sexual energy—he didn’t think. “No one.” Frazer crossed his legs and picked intently at threads on the worn hems of his jeans. “Frazer, that guy wanted to shoot me! What did he want?” Cooper knew having a lovers’ spat with a vampire wasn’t wise, but he couldn’t prevent his anger from leaking through. He’d been afraid, very afraid, although not for himself. After all, he’d already provoked Frazer. For whatever reason, Frazer hadn’t seen fit to vamp out on him. He’d been worried for the other guy’s life. Being an asshole didn’t mean he deserved to die like Thomas Amherst. Coop wanted to scream out his frustration. How could he have fallen for an Umbrae? How could he have feelings for a vampire, for fuck’s sake? But he did, stronger than he’d felt for any previous lover, and it was shredding his soul. “I…I don’t want to tell you.” Frazer sounded petulant and younger than his years. “Why not?” Cooper drank in the sight of Frazer’s profile, watched him bite his lower lip, making Coop think of other things besides that damned cop. But he wanted Frazer to be happy. Since the day he’d found out about the Umbrae, he’d never once imagined a day would come when he’d want one to be happy, when he’d do whatever he could to bring that about. Of course, he never imagined making love to one either, so this was breaking new ground on multiple fronts. “I… Shit, Coop. This has been a really fucked-up couple of weeks, you know?”

Cooper pulled him close. He had no doubt of that, especially if the Umbrae had recently infected Frazer. “I know,” Cooper said. “But I’d like to help.” “Why?” If Coop hadn’t heard the need for reassurance, the question might have offended him. Pulling Frazer closer, he rested his chin on top of Frazer’s blond head and willed away the burning lump in his throat. Could he speak the truth he’d known for some time? When the room began to shimmer, he closed his eyes in an attempt to prevent the tears from falling. He hadn’t grasped the enormity of what he’d done until now. All his hopes and dreams for the future came crashing down around his ears. He loved this man, but their future could be measured in hours, or days at best. He’d fight it to the last minute, though. Because losing Frazer was going to hurt more than anything else in his life, and he’d never be the same again. Closing the portal had a fifty-fifty chance of killing Frazer. Thinking about the odds made Cooper want to heave. In general, there were three equally probable options for a possessed when closing a portal. One in three was driven irrevocably insane. One in three died. The final third survived, whole and sane, with no memory of the time they were possessed. Gay men, however, didn’t go insane. They recovered with amnesia, or they died. End of story. It was one of the reasons so many MIA operatives were gay. The agency found it pragmatic—they were less likely to lose a bitten agent if the portal wasn’t closed within the threeday incubation period. Cooper hoped with all his being that Frazer survived. But no matter what, Frazer wouldn’t remember him or the time they’d spent together. Cooper didn’t know how much possession by the Umbrae affected personality. Would an Umbrae-free Frazer make Coop’s heart beat faster? Would they be able to find, again, what they’d found together? Coop didn’t know, and the looming loss threatened to break him. But Frazer was waiting for an answer, and Coop didn’t have it in him to lie. “I love you.”

Chapter Ten Frazer nearly didn’t hear the whispered words. And when he’d processed them, he thought he would faint. Cooper loved him? He had trouble drawing in breath. He’d hoped, oh, he’d hoped. But he hadn’t believed. He looked up into Cooper’s face and cupped that strong jaw in his palm. “I love you too,” he said, letting go of his concern that it was too soon. The heart loved where it loved, and there was no point in fighting it. He didn’t expect his words to make Coop look more forlorn than he had before. “Hey, why so sad? Isn’t this supposed to make you happy?” Because he was happy. Knowing Coop loved him lightened his burdens immeasurably. Cooper didn’t say anything. Frazer kissed him, and it was as fantastic as always. Frazer wondered if this was how you knew you’d found the one, when the kiss was perfect. Was it wrong of him to try and distract Coop from his questions with sex? Probably, but he didn’t want to talk about his legal issues. When Coop pulled away and looked deeply into Frazer’s eyes, searching the depths of Frazer’s being, Frazer knew he couldn’t evade this any longer. He’d seen lies destroy his parents’ marriage long before the car crash that killed them. And Cooper was a terrible liar. They needed to be honest, or they’d end up hurting each other. “Before I tell you… I need to ask you something.” Frazer moved so he was sitting cross-legged on the couch, facing Cooper. Coop mirrored his movement, and Frazer had a moment’s surprise that such a tall, muscular man was flexible enough to sit that way. God. Maybe he’d have to rethink his bottom-boy stance. It might be a lot of fun to test Coop’s flexibility. “I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I’m betting it doesn’t have anything to do with this discussion,” Coop said, a small grin teasing the corners of those full lips. It was the happiest Frazer had seen Coop since he’d arrived. Except for the orgasm, of course. “No, you’re right,” Frazer admitted. He took a large sip of his wine, a little liquid fortification, before he placed his hands on Coop’s knees. The warmth of Cooper’s body heat chased away some of the stress-induced cold in Frazer’s extremities. “Look. It was hard for me to come to terms with it, and I’m hoping someday you’ll be able to tell me more, but I believe you are indeed working undercover for someone. The good guys, I hope?” Coop gave him a curt nod, with none of that weird hesitation, his expression frozen into a wary one as he waited for Frazer to continue.

“I’ve been thinking. It must be difficult having a job where you need to lie about what you do. Especially since you’re so bad at it.” “What? I’m great at my job!” “Whoa, hey.” Frazer gripped Cooper’s knees tighter. He hadn’t expected such a forceful reaction to something he hadn’t meant. “No, I meant you’re bad at lying about it.” Coop shook his head and grinned sheepishly. “That’s actually new.” “What?” “It’s only with you that I’m bad at lying about it. I don’t know why, but you can ask Adam if you don’t believe me.” Frazer made a mental note to do just that. Not that he didn’t believe Coop, but the undercover-agent stuff was enough to try to swallow right now. At least he was sure Cooper was telling the truth about working for the good guys. It went a long way toward making him feel comfortable with this. “Anyway,” Frazer continued, gently stroking the knees underneath his palms. “I understand. You can’t tell me about your job.” Secretly, he thought FBI. It could be some other organization, but Frazer was betting FBI. “Maybe there’s times you can tell me some things, but not others, or when you trust me more. But please don’t lie to me. I’ll know it, you’ll know it, and we’ll both be unhappy. If it’s something you can’t talk about, tell me. I’ll respect that.” Cooper grabbed Frazer’s hands, holding them still, not breaking his gaze. “I can do that. Does that mean you’ll tell me what’s going on?” Frazer nodded. He was actually a little bit embarrassed. He hoped Cooper had enough faith in him to realize that, appearances to the contrary, he wasn’t a slut. “Well, uh…” “Hey, remember? I love you.” Cooper’s whiskey brown eyes were strangely sad, but Frazer could see the warmth and caring in them. Once again, he knew Coop was telling the truth. “Before I met you, I was having a lot of problems dating.” Cooper made a face, indicating his disbelief. “It’s true. I’d meet guys, but it never went anywhere. I told you about my ex, Matt, right? We broke up about three months ago. I haven’t been able to get a second date since, and I was starting to think there was something wrong with me. I was getting desperate, I think, and depressed. Not very attractive, but I couldn’t help it.” “You’re the sexiest man I’ve ever met. How could you think such a thing?” Frazer lifted a shoulder, but it was painful to recall how deeply it had affected his confidence and psyche. “I told you I wasn’t much into one-night stands. Usually, that’s true. I’m happier when I’m in a relationship.” He suspected it had something to do with his warped twin, their nonexistent

bond, and the fact that he had no other family, but he was already getting out one set of matched baggage for Coop’s delectation. No need to mention, yet, that there was more emotional baggage in storage. “Before I met you, I went to the club, Catch 22. I met a guy and went back to his house. I’m not proud of it. He also never called back. A week later, Becca, my best friend, told me to stop worrying about the next boyfriend and shake up my routine a little. She was right. I met you the next day.” Frazer couldn’t keep the silly smile off his face, no matter how much he tried to hold it in. Coop traced his lips with a square-tipped brown finger and indicated Frazer should continue. “After that first night, well, I thought I was back where I started from. But I liked you, which was why I went back the following week. And things were going so well, but it was so new. I didn’t think this was something I could lay on a new relationship and not break it.” “It’s fine. Just tell me.” Frazer gave Coop a wry grin. He was stalling. “The guy I had sex with. He was murdered. And that detective, the one that was here, Detective Goodson…he thinks I did it.” “What?” Cooper was surprised, but not as surprised as Frazer had expected. “Did he tell you that while he was here?” That’s what Cooper thought to ask after Frazer’s horrific revelation? What the fuck? “No, but that’s definitely the impression I got when he questioned me at the station. Apparently I was the last person to see him alive. And, uh, there’s fingerprints of mine all over the, uh, bedroom.” Cooper disengaged their hands and stood, raking his fingers through his black hair. “You were questioned already? And fingerprinted?” He began to pace. “Well, not exactly. I was questioned, I guess. And I’m bonded. My fingerprints are already available to the police, aren’t they?” A thought struck Frazer, and he stood as well, moving to get in Cooper’s way. “Hold on. Are you here because of me? Or Thomas?” Cooper’s gaze slid away, and Frazer grabbed the larger man’s biceps. Not that Cooper couldn’t have broken free, but one of them definitely had a guilty conscience, and it gave Frazer a bit of an edge. “Hey. Coop. It’s been, what, two minutes since you agreed not to lie to me, right?” Heaving a loud sigh, Cooper met Frazer’s gaze. “Yeah, I know. I…well, it’s going to take some getting used to.” He looked lost in thought for a moment before his eyes refocused. “Indirectly,” he said.

Indirectly. Which meant basically yes. Frazer’s now-nerveless hands dropped to his side. He needed to sit. Immediately. “What? I mean, why? I mean…” Frazer didn’t know what he meant. He was having difficulty getting a single thought to coalesce. He stumbled back to the couch and fell limply back against the cushions. “Are you okay? You look pale. Paler than normal.” Coop knelt between Frazer’s legs, cupping his face between strong hands. The question Frazer had to ask formed in his mind. “Was it all a lie? Did you set it up? Meeting me, I mean, because of Thomas?” “Oh, babe, no. That I can tell you for sure. This is all some horrible coincidence. Please believe me.” Looking into Coop’s earnest face, Frazer’s panic and pain receded. He took a deep breath, realizing how strangled his lungs had become. “Do you have a lawyer?” Coop asked. Frazer nodded. “Becca gave me a name. She said I should call if I get arrested.” “Babe, you need to call her and let her know the police are hassling you too. In fact, I need to make a quick call. Do me a favor and let her know, okay? Even if it’s voicemail.” Frazer nodded again and reached for the phone beside the couch. “Okay if I pop into the bedroom to make my call?” Coop was relieved when Frazer nodded. He did need to make a call, but he also needed a break. He hadn’t expected to have to confront the emotional turmoil boggling his brain. Nor had he expected that finding out Frazer loved him could be so nauseatingly painful. If Frazer, unafflicted by the Umbrae, was half as adorable and sweet as this one, Coop could fall in love all over again, after this was finished. But would Frazer feel the same way without the influence of the Umbrae? How much of this was real for Frazer? Somehow, he’d managed to embroil himself in a relationship with a vampire. A vampire who was destined to die or forget him once Cooper did his fucking job and closed the portal. If there was any chance he could keep the portal open—keep Frazer—without anyone dying, he would, and fuck the damned job. But one person was already dead, and several more were likely dead as well, though their bodies had yet to turn up. Cooper sat on the bed and smoothed his hand over the pillow. He wanted Frazer in his life; he hadn’t been lying about that. Morosely, he considered whether or not their relationship could survive memories only Cooper had. Somehow, he didn’t think it likely. Wiping at his wet cheeks with one hand, he peered through the blurriness to dial Adam.

“Hey,” he said as Adam picked up, hoping to mask his emotional upheaval from his partner. “What’s up?” “We have a problem. The police suspect Frazer, and he’s already been questioned. The detective in charge was here, harassing Frazer.” “Oh shit,” Adam said. “Everything okay?” “Yeah.” But it could have easily been a bloodbath. Cooper didn’t know whether he’d gotten there in time to head off any violence, or whether Frazer didn’t yet feel threatened by Detective Goodson. It was a little strange that the Umbrae had allowed its host to be as careless as Frazer had been with Thomas, but if the police continued to hound Frazer, the violence would escalate. “I’m thinking the detective has some sort of personal stake in all of this. He was way too involved. Most detectives aren’t going to risk their case by harassing a suspect like that. Maybe if we can find something, we can stall him, rather than trying to go through his superiors.” “I’ll see what I can do. Are you going to stay there tonight?” “I am.” Coop didn’t feel he had to explain he was staying for both personal and professional reasons. Professionally, he didn’t think he’d need to worry about Frazer killing anyone tonight, now that the detective was gone. He’d have to feed on blood, but not for a week or so. If the man who’d gone missing this week was one of Frazer’s kills, there would be no need for any violence for a few days. As long as Detective Goodson stayed away. Personally, he didn’t intend to let Frazer out of bed long enough to commit murder. Cooper shook his head. How the fuck had it come to this? Apparently he’d lost all sense and standards after meeting Frazer. Until this month, he’d never have imagined being able to get it up in the presence of an Umbrae-possessed person, never mind actively wanting sex as often as he could get it. Unless…oh shit. “Coop, are you still there?” “Sorry, yeah, lost in thought.” Coop thought he heard a sarcastic noise emanating from the phone, but chose to ignore it. “Meet me at the hotel tomorrow morning. We’ve got more ground to cover if we’re going to get this job done.” “No problem.” Cooper disconnected the call without voicing his concern to Adam. What if this was a new manifestation of the Umbrae? What if Frazer was some sort of incubus? Cooper had never heard of any gay sexual demons in mythology, but that didn’t mean the host’s original sexual orientation didn’t influence the Umbrae in some manner. That might mean none of it, not even Coop’s feelings, was real. He should be relieved, but he wasn’t. He

wanted to wallow in the warm, comfortable sensation of being in love. Fuck it. Coop put the thought out of his mind. He’d deal with the fallout of this later. He strode out of the bedroom, only to find his…yeah, his boyfriend, for as long as it lasted, in the arms of a woman. Jealousy flared again, because if he was honest with himself, that was the biggest reason he’d been so angry when he’d seen the detective leaning over Frazer. He tamped it down as best he could. Negative emotions could trigger an attack. “Hello.” Hearing the antagonism that bled out into his voice made him want to cringe. Frazer turned to look at him, smiling, but shaking his head as though he knew damned well what Cooper was feeling. The woman he released was beautiful and buxom, about Frazer’s age and height. Cooper didn’t miss the fact that even though Frazer had broken their hug, she’d kept one arm slung around Frazer’s waist. Where Coop’s arm should be. “This is my best friend, Becca. Becca, this is Cooper.” Becca gave him a naughty smile and walked over, inspecting him so thoroughly, Cooper felt like he was going to be offered up at auction. “So you’re the new man,” she stated as she looked up into his eyes. Her scrutiny made him feel a little uncomfortable, at least until Frazer joined them, wrapping an arm about his waist and twisting his fingers in one of Cooper’s belt loops. Suddenly Coop felt like they were a team, an item, together against the world. It was a good feeling, and he smiled down at Frazer’s blond head. “Oh nice,” Becca whispered. “You got a good one this time, Fraze.” “Uh-huh.” Frazer looked up to see Cooper gazing at him. His warm smile reminded Cooper of the first time they’d met, when it was all…well, not innocent, but not so laden with issues. It also reminded him of the sunbursts on Frazer’s butt. He wanted to uncover them immediately, not make nice with company, Frazer’s best friend or not. “Hey,” Cooper said as soon as he processed what Becca had said. “I thought you hated being called Fraze.” “I do. She does it to piss me off.” “Hmmm. So I’ll have to come up with my own name, then.” Frazer blushed a little and looked away shyly. “I like ‘babe’ just fine.” Oh. Yeah, not a problem. Cooper kissed Frazer’s ear, giving it a little lick. Enough tongue so Frazer knew where Coop’s thoughts were, but not so much Becca could see what he was doing. The blush intensified, telling Coop he’d done a good job. Becca took her eyes off Cooper and gave Frazer a direct look. “Did you tell him?”

“Becca!” Frazer sounded horrified. “Because if you haven’t, I will.” “I told him, okay!” “Told me what?” Cooper asked, wondering if Frazer had indeed told him whatever Becca was referring to, or if there were other secrets to uncover tonight. He wasn’t sure he could take any more revelations. “About the…police thing.” Frazer sounded embarrassed. “Oh, right.” Becca smiled and patted Frazer on the cheek. “Good for you. I’m so proud. Did you end up calling that lawyer?” “Yes,” Frazer replied. “Right now?” Cooper asked. Cooper needed Frazer to call the lawyer. She could help keep Goodson off their backs until the portal was closed. He hoped. But Goodson’s behavior worried him a bit. Most cops didn’t become as emotionally invested in their cases as Goodson seemed to be. It might take all of their considerable forces to keep the detective from making things worse, and more dangerous, than they needed to be. “No, I didn’t get a chance. Becca got here as soon as you went in the bedroom.” “You’re just calling her now?” Becca’s voice rose to an almost uncomfortably shrill level. “What is the matter with you?” “No, no.” Frazer waved his hand to shush her. “Second call. It’s a long story.” Frazer took a deep breath as though ready to launch into the full explanation, when Coop cut him off. “And I can give her the update while you leave your voicemail. The bedroom’s plenty private.” He steered Frazer into the room and closed the door behind him, then turned to face Becca. They moved to the couch. While it took a few moments to tell her about the detective, he needed double that to calm her down. Cooper found he liked Becca, more than he would have expected, given his earlier surge of possessiveness. When Frazer opened the bedroom door, Becca patted Cooper on the leg and rose to her feet. She turned to Frazer. “Okay, I’ve had a long day, and I think you’re in good hands, so I’m going to head home. Call me if you need anything, right?” She gave Frazer a hug and Cooper a wave before she blew out the door. Frazer sat in the seat she’d vacated, pressing close to Cooper. “So, that was Becca.” “I like her.”

“Me too. We’ve been friends since high school. But I don’t want to talk about Becca.” Frazer mimicked Cooper’s earlier trick with his tongue on Coop’s ear, and Cooper’s cock filled immediately. A quick glance at Frazer’s lap confirmed Frazer was in the same state. Exactly the way he wanted. But then he took a closer look at Frazer’s face. Saw how drawn he looked, tired, stressed. He wasn’t sure why this was so hard on Frazer, but then, he’d never been so close to an Umbrae-possessed person before. Often the Umbrae accentuated the bad habits and traits in a person, as well as making them murderous fiends. As far as he knew, the Umbrae meshed with the person; they didn’t vastly alter their personality. Maybe enough was left of the person Frazer had been that the compulsions to kill affected him more than Cooper had expected. He wondered if MIA was aware of such a phenomenon. “Come on, let’s go to bed.” Cooper decided that no matter how often Frazer directed the action in bed, he was going to get a quick and dirty blowjob, then sleep. No acrobatics tonight. They’d both had extremely long days, and tomorrow might prove equally stressful. *** The alarm on his phone woke Cooper. He drew away from Frazer’s warm, naked body and turned it off. Once again, it hadn’t registered with the sleeping man, but then, that didn’t exactly surprise Cooper. The vamp avoidance of the sun frequently caused the infected to move their sleeping habits to mirror the mythology. It was one of the reasons it was often hard to track the vamps, because the Umbrae usually infected those who wouldn’t have a problem shifting their lives to the night. Anyone who had to be out and about during the day was more likely to be dinner than turned. Cooper took a quick shower and called Adam to let him know he was on his way. With a little kiss and a mumbled response from Frazer, Coop left. Maybe he should have locked the door behind him, but he figured Frazer was safe from Goodson for a while, at least. He didn’t have any doubts about Frazer’s ability to take care of himself, either. Anybody breaking in would regret it, Cooper had no doubt. *** At their next site, Cooper and Adam got out of the car and surveyed the overgrown woods. Shit. He didn’t know what he hated more—when the portals opened in desolate, wooded areas or when they opened up in ghetto slums. The portals seemed a lot more supernatural out here in the wilderness, which increased his visceral abhorrence. At least it was forest. He’d heard stories of agents who’d had to deal with portals in bogs and swamps—nothing worse than dealing with Umbrae-induced monsters and worrying about fucking alligators at the same time.

“I think this might be it,” Adam said. “Are you sure?” While their sensitivity got “warmer” the closer they got to a portal, it wasn’t like using a tracking device or a GPS. “I’m not getting anything.” Which also sucked. They needed to find this damned portal. No matter how genial Frazer had been toward him, if he had any inkling Coop and Adam were trying to close the portal, it could get ugly fast. “Were we able to get proper satellite photos of this search grid?” With the way portals fucked up electronics, both long and short range, trying to get reliable information from the satellites was often futile. Cooper wished he knew how the portals managed to affect so many electronic devices in such a way that people didn’t find the behavior suspicious or worth investigating. Often it wasn’t noteworthy enough to bother reporting, which made MIA’s job harder. “Nope. I think there’s an old hunter’s blind up here, but you know vamps aren’t likely to use structures near the portals as home bases. Why would they? They need to be near their food source.” Cooper shrugged. What could he say? Adam was right. Werewolves and other more “earthy” creatures were the ones that reveled in the out-of-the-way wooded areas. Vamps did not. Because vamps were more solitary than some of the other species, they didn’t turn people very often. A nest might be one or two vamps at a time. New vamps relied on the repellent nature of the portal to keep average folks away, and dumped bodies nearby. If the portal was open long enough, their patterns began to resemble other species, like werewolves—dumping the bodies far from the portal to keep investigations to a minimum, or expanding their territory. Which made it all the stranger that Thomas’s body had been found so early and absolutely nowhere near the portal. “C’mon, let’s get started.” Cooper followed Adam into the brush, but neither of them spoke further. Cooper toyed with thoughts of this case, amazed they were still searching. Their first site had been a bust. Aside from the lingering crime scene tape and the small patch of darkened earth where Thomas’s last remaining blood had soaked into the soil, there had been no trace of the portal. All of their information pointed to a new vamp, likely solitary. This vamp hadn’t been interrupted midfeeding. They hadn’t got a lot of information out of the coroner, but they’d learned enough to know Thomas hadn’t been killed anywhere near where they’d discovered him. But surely a newly infected creature would defer to the protection of the portal. Wouldn’t it? “Adam, was there something strange about where Thomas’s body was found?” Adam glanced back over his shoulder, a faint sheen of sweat shimmering on his forehead. He slowed to fall into place beside Cooper. Out here in the brush, Cooper found it much easi-

er to believe that Adam had spent time in harsh environments when he’d done fieldwork in Egypt for his thesis. Dressed in hiking gear, Adam no longer resembled the urbane twink who shared his office but instead transformed to a competent outdoorsman. “What are you thinking? You’ve been doing this a lot longer than I have.” Which didn’t matter at all. Adam was a smart, smart man. He was just as good at this job as Cooper was. “I think someone wanted the body found. But I can’t figure out why.” “I wondered about that too. I expected we’d have gotten a clear sign to the portal from the dump site. But nothing.” “What do you suppose it means?” “I don’t know. It might not mean anything. Or it might have some arcane significance either to the vamp or the Umbrae.” Devious bastards. Coop didn’t understand the Umbrae’s motivation, but killing humans was clearly a goal or a side effect. Any additional complexity made it harder to catch them. “We might not know what it is until it’s all over.” “So why would Frazer want to bring attention to his kill?” “No idea.” Cooper told Adam what Frazer had told him about meeting Thomas. Of course, it could all be lies, but Cooper doubted it. After all, if at least part of it weren’t true, Frazer wouldn’t have the cops breathing down his neck. They continued, not speaking, through the brush, heading for the structure the maps had indicated. Cooper didn’t relish any more days of this, but there were only two of them, after all. Cooper couldn’t stop turning the issue over in his mind, every little detail of the time he’d spent with Frazer. If it hadn’t been for the police investigation, Cooper might never have thought to suspect Frazer. Or wouldn’t have until too late. “Adam.” Cooper paused for a moment before he spoke again. “Do you suppose it’s possible Frazer doesn’t realize he’s been infected by the Umbrae?” “How do you mean?” “He was so damned upset about Thomas. It… I know it sounds stupid, but it didn’t sound like he was lying to me.” Adam shook his head but didn’t stop and didn’t turn around. “You know they’re good at lying. It’s one of their most acute survival skills. The ability of the Umbrae to retain and warp a person’s memories and actions so they’re virtually indistinguishable from before their infection is unbelievable.” Cooper nodded, though Adam couldn’t see him. “But—”

Adam stopped abruptly and whirled. “You think it’s different because you’re fucking him?” Inhaling sharply at the harsh words, Cooper didn’t have the opportunity to respond before Adam spoke again. “Do you think you’re the first person to be in a relationship with one of those things? Get your head out of your ass, Coop.” Adam had marched right up into Coop’s personal space, a fierce expression on his face. “When I first met Carmichael, he was investigating a nest of almost a dozen werewolves. Well over half of those were married or in serious relationships. Hell, even the chief of police was one of them. No one—and I mean no one—suspected them of a damned thing.” Adam shuddered and grimaced. “I know. I know. But, Adam…” Cooper knew his pain showed on his face. Adam’s glare softened, and he reached up to touch Coop’s face. “It’ll be okay. I promise.” “How?” Cooper heard the crack in his voice. He shouldn’t have started talking about this. The last thing he needed was for Adam to see how badly he wanted to run away with Frazer. “I’m going to lose him.” The words were hardly audible, his breath barely passing through his lungs as he admitted aloud what he knew to be fact. “Yes, you are. I know neither of us are praying men, but maybe it wouldn’t hurt. Pray he survives what’s to come. For you to care about him so deeply, he’s got to be a good man underneath. Do you think if he had a choice, he’d want this for himself? Killing on a weekly basis to feed?” Cooper knew Adam was right. Frazer wouldn’t want that. Unfortunately, there was no way to rehabilitate an infected Umbrae, so the best he could do was to close the portal before someone else got hurt or killed. “Come on, we’ve got a job to do. Are you going to be okay?” No, but he nodded anyway. There wasn’t anything else he could do but enjoy his time with Frazer as long as he could.

Chapter Eleven Frazer showered, alone, again. Damn, but the combination of stress and more orgasms in a week than he’d had the previous three months had made him sleep long and hard. He’d wanted to relish waking up in Cooper’s arms, but there’d be time for that. Unless he got arrested. Cooper had been surprisingly unaffected by Frazer’s admissions. But then, if he was there indirectly because of Thomas’s death, maybe he had a better idea who might have killed Thomas. At least Frazer hadn’t slept as late as the previous day. His hours might be flexible, but he couldn’t avoid his job forever. It was important he not lose it, since he was going to need every cent he could get for his defense. If only he had some way to contact his brother, get his money back. But he didn’t have Julian’s phone number, assuming his brother even had one. After drying himself off, he wrapped a towel around his waist and headed for the kitchen. Frazer spied a half-full carafe of coffee. Cooper must have made it before he left. It was after noon now, so the coffee had been there how long? Three hours? Four? Eh, it was caffeine, and he couldn’t be bothered making another pot. While he warmed up his tarry sludge in the microwave, he twitched back the curtain and looked out his window. Overcast again. As soon as his life had turned to shit, it seemed like the sun had turned its back on him. Of course, it wasn’t unusual for this time of year, but still. Maybe he had that disorder, the one that made you depressed without sunlight. Strange how the depression surfaced when Cooper wasn’t around, though. That seemed to argue against that little theory. He didn’t have any other tasks to perform besides the last few for the Harringtons, and he wasn’t sure if he should go over and do what he needed to do, or call and cancel. Either way, he should call and say…something…to Megan Harrington. What was appropriate to say to someone whose husband was missing? Was it related to Thomas’s murder? That might mean Alan was dead. No matter how uncomfortable Alan had made him earlier in the week, Frazer had never wished death on him. It must be horrible for Megan, not knowing. Dressed, showered, and shaved, Frazer decided to brave the dismal day and head over to the Harringtons’. At least he could prepare the house adequately for Megan. After all, she’d probably want to be close to the investigation. The Harringtons might spend less than six months a year in the house, but it was still their home. Resolutely, he left his apartment, hoping today, at least, would be halfway close to normal. Maybe he could meet Becca for a late lunch. He didn’t have much to do at the Harringtons’.

*** Weird. Frazer punched in his entry code for the third time. Rejected again. It had worked fine earlier in the week. Well, he supposed this was as good a time as any to call Megan and find out how she was doing. He needed her authorization for the security company to reset his code, and the sooner this job was finished, the better. He wasn’t sure he wanted to remain working for the Harringtons, but if he was arrested, it wouldn’t make much difference. He’d be lucky to get a job in a doughnut shop. He returned to his car to get his client folder. When the clients were as familiar to him as the Harringtons, Frazer didn’t usually need the folder; he knew damn well what needed to be done. But he always had it with him, for unusual circumstances such as these. Flipping through the folder, he found Megan’s cell phone number and was about to dial it when the sound of sirens virtually on top of him made him jump. Looking up, he saw a police car and a nondescript sedan skid into the drive behind his car. Detective Goodson leaped out of the driver’s side of the sedan and waved back the uniformed police officers. “What do you think you’re doing here, Mr. Nyland?” Again with the questions that didn’t exactly seem like questions. Frazer looked around, but there was no one to come to his rescue today. “I have a job to do.” “Like what? Remove evidence? Hide fingerprints? It won’t do you any good.” Frazer gaped at the detective. He wasn’t serious, was he? How could he possibly believe Frazer would just waltz up to the house and try to remove evidence? “No, don’t be ridiculous,” Frazer said with more derision than he felt. Inside, his guts were liquefying. He’d never spent so much time under the scrutiny of a hostile police officer, especially not one who thought he’d done something so heinous. “Then what are you doing here? What job is unfinished?” “I told you at the station what I did for a living. The Harringtons are one of my clients, and I had a couple things to do before their—I mean, Mrs. Harrington’s arrival.” “Oh, Mr. Nyland. I’m afraid you are mistaken. You see, Mrs. Harrington has already arrived in town. She called us. It seems a disgruntled former employee was trying to break in.” Frazer thought maybe his eyes were going to pop out of his head. Former employee? Breaking in? What the fuck was going on? “Seems she doesn’t want the man suspected of her husband’s death to hang around the house. Go figure.” The detective shrugged and gave him a mocking smile. “But how, I mean, why… Wait. Let me call her.” There had to be some way to straighten this out. Before he started hyperventilating, that was. He was perilously close to passing out

from the shock alone. Fucking up his breathing was not going to help. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. She’s in a fragile state.” Was that supposed to be compassion? Frazer didn’t think so. Detective Goodson was an asshole of the highest order. Compassion didn’t fit in that personality makeup. Stabbing Send on the phone, Frazer didn’t have a chance to bring the phone to his ear before Mrs. Harrington’s shrill voice began hurling accusations and invectives at an unbelievable decibel level. Some of it was hard to hear, but the “You’re fired!” came through like it was in surround sound. Frazer didn’t bother trying to say anything, just disconnected the call and looked up at the detective—who was smirking, the fucker. So were the uniformed cops behind him. Crap. He hadn’t anticipated how humiliating this situation was going to become. Heaping insult on injury. Although his mind was whirling, he lit on one single statement the detective had made. “Why, exactly, does she believe I did something to her husband? And why would she call you?” The glare he got in response told him everything he needed to know. With shaking fingers, he dialed his lawyer. At this rate, he should put her number on speed dial. When he got the answering service, he left a brief message. “This is Frazer Nyland. Can you please tell Lori I’ve got some issues we need to discuss about Detective Goodson?” The woman on the other end of the line murmured something into the phone, but Frazer had no idea what she said. He thanked her, though, and hung up. An unhealthy red color suffused the detective’s face. “Running to your lawyer again, Nyland? You know it won’t matter in the end, right? I’m going to get you. And I’m going to make sure you go down for every man you’ve killed. Tell me, was Matt the first?” “Matt?” Oh God. He was not going to throw up. Not. “Matt’s not dead,” he said with as much conviction as he could muster. He’d moved away, hadn’t he? Goodson made a noncommittal noise and moved closer to Frazer, looming again. Apparently one of his tactics involved ignoring the concept of personal space. “We haven’t found the body. But he’s another missing person. Another person you knew.” The last bit was strangled with some sort of emotion, and Frazer wondered if one or both of them were about to have some sort of mental breakdown. Frazer knew he was damned close. Goodson grabbed the front of his T-shirt and twisted. The neck became tight enough that Frazer had to rise up on his toes to avoid strangulation by jersey knit. “I think he’s dead. And that you killed him.” As good-looking as Goodson was, Frazer found he didn’t much like having the detective’s face so close to his own. Not with the anger he could see pulsing beneath Goodson’s cop facade.

Movement from the sedan caught his eye. Goodson’s partner, Detective Ames, emerged from the car and approached. Somehow Frazer didn’t think it was for his benefit. “Luis, for God’s sake, do you want to lose your badge? Tone it down.” The fist wrapped in his T-shirt relaxed a bit, and Frazer gulped in a deep breath, settling himself back down on the flats of his feet. Nope, not for his benefit, but he would be the happy recipient of the side effect. He wasn’t free yet. Goodson still had a firm grip on his shirt; Frazer wasn’t going anywhere. “You’re pushing it, you know,” the other detective warned. “The chief is already pissed. I don’t know what about this case is getting under your skin, but for chrissakes, stop it! This is not like you.” Her words seemed to seep through Goodson’s anger. Frazer didn’t know why the detective seemed to be breaking all kinds of rules for this case, either. He might have suspected Goodson was obsessively passionate about his work, at least until his partner had said otherwise. Goodson gave him a final glare and a parting shot. “Don’t be surprised if you find yourself short of work, Nyland.” “Shut up, Luis. Get in the damned car. Now. We have a call, a dead body, and I need you on your game. I don’t want to break in another partner.” Ames had clearly lost her patience, and she waved the uniformed officers off as she herded Goodson to the car. Frazer stood, stunned, by his car, feeling an unwelcome sense of déjà vu. A mix of disbelief and despair washed over him, same as the last time he’d stood in this driveway, but infinitely worse. He picked up his phone, which he’d dropped on the ground at some point during the encounter, and noticed, with almost clinical detachment, his hands were shaking more than before. Numb, he got into his car and drove on autopilot to the coffee shop where that sweet kid had hit on him. His phone rang several times during the drive, but even through the ice coating his brain, he knew he didn’t dare answer. Talking on the phone would be too distracting in his current state. He could barely pay attention to traffic. As soon as he parked, he ignored his accumulated messages and called Matt’s cell phone. The number was no longer in service. Whatever that meant. It could mean he’d changed his number. Or it could mean he was missing, as Goodson had suggested. How would anyone know Matt was missing? Like his, Matt’s parents were dead. He had hardly any friends Frazer knew of. In fact, the lack of noticeable ties to anyone was a common factor in most of Frazer’s previous relationships. Was that because he didn’t want to face something in his own life? Or was it a coincidence? It was a wonder he knew what to do with Cooper, who wanted to introduce Frazer to

his parents. Or at least he had. Frazer could understand not wanting to introduce a suspected—oh God—serial killer to your parents. Frankly, he was surprised Cooper still wanted to sleep with him. The cold fog slowing down his brain function had begun to recede, but enough remained that his panic stayed frozen. He needed that to continue for a bit, while he figured out what to do. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed his phone and went into the café. He ordered quickly and grabbed a secluded table. Relaxing would help, he hoped. Then he’d try calling the lawyer and Cooper. There had to be a way to keep Goodson from doing this. He shouldn’t have told anyone Frazer was a suspect. Well, he didn’t think so, anyway. Supremely unfair of him, considering Frazer hadn’t done a damned thing. Deciding he’d calmed down enough, Frazer checked the messages he’d accrued in the car and while he waited for his order. Soon he wished he hadn’t. He’d had no idea the grapevine was so healthy in Brinton. Aside from one concerned message from Becca and another from his lawyer telling him not to talk to anyone, especially the press, each and every call had been from his clients. Every last one of them had let him go. Some more politely than others, but the message was clear. He’d been fired. What was he going to do? His half-eaten pastry sat on the plate in front of him, filled with reproach. As were the eyes of every single person in the café, or so he imagined. The nice boy who’d hit on him wasn’t working today. God. Maybe he was missing too. Frazer’s stomach lurched. He had to get home. Things would be better in the safety of his apartment, and he could take a look online. Try and find Matt out there, somewhere. Surely he wasn’t missing. They’d broken up, and Matt had moved to Seattle. Hadn’t he? Frazer scampered for the safety of his car. And his apartment. Without any clients, how was he going to be able to pay for it? Maybe he’d see if the lawyer could do something about the money he’d given Julian. More than ever, he needed it back. Or maybe it wouldn’t matter. He could go to jail. For how long? How long did serial killers go to jail for? What sort of jobs did ex-cons get after getting out? How old was he going to be? Frazer had no memory of the journey to his apartment, only the frantic questions swirling through his brain, each one more terrifying than the last. He’d been hoping to drown out the big one, the one that had started to take form after his attempt to call Matt had failed. But he was going to have to face it. What if he’d actually done it? Could he have killed Thomas, and all those others, and not known it? Was that possible? To have such a severe brain disorder that he could commit murder and not remember? Because with all the evidence mounting up, he wasn’t surprised Goodson believed he was the killer.

In his apartment, Frazer frantically searched online for some trace of Matt. He couldn’t find anything. At all. Not since the week Matt was supposed to have left for Seattle. There was no record of a new phone number. His blog had lain stagnant. Not even his Facebook page had recent updates. Frazer hadn’t known; the hurt had been enough that he hadn’t wanted any reminders, so he’d unfriended Matt. But this total Internet silence was highly unusual for a guy who updated his status and tweeted several times a day. It had been one of several points of contention between them. Matt had always insisted that if Frazer bothered to spend a little on gadgets, he’d be hooked too. Frazer didn’t know why Matt preferred the company of faceless avatars over the company of live people. Human interaction made Frazer feel connected, less alone; he’d never been swayed by Matt’s arguments. Earmarking his money for school first had been an easy decision. Frazer’s cell phone was enough of an expense, but a necessary one for his job. Frazer sifted through the pictures on Matt’s Facebook page, hoping Goodson was wrong, wondering which of the many Internet friends who’d queried about Matt’s silence had reported him missing. He came across a photo from before he and Matt had started dating. Matt had a sinful grin on his face, and a police uniform barely covered his body. He looked like a stripper, except Frazer noticed the shirt looked too big for Matt’s slender build. Frazer called Cooper, and when he got his voicemail, he left a message, hoping Cooper was taking his calls. Because he needed someone with him right now. He thought briefly about calling Becca, but for once, Becca wasn’t his go-to for comfort. Until Cooper said otherwise, Frazer wanted Cooper to console him, hold him, and love him. A noise in his bedroom caught his attention. What the fuck could that be?

Chapter Twelve The two men warily circled the small, dilapidated shelter. Both had guns drawn. Some of their fellow agents used modified crossbows with sharpened hardwood ministakes to hunt vamps, but both Cooper and Adam preferred to go for the direct, less dramatic approach. A bullet to the brain would bring a vamp down. Failing that, decapitation or destruction of the heart would work. Staking was rarely required, and the holstered crossbow was a pain in the ass. “Someone’s been living here,” Adam said in hushed tones. Cooper nodded, toeing through the detritus. “The question is: are they still living?” “You don’t think this was our vamp, do you?” “Hard to say. I’m guessing whoever this was became food.” Cooper uncovered a few used syringes and felt a punch in the gut. If this was from their vamp, and their vamp was Frazer, had Frazer been a drug addict before he met Cooper? Shooting up was a good way to infect yourself with more earthly but just as deadly diseases. Had he truly been a fool for trusting Frazer? Funny. Danger in the form of a typical vampire attack, he’d expected. The consequences of this, however, he wasn’t prepared for and didn’t know how to deal with. Goddamn it. Why did this have to be so hard? Would a drug addict be an appropriate vessel for the Umbrae? Maybe. After all, the entities had incredible power to alter human physiology. Would it be such a stretch to remove the need for addictive substances? “There is enough cover here to shelter a vamp, though.” Adam tapped at the weathered roof of the hunting blind with the muzzle of his weapon. “Yeah, I guess. But I don’t think we’ve ever seen a vamp hang out in such poor surroundings. I mean, I know they can’t glamour people like they do in myth, but killing someone who won’t be missed and taking over their home? Happens a lot.” “We don’t know it hasn’t happened here, either. So he’s not living here now. He might come back here on a regular basis.” Shuddering, Cooper looked around, unable to imagine his sweet, loving Frazer living in these surroundings. He couldn’t picture it, not for a minute. And why would he come all the way out here to shoot up, when he had a perfectly good apartment back in the heart of Brinton? Adam was clearly thinking along the same lines. “We’ll need to find out how long Frazer’s been in that apartment. If it hasn’t been long, the previous occupant may be another victim.” Another victim. Fuck. Cooper couldn’t wrap his mind around it.

Adam glanced at the needles by his feet and gave him a sympathetic look. “I’m sure you were careful, but I’ll come with you.” “What?” “For testing. If you want.” Cooper bit his lip. Yeah, a little support would go a long way. He nodded, not trusting himself to say anything, for fear he might start sobbing. Or screaming. Pain pulsed in his heart, threatening to overwhelm him. Brushing his feet around, disturbing the garbage and dead leaves, he unearthed a black canvas bag that was clearly not empty. “Hey, Adam, look at this.” “What’s inside?” Cooper reholstered his gun before pulling on a pair of latex gloves. He crouched down and flipped over the small tag attached to one of the carabiners. The name he didn’t want to see was there—Frazer Nyland. But then, he’d expected it to be Frazer’s bag, no matter how he’d hoped he was wrong. He opened the zipper. The odds and ends of clothing didn’t interest him much, but the thick envelope did. He withdrew the envelope and opened it. “What the hell?” Adam bent over, blocking Coop’s light. “Money? There must be five or six thousand, at least. This doesn’t make any sense at all.” “I know. If he stole it, why keep it here? Vamps have the least impulse control of all the infected. Why wouldn’t he spend it? Luxuriate. With each kill, he can get more, if he’s smart.” Puzzled didn’t come close to Cooper’s state of mind. It was decidedly strange behavior for a vamp. And he hated that Adam had begun dehumanizing Frazer by referring to him as the vamp all the time. The Umbrae did enough dehumanizing on their own, but he couldn’t bring himself to consider Frazer as a typical vamp, no matter how much evidence was piling up. “Should we take it?” Adam asked. “No. Not now. Once we blow the portal, we can come back, maybe return it to its rightful owner or his heirs. But if Frazer returns here regularly, he’ll know soon enough we were snooping. No sense in angering him.” Cooper put the envelope back, then rezipped and hid the bag as best he could before standing and brushing off his hands. “Come on. Nothing more we can do here. But I think we’re close to the portal.” Adam grabbed his arm and pulled him away. Cooper let himself be led, hoping Adam was right. He wanted this over; he needed to get on with his life, a life without Frazer. *** The bedroom door swung open, and Frazer barely bit back a scream. “Julian? What are you doing here?” “You invited me in, remember?” Julian’s smile seemed to have a few more teeth than Frazer remembered. Maybe it was the predatory look in Julian’s eyes. But Frazer didn’t like it

one bit. If Julian thought he was getting any more money from him, well, he was sadly mistaken. Because Frazer had every intention of getting at least some of his money back. Surely Julian can’t have spent all of it already. He’d seen more of Julian than he had in months, and none of these visits were particularly warm and fuzzy. Julian had no interest in reconnecting with him as a brother, which didn’t bother Frazer. At all. “Yeah, I invited you in a few days ago. Well, never mind.” Shit. He couldn’t figure out how to ask. “Julian, I’m glad you’re here.” “Oh?” “Yes. I might need that money back. I’m…kinda in trouble right now.” “Oh?” Julian voice was bright and cheery with the kind of fake interest people had when they spoke to mentally deficient people. Frazer gritted his teeth. He and his brother might not have a particularly close relationship, but he knew Julian well enough to know he didn’t have much chance of seeing that money again. Dammit. “Look, Julian—” Julian held up a hand. “Enough, Frazer. I’ve got a surprise for you.” What? “A surprise?” “Yes. It’s in the bedroom. Go see.” Julian had never given Frazer a present in his life. He wasn’t entirely sure he wanted the first one to be in the bedroom, either. Wary, he opened the bedroom door. A figure lay on his bed. Bleeding. A hairy leg protruded from the bedding, the only skin visible to Frazer. Dark ochre stains were scattered across his yellow sheets. Frazer’s stomach threatened to rebel. “What the fuck, Julian? Call 9-1-1. Help him!” Frazer couldn’t detect a twitch of movement from the injured man. “Why?” Julian asked behind him before blackness descended. *** About a mile from the hunter’s blind, Cooper and Adam found the portal. Standing directly in front of it, they saw a faint shimmer in the air. Beyond that, the only visible indication of its presence was a narrow line of scorched earth, almost impossible to see on the forest floor. Fortunately they didn’t have to rely on visible cues. The sinister energy thrummed through Coop’s body, lifting the hairs on his arms and neck. Adam pulled sonic charges from his pack. Setting charges on both sides disrupted the connection to the Umbrae’s world or dimension—wherever they came from. Stepping carefully, Adam moved to the opposite side of the portal. Entering a portal was unpredictable, but

none who’d done so had fared well. Coop pulled his own charges out of his pack but held on to them, staring at the portal. Could he do this? Was there any alternative? If Frazer died, it would be all his fault. A world without Frazer didn’t bear thinking about. Cooper’s life yawned endlessly before him, bleak and lonely. Anguish, like a physical blow, hit him, and he sank to his knees in the rotting leaves. The shimmer of the portal increased as tears blurred his vision. Adam gasped and sprinted back around the portal. “Coop! What’s wrong?” One of Adam’s hands hovered over his holstered gun; the other was a hot brand on Coop’s shoulder. Coop hunched over, body curled around the devices in his hands. “I can’t do it,” he whispered. “Can’t do what?” Concern shaded Adam’s words. “I…I…” “Do your job?” Adam asked, a hint of iron creeping into his tone. “Listen to me. If we don’t do this, how many people will die? If you can’t do this, how will you deal with being responsible for that?” Adam was right. Coop knew it. But he couldn’t unclench his fingers to set the timers. Adam stroked his hair gently. “Give them to me.” Cooper shook his head. “Let me.” Adam’s voice was softer, sympathetic. “Head back to the car. I’ll catch up.” Cooper struggled to his feet and forced his fingers open. Adam took the charges and turned Coop around, giving him a little push. “Go.” Coop obeyed. Minutes later, Adam caught up with him, and they began to make their way back to civilization. The timers were set to go off in about two hours. Plenty of time to get back to Brinton and deal with whatever fallout occurred from closing the portal. Coop did his best to keep his mind blank, but he was sure his distress was more than evident. Adam kept shooting him worried looks. He didn’t spare any breath to reassure his partner, though. Cooper had never torn up ground like this before—he wanted to see Frazer one last time. Cooper heard a thunk, followed by a heartfelt “Aw, fuck” from Adam. Turning back, he saw Adam bent over, clutching his right calf. “What’s wrong?” Cooper hurried back.

“Fucker set a trap.” “A trap? Let me see.” Kneeling, Coop saw the crude device that had gouged a jagged, dirty trench deeply into Adam’s leg. It was bleeding a fair amount and would benefit from a few stitches. Fucker, indeed. “Not a great one, though. Supposed to catch me on the way in, isn’t it?” Cooper had to appreciate his partner’s humor. That cut had to hurt like a bitch and would be even worse when he tried to clean it out. “It’s good enough. Probably designed to create a blood trail a vampire could easily follow. Anyone coming too close would find themselves, well, in trouble.” “Oh. Good thing we’re dealing with the portal now.” Coop nodded, feeling a little guilty. “Are you okay to get to the car?” “I’ve had worse, you know.” Adam pulled out their somewhat inadequate first-aid kit. “Let me get this as clean as I can get it in a couple of minutes, and we’ll get going. I don’t want to be this close to a sonic blast. Not again.” “I’m sorry.” “What for?” “If I hadn’t been rushing, you would have seen it.” “Maybe. Maybe not. But I’m as much to blame as you. I could have made you slow down. I know how important this is to you, though.” Cooper didn’t respond. Within a few minutes they were on their way again, albeit at a slightly slower pace, between wanting to be more careful and Adam favoring his injured leg. When they arrived at the SUV, Adam tossed Cooper the keys. “Drop me at the hotel.” Adam hoisted himself into the passenger side. “But…” “I’ll get my leg sorted and grab a cab. Meet you at Frazer’s.” “We can’t be sure that’s where he’ll be.” Although it was likely. The sun had broken through the cloud cover a couple of times on their journey back. It was a reasonable assumption that if Frazer had slept through the day, he was unlikely to leave his apartment until dusk at the earliest. Cooper didn’t intend to give him the option, though. It would be far better for everyone concerned if they kept Frazer confined when the portal dispersed. Much easier to control and reduce any collateral damage. “Go. I’ll be fine, and I’ll be right behind you.” “You should get stitches, you know.” Adam shrugged. “Maybe. But I’ll live without them.”

“Are you going to call in a clean-up team?” “Do you think we’ll need one? I think we’ve only got the one vamp, don’t you?” With all the signs pointing to Frazer, yeah, Coop didn’t have much doubt they were facing a single vampire. But that wasn’t the problem. “I agree. But Goodson’s being overzealous. I’d rather get through this without getting arrested myself. This is going to be hard enough to explain without that. I think we could use the back-up.” Adam lifted one shoulder in a halfhearted attempt at a shrug. Cooper chose to interpret it as an affirmative to his request. But he also got one of those sad, pitying looks. It was clear to Cooper that Adam knew damn well how hard he’d fallen. Cooper should be embarrassed—the situation was as clichéd as the cop falling for the robber. But there wasn’t room in his head for embarrassment. Preventing himself from completely shorting out left no room for anything else. Minutes later, alone, he pulled into Frazer’s apartment complex. He’d barely cleared the bumper when a charcoal gray sedan screamed into the parking lot. *** Frazer opened his eyes slowly, surprised there wasn’t any pain. After getting knocked out, he’d expected his head to be pounding. However, the discomfort in his shoulders was more than enough to take precedence in his awareness. It took him a minute or two to focus as he tried to assess his situation. He was sitting up. In his bedroom. Strange. Julian must have hit him over the head, as unbelievable as that was. He could imagine Julian hitting him, but he couldn’t remember any reason for Julian to have done so. That wasn’t as fucking weird as the fact that he was tied to one of his kitchen chairs. Which made even less sense, no matter how fucked up his brother had gotten. The vulnerability of his position alarmed him, and he tested his bonds. Fucking duct tape. It wound tightly around his wrists, which hung behind him. The tape secured his chest to the chair back and his ankles to the chair legs. Pulling at his bonds didn’t do much but rock the chair side to side. He didn’t want to fall over, not unless he had a good reason for doing so. Frantically he looked around and caught sight of the person in his bed. Whom he’d completely forgotten about. Shit. How long had he been out? A quick glance at the clock radio told him he’d been unconscious for about fifteen minutes or more. That can’t have been good. How long did that guy have before he bled out? He shuffled the chair back, inch by slow inch. He wanted to fall backward in his current state even less than he’d wanted to fall sideways. “Hey,” he whispered. Frazer wasn’t sure he wanted to know where Julian was, since it didn’t seem as though he had any intention of calling EMTs or anything. “Are you okay?”

No response. Holding as motionless as he could, Frazer tried to listen for breathing, but blood thundered in his head like a stampede, overshadowing any faint sound. He inched the chair a little closer, feeling the legs wobble for a sick, dizzying moment before they righted themselves. The tips of his fingers touched the cool sheet, and he slowly and painstakingly pulled the cloth away from figure in his bed. Patches of cool stickiness caught at his fingers as the sheets slid toward the floor, and Frazer knew it was blood. God. After endless minutes, the fabric pulled away, revealing the face of the bartender from Catch 22. Given the open-eyed stare and the appalling gash in his throat, Frazer knew calling 9-1-1 wasn’t going to help the poor guy. Frazer bit his lip until the skin broke, trying to hold in a scream. No matter what that cop thought, this was the first time he’d ever seen a dead body in person. His parents’ funeral had been closed casket, and his grandparents had died long before he was born. Worse, this was a dead man Frazer knew. They’d flirted a little at the bar. Not a lot. Frazer hadn’t thought picking up the bartender at one of his favorite haunts would be smart. But he’d known the guy. Liked him. His name was Trevor, and he rode horses in his spare time. At least, Frazer was pretty sure that had been literal and not some obscene innuendo. Tears slipped down his face. Was this the fate his brother had planned for him? As best he could, he wiped his fingers on a clean part of the sheet. He didn’t want Trevor’s blood on him. A shudder wracked his body, and his stomach squeezed. If he came out of this alive, would he ever be able to shower this memory away? His bed would have to be burned; he could never sleep in it again. Frantic, he pulled on the tape wrapping his wrists together, but he couldn’t get any give at all. Trying a different tactic, he rubbed his wrists on the back of the chair, hoping to roll the tape off his wrists. Nothing worked. A floorboard creaked, bringing his attention to the doorway. Julian loomed there, that same sick smile on his face from before. “That’s not where I left you. No matter. We’ll get you back in place. I wouldn’t want you to miss the little show I planned for you.” Julian slid him back toward the door. “What show? What are you doing? And why?” Frazer repeated the questions several times and with several variations, but Julian ignored him in favor of fussing with the chair placement. He went so far as to press his head against Frazer’s to check the sightlines. Whatever Julian planned for Frazer to see, it was going to happen out in his living room.

Chapter Thirteen “What are you doing here?” Cooper demanded of Goodson when he got out of the car. “None of your fucking business.” Goodson shoved him roughly out of the way. The physicality was an improvement over wanting to shoot him, but it still pissed Coop off. Cooper yanked Goodson around to face him. “If it involves Frazer, it is my business.” “Fine. I’m going to arrest that psycho little boyfriend of yours. How about that?” “All by yourself? I think you might be here a little prematurely.” Coop made sure his words were firm, but fear chilled his innards, making him want to shake. The detective had no idea how ugly it could get if he didn’t get the fuck out of there. Apparently their attempts to block Goodson had failed. Nothing they could do when he ignored official sanctions. “Not by much. We found the body of Alan Harrington. Same MO as the other victim. Your boy is to blame.” “You just found the body, and you’ve got an arrest warrant already?” Coop needed a couple of hours without interference. Then this damned cop could make whatever assumptions he chose. Unfortunately, another scenario presented itself. Cooper had thought if Frazer recovered from his possession, they might be able to rebuild their relationship. But Goodson had enough evidence, circumstantial or otherwise, to lock Frazer up for a lifetime, whether or not he remembered what had happened. Which meant Cooper had at most another hour with Frazer. Dead or alive, he was going to lose Frazer forever. “If you don’t let go of me, I’ll arrest you too.” Desperate, Cooper hung on. “You don’t understand. You’re going to get hurt.” Goodson snorted. “Fuck you. I don’t think so. Now get the fuck off of me.” “You’re not going to arrest him. You can’t have processed the scene yet.” “No, but I can take him in for questioning. And I’m going to find out what happened to those other missing men. The bartender from Catch 22 might still be alive. I’m getting answers from your boyfriend, and I’m not leaving until I do.” Cooper’s grip loosened. When had Frazer had time to snatch the bartender? Goddammit. He wanted to scream out at the Fates against this travesty, hit something or someone. As much as he wanted that someone to be Goodson, he knew deep down they were on the same side. Goodson didn’t know it, though. “Let me go up there, have a few minutes alone with him.” “Are you fucking crazy? Warn him that I’m coming? I don’t fucking think so.”

Goodson broke Cooper’s grip and slipped around him, moving fast for such a muscular man. Coop followed at his heels, desperate to prevent Frazer from vamping out. He noticed, and was thankful, that Goodson retained enough sense to keep his weapon holstered. With a quick pat of his own holster, Coop reassured himself his own weapon was accessible should he need it, then pounded up the stairs after the detective. *** “Sounds like our little show is about to begin. Are you ready?” Julian’s grin was far too happy for a man who’d just killed someone. “Why are you doing this, Julian? Please, tell me.” Frazer would beg if he had to, if it would make his brother stop this craziness. “You really don’t know, do you? That’s because you’re the perfect one. The one everyone likes, the one everyone wants to fuck.” As Julian’s voice rose, Frazer could see the anger building too. “This isn’t about Henry, is it?” Jeez, it couldn’t be. Right? Julian wouldn’t have flipped out over that asshole, would he? “He was the beginning. I’m tired of playing sloppy seconds to you, brother. Look in a mirror! We’re the same, dammit. Why the fuck does everyone think you’re so much fucking better than me?” “We’re not the same, Julian.” Which had never been clearer to Frazer than in that moment. How Julian couldn’t see it was a mystery. Yes, they looked much the same, although the minute differences had accentuated over time. But they’d never acted the same, never liked the same things, and never thought the same way. “Maybe not,” Julian conceded. “But you’re not better than me. Not now. Now I have abilities you’ll never have.” And never want, if poor Trevor was any indication of those new abilities. “Okay, Julian, you’re right. You’re better than I am.” Maybe agreeing with him would soothe Julian, calm this madness in the man who should have been the other part of Frazer. “Shut up.” Julian backhanded him across the face, rocking Frazer’s head back. A trickle of warmth slid down the side of his chin, and he realized Julian’s blow had split his lip. “Don’t patronize me, asshole. You’ve felt sorry for me all my life. I know you have. But that’s all changing today.” “I’m sorry, Julian. I am. Please, don’t hurt anyone else.” “Too late for that, brother mine. I’ve been teaching your lovers one at a time, for some time now, that I’m the better man.” A sickening chill formed icicles in Frazer’s gut. Julian was targeting his lovers? Oh God. What had he gotten Cooper into?

“Yes, I see you’re starting to get the idea. Matt was the first to learn his lesson. There have been a few since.” Oh shit. Goodson was right. Matt was dead, and it was actually Frazer’s fault. “Why are you killing them? I don’t understand.” “You’ve slept with them all. Think of it as your punishment.” Frazer felt sick. Again. But he swallowed instead. He needed to keep Julian talking. Because the more he spoke, the longer Frazer could postpone whatever show Julian had planned. “What about Alan? I never slept with Alan.” “No, that’s true. But he wanted you. And it pissed me off. But dear Alan had his uses. Someone so wealthy goes missing. Ends up dead. Victim of a serial killer. You’re going to be famous! Killing the cop who’s been harassing you? Final part of the plan. I thought about leaving you for the cops to find. You’d never make it to the station house, never mind trial. But I realized it’s ever so much more delicious this way. You’ll be branded a serial killer. Your new boyfriend will die thinking you killed him. And you get to watch. Yummy. Then, when you’ve got nothing left to live for, I’ll kill you. Maybe. Will it be worse for you to die, or live your life vilified? It’ll be a game-time decision, I think.” Julian rocked on the balls of his feet. In excitement? What a revolting thought. Horrified, Frazer didn’t know where to go from there. He’d had no idea how much his brother hated him, nor how jealous he was. This had to be some sort of mental illness causing this—and recently, at that. There was no way his brother could have hidden this sickness from him all these years. “What about poor Trevor? I didn’t sleep with him, either.” Was this the right tactic, keeping Julian talking? So far, all he’d accomplished was to avoid losing bladder control in response to Julian’s hideous plan. Julian gestured to the bed behind Frazer. “That boy was useful. Kept an eye on you for me. He was the only one who wanted me. Until he started to get scared. But that’s okay. He’d outlived his usefulness.” Julian actually rubbed his hands together in glee. Frazer had never seen his brother so happy before, and it was a terrifying sight. “Please don’t do this. Don’t hurt Cooper. Do whatever you want with me, but don’t hurt him. I’m begging you, Julian.” Frazer’s voice broke. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if Julian hurt Cooper because of him. But then, Julian didn’t intend for him to live very long at all. “As sweet as that sounds, I need you to be quiet for the show.” Julian cocked his head to the side as though listening for something. “It’s almost time.”

Julian grabbed the roll of duct tape and pulled out a length. Staring right at Frazer, he smiled. As Frazer watched, Julian’s canines lengthened into fangs, and he used them to slice the tape. What the fuck? Horror closed Frazer’s throat. and he was only able to get out a small squeak before Julian slapped the tape against his mouth. It looked like… But it couldn’t be. Julian was a vampire? Vampires didn’t exist. Was Julian’s mental illness catching? Or could he believe his eyes? “No noise, now, and maybe I’ll leave him alive, hmmm?” Julian left the room after that parting shot, leaving the door open a crack. Somehow Frazer couldn’t find it in himself to cling to that slim hope. It seemed as though the time Julian had spent fussing with his placement was worthwhile, as Frazer could see most of the living room from where he sat. No one would be able to see him, though. *** “Listen to me,” Coop pleaded, trying one last time to dissuade Detective Goodson from following through with his plan. He grabbed at the collar of the detective’s cheap sports coat. “Why should I?” Cooper was at a loss. He couldn’t tell Goodson about his job; it was top secret. Finding another way to convince Goodson wasn’t possible in his overemotional state. “Things aren’t as they seem. Trust me.” “I don’t think so. For all I know, you helped him.” Goodson stabbed a sharp elbow into Cooper’s gut, and Coop doubled over as his breath fled his lungs. He tried to force out another plea but was unable to do more than wheeze. Goodson took advantage of his momentary incapacitation to bust open Frazer’s apartment door. The sound of a loud male voice floated out of the apartment, and Coop, finding drawing breath a little difficult, dragged himself up the stairs. All he could hear was Goodson demanding to know where Matt and the bartender were, and how Goodson wasn’t going to let him get away with it. Whatever Frazer’s response, it wasn’t audible to Coop in the stairwell. *** Frazer thought his heart was going to pop right out of his chest when Goodson more or less exploded through his front door. In fact, until the detective moved farther into the room, Frazer hadn’t known the source of the loud bang. “Hello, Detective.” Julian had settled comfortably on Frazer’s couch, facing the near raving man in front of him. Apparently the detective’s unheralded arrival hadn’t fazed his brother at all.

“Where’s Matt, you sick little psycho? And the bartender, Trevor? What have you done with them?” Frazer couldn’t hear Julian’s quiet response, and he tried screaming through the duct tape, hoping to draw the detective’s notice. But Goodson never looked away from Julian. A bomb going off wouldn’t have grabbed the detective’s attention right then, unfortunately for Frazer. Julian’s response, whatever it was, made Goodson angrier, and the threats he spouted would have terrified Frazer, had he been the recipient. Julian, with his apparent vampirism, had nothing to fear. Frazer could barely manage to think the word vampire. He didn’t know what he’d do if he actually had to say it aloud. Would it scare Goodson shitless like it had Frazer? Frazer tried rocking the chair—maybe thumping legs would get him noticed. But the carpet muffled most of the sound, and the unsteady wiggle of the chair freaked him out. Witnessing whatever Julian had planned would not make Frazer happy, but if missing it meant he’d have to risk knocking himself out, he wasn’t sure if it was worth it. Unconscious, he’d have no chance against Julian. “You putrid shit. Not a jury in the world would convict me for killing you right now. But I need answers. And I’m going to get them.” Shit. Julian was right. This was like a show. If it weren’t fucking real, Frazer might have admired his brother. Did Julian realize how emotionally invested Goodson was? When he’d seen Matt’s Facebook page, Frazer had made the connection. Goodson had to be the super-closeted cop Matt had dated before Frazer. Matt had finally dumped the cop after his continued pressure to come out had pushed Goodson into cheating. Matt had never trusted Frazer not to cheat after that, and Frazer had also sensed Matt had strong feelings for his ex through their entire relationship. The detective’s irrational hatred of Frazer spoke of unfinished business and strong feelings on his part as well. Despite his own situation, Frazer had a moment to feel sorry for the detective, watching as he advanced upon Julian with clenched fists. Cooper didn’t understand why Frazer sat there on his couch, hands steepled and a Cheshire-cat smile on his face, listening. There was none of that scared vulnerability Cooper had seen last time he’d witnessed Goodson and Frazer, and the lack seemed to infuriate the detective, who gesticulated wildly. As the enormity of his folly crashed over him, Cooper stood motionless in the doorway. He didn’t know if Frazer was aware he was present, but this cold, sardonic boy was undoubtedly Umbrae. And the pain of it ripped Cooper’s heart to shreds.

Goodson ventured too close, and those lips that had haunted Cooper’s dreams drew back, revealing long, pointed white fangs. His jaw elongated along with them to accommodate those sharp weapons, making his face a little less recognizable, a little less familiar. “Watch it, Goodson. Get the fuck out of here!” Cooper’s own gun caught on his holster as Frazer leaped upon the now silent and stunned detective. They tumbled to the floor, and Frazer’s fangs sank deeply into Goodson’s neck. Frazer looked up at Cooper in a mocking, painful parody of the look he’d directed up at Coop the last time he’d sucked Cooper’s cock. This time, the lust in those alien eyes left him cold. Frazer heard a shout that wasn’t from Goodson, but he didn’t have time to process it. Fast—almost faster than he could follow—Julian knocked the detective to the floor and sank those scary-ass fangs into his neck. Frazer’s stomach rolled over. The blood was so very red, a graphic symbol of life and death. The shock on Goodson’s face was something he’d remember for a long time. Along with this revolting scene. No amount of brain scrubbing was going to erase this. Frazer clenched his teeth to force back the nausea. If it weren’t for the tape, he wasn’t sure if he’d be screaming like a girl or puking his guts out. Again he wrenched his arms. His fingers were numb, and he didn’t think he’d made any progress toward escape. If he succeeded, he wasn’t sure what help he could provide against Julian, but he had to try. When Julian lifted his blood-drenched face to speak to the person standing out of Frazer’s sight, Frazer had two thoughts careen through his mind. First: screaming, definitely screaming; and also: why the fuck didn’t the cop shoot Julian? Frazer pulled away with a wet, slurping sound and directed a crimson-stained grin at Cooper. “You’re next, sweetie.” Cooper swung his arm up and fired before he lost his nerve. His bullet flew true, punching through Frazer’s forehead and sending him sprawling backward. Cooper shuttered his mind against what he’d done, grasping on to standard operating procedure and rote to keep from thinking. He held on to his gun long enough to ensure Frazer wasn’t going to regenerate, before he let it fall from his fingers. He shucked his shirt and wadded it up to put pressure on the detective’s neck wounds. Probably a blessing he’d passed out, but Goodson needed medical assistance immediately or he’d be worse off than unconscious.

Holy fuck, holy fuck, holy fuck! Cooper had shot his brother. Killed him. Frazer didn’t know whether to be elated this nightmare was finally over or to grieve for the death of his last blood relation. Somehow his heart began pounding louder. Cooper’s face had been so cold, so dispassionate. Made Frazer a little nervous, actually. And the way he’d gone to check immediately on the detective, to help him… Well, Frazer could only come to the conclusion that Coop killed…vampires? Holy fuck, all the time? He didn’t know Coop at all, and it seemed Cooper hadn’t been disturbed a bit by the shooting. How could Coop not care? Did he know Julian wasn’t him? But how could he? Sure, Frazer had wondered why no one had tried shooting Julian, but now that it had happened for real, Frazer was completely conflicted. He should feel more sorrow than he did. Was that normal for siblings who disliked each other? Or was the grief stunted because his brother was a murdering lunatic? Frazer struggled again. Why the fuck wasn’t Coop coming to get him? He watched Coop fumble for his phone with one hand, the other occupied with applying pressure. “Adam, are you close?” Cooper spoke rapidly into the phone. “Good. Bring the big medical kit. We’re going to need it.” The medical kit? Surely Goodson needed an ambulance, EMTs, a hospital? What the fuck was going on? And why did Cooper seem so different from the warm, loving man he’d known? Fallen in love with? This was the man who’d killed his brother. Was Frazer ever going to be able to forget that? He didn’t know. He did know he wanted the fuck out of this chair. He tried yelling, calling to Coop, rattling the chair as much as he dared. Nothing. No reaction at all. Seconds after Coop hung up, Adam skidded into the apartment, eyes quickly taking in the damage. Cooper was no longer alone, thank God, because he wasn’t sure how much longer he was going to be able to hang on. Adam took over getting Goodson stabilized and prepped to go to the hospital. They didn’t dare call 9-1-1. Not until the clean-up crew arrived. Cooper steadfastly refused to look at Frazer’s body, focusing all his energy on assisting Adam. They’d both gained extensive medic experience since joining MIA. A faint tremor shook the building, setting someone’s wind chimes tinkling. Which made Cooper realize the door was standing wide open. He was seventy percent sure he would have noticed if anyone had witnessed the melee. Nevertheless, he stood and walked to the door, then closed it as best he could, still jittery with adrenaline.

“Is it closed?” Adam nodded. Even at this distance, Adam would be able to sense the dispersion of the portal’s malevolent energy. But the blast closing the portal was laughably anticlimactic. “Goodson gonna make it?” Coop asked. “Yeah, he’ll be fine.” Adam’s BlackBerry buzzed, and he peeled off a bloody latex glove before he checked the message. “Clean-up crew’s ten minutes out. Do you need anything?” He could hear the hesitancy in Adam’s voice. It was time. Cooper forced himself to move back to the two figures lying on the floor. He knelt by Frazer and traced a finger along his jaw. In death, the metamorphic changes wrought by the Umbrae had receded. With trembling fingers, he closed Frazer’s eyelids, his hands in greater contrast than ever against the paleness of Frazer’s skin. He’d killed Frazer. Killed his love. The pain and guilt and anger and fear boiled up from every part of him, lashing each nerve and tender memory. Cooper stumbled to his feet, barely making it to the bathroom before being violently sick. He heaved until nothing was left, shortly becoming aware of a soothing hand on his back. He flushed the toilet and stood, then rinsed his mouth over the sink. Adam led him back out to the living room. The blanket from the couch now covered Frazer, and great, racking sobs shook Coop’s body as the tears flowed. Adam pulled him close, and Cooper ducked his head into the comfort of his partner’s neck, adding salty tears to the soft green shirt. Oh. My. God. The broken anguish on Cooper’s face as he looked down at Julian’s body had wrenched Frazer’s heart. How had Frazer thought even for one second Cooper didn’t care? Tears streamed down Frazer’s cheeks and over the duct tape across his mouth. He screamed again. He’d give anything to wipe that look of utter desolation from Cooper’s face. He wanted to wrap his arms around Coop, let him know he was okay. But he was helpless. Completely helpless. When Coop returned from the bathroom—the sounds of his retching had reached Frazer’s ears—Frazer tried to scream, for yet another futile time. Comforting Coop was his job, not Adam’s, that fucker. He wriggled his feet, hoping for more give, and shrieked uselessly into his gag as he watched Coop soak Adam’s shirt with his tears. More people boiled into the room, and Cooper disengaged from Adam. Although they all looked official, none of them wore police or EMT uniforms. This put to rest any doubts Frazer had had about Coop’s claim to be working for a secret agency.

As the clean-up crew arrived, Cooper found his tears drying up, for now. He saw Oliver and Carmichael step through the door first, and he bent over Goodson so they wouldn’t see his tear-ravaged face. At the edges of his awareness, he heard Adam, Carmichael, and Oliver discussing how to proceed. He didn’t bother listening. He knew. Frazer’s body would be handed over to the local authorities as a serial killer. It was easiest that way. Probably every missing man in Frazer’s life was dead. The other bodies might never be found. The last of the physiological changes caused by the Umbrae would revert long before any pathologist got hold of him—Oliver would see to that. Goodson would be honored for getting wounded in the line of duty. With Goodson’s head tilted to the side, cheek against the floor, it wasn’t easy to see his eyelids fluttering open. Goodson—Luis, Cooper thought his name was—opened his mouth, a raspy groan leaking out. “Hey, don’t try to talk.” Coop’s voice was almost as rusty. The tears had swollen his sinuses and dried out his throat, and his skin was tight across his face. “You’re going to be fine.” “What’s that?” Cooper didn’t know what he was talking about but assumed he had questions about the vampire attack. Most people would. “Don’t worry. You’re safe. You got the serial killer.” Cooper managed to say the words, beginning the fiction they were going to foist on the lawman. The detective’s hand flapped weakly, and despite the subtle gesture, Cooper was able to interpret Goodson’s frustration. “No.” Goodson swallowed heavily. “Prisoner.” “There’s no prisoner. He’s dead. You killed him.” Or at least that would be the truth soon enough. But Cooper’s answer increased Goodson’s agitation. “What’s wrong?” Adam asked, noticing Goodson was alert, mostly. “Dunno. Got any sedatives? Maybe we should keep him out until we can transfer him to the hospital.” “No!” Goodson coughed, hand grasping at his throat. “Prisoner. Bedroom.” Goodson relaxed back, not quite unconscious again. Cooper turned his head, following Goodson’s sight line. Sure enough, through the crack in the door, he could see a bare foot wiggling, topped by a band of dull, silvery duct tape, connecting the ankle to a chair leg. He couldn’t see anything else in the shadows, so it was no wonder they hadn’t noticed it before. They should have,

though. If not for Coop’s emotional firestorm, they wouldn’t have ignored procedures for searching the premises where a hostile nested. Cooper sprang to his feet. Maybe that missing bartender was alive. He flung the door open and flipped on the light switch.

Chapter Fourteen Frazer stared up at the man he loved and watched Cooper’s face go as pale and ashy as he suspected that brown complexion could go. His mouth was slack. Frazer’s muscles relaxed. Finally. Rescue. If this is what being a damsel in distress felt like, he never wanted to repeat the experience. He fucking hated it. But how could anyone prepare for this situation? Wishing Coop would say something, or start ripping off the damned tape, Frazer watched Coop twist around to survey the scene in the living room and then swing his head back around to stare at Frazer. Beads of sweat dotted Coop’s forehead—and then he slid bonelessly to the floor, unconscious. Well. Frazer hadn’t anticipated that scenario. He was now in full view of three men deep in discussion. The thump of Coop hitting the floor caused all of them to look at him. Adam’s eyes widened as the other two men drew their weapons. Not aimed at him, thankfully. Clearly he was no threat to anyone. But they were definitely on alert. Adam whispered something to the big blond man, who nodded. Frazer thought he saw the blond’s expression loosen a bit. Undoubtedly Adam had figured out exactly why Cooper had fallen. No one had expected twins. And it was his own damned fault for not telling Cooper the truth. Adam followed the two armed men as they stepped over Cooper and around Frazer. After rolling Coop over, Adam took a quick peek under his eyelids before crouching in front of Frazer. Adam ripped the tape from Frazer’s mouth. Frazer managed to emit no more than a groan. Adam had a small knife poised, but he made no move to cut Frazer’s bonds. “Who are you?” Frazer focused on Adam, because thinking about poor, dead Trevor or the discussion behind him about what to do with Trevor’s body was freaking him the fuck out. Adam’s eyes were concerned but wary. A natural response, Frazer imagined. Regardless, the relief welled up inside, and more tears blurred his vision before they raced down his face. “Hey,” Adam said softly and used his empty hand to wipe the wetness away. “You’re Frazer, aren’t you?” Frazer nodded, sniffing. Crying. He thought he’d be humiliated later. He wanted to wipe his nose in the worst way. A bit of snot edging toward his upper lip was the least of his worries, he hoped, since he’d thus far managed to avoid soiling himself. Adam saw, then glanced around the room before he grabbed at the sheet on the floor behind Frazer. Frazer shied away as much as he could, but Adam understood.

“Clean. It’s clean, I promise.” Adam told the truth. He’d found an unstained corner to wipe Frazer’s face. “Please. Get me out of here.” Frazer’s voice didn’t sound like his own. “Soon. I promise.” Adam’s expression was sympathetic. “I need a few more answers.” “Hurry.” Because Frazer had a sudden need to relieve his bladder, and he didn’t want to do it strapped to this chair. “If you’re Frazer, who is that?” Adam made a quick hand gesture toward the living room. As if Frazer didn’t know whom he could possibly be asking about. “My twin brother. Julian.” “Twin? That explains a lot. Okay, do you remember me?” “What? Of course I do. Julian may have knocked me out, but I haven’t got amnesia, Adam.” A thought struck him. “Please, I didn’t kill anyone. I swear!” Adam cupped his face. “And Cooper?” Frazer looked down on the floor. He saw Cooper’s eyelids flutter, and smiled. “Oh, that’s good,” Adam said, although Frazer didn’t know why. Adam made short work of his bonds, but when Frazer tried to stand, the agony of blood returning unrestricted to his extremities made him cry out and stumble. Adam caught him, and Cooper sat up, looking around wildly. “Coop. Frazer’s okay. His brother, Julian, is out there.” Adam tilted his head toward the open bedroom door but kept his arms around Frazer, steadying him. “Brother?” Coop asked. “His twin, actually,” Adam explained for Frazer. Frazer wanted Coop to hug him, but something held him back from stepping toward Coop. Maybe it was the discussion of his dead brother. Maybe it was the strange look in Coop’s eyes. Coop nodded and rose unsteadily to his feet. He made a move as if to touch Frazer but didn’t, settling for roaming over every inch with a searching gaze. “Mr. Nyland?” The tall Hispanic man—good-looking, early forties—spoke, and Frazer turned. “I need to have a word with you. Alone. Is there somewhere else we can go?” “The balcony?” His place wasn’t that big. He didn’t have another bedroom. What did this man want from him, anyway? “This is one of our superiors, Oliver Cardoso. Don’t worry—he’s fine,” Adam whispered in his ear. Strange how it was Adam giving him comfort. “Balcony? No. Kitchen, I think,” Cardoso said. Oliver? Frazer didn’t know which way to think of him. “You two, help Carmichael and the others. We’ve got to get this scene processed before Goodson’s partner shows up.”

There was no doubt in Frazer’s mind who was in charge here. Cardoso’s tone made him want to salute. He assumed the big blond was Carmichael, but he could have been mistaken, since the blond completely ignored Cardoso’s words. Adam looked mutinous, but Coop tapped his arm, and Adam nodded, although Frazer thought it was with some reluctance. He wasn’t happy about going with Oliver, who seemed a little scary, but he trusted Adam when he said the tall man was okay. Frazer was going to the damned bathroom first, though. Cooper watched Frazer go, hardly able to believe he was alive. He was sure his mind had snapped, thinking he’d murdered his lover, thinking he’d been crazy enough to fall in love with an Umbrae-possessed vampire. A killer. Although Frazer was a little roughed up from his ordeal, Cooper didn’t think he’d seen a more beautiful sight in his life than Frazer alive. “Snap out of it.” Adam smacked Cooper’s arm. Hard. He was angrier than Coop could remember seeing him. “What?” “What is the matter with you? I can’t believe, after all that, you didn’t hug him or kiss him or something.” Carmichael snorted but continued with his work. “I don’t think he wanted me to.” “Adam, not everyone’s like you,” Carmichael added. “Shut up.” Adam’s half-joking, half-biting words were directed entirely at Carmichael. “No matter what you think, I’m not the covert romantic here, planning seductions with rose petals.” Coop wondered if Carmichael’s cheeks now matched those referenced roses. He assumed Adam was referring to some incurably romantic thing Carmichael had done. If his own romantic life hadn’t just exploded from the force of a dead vamp, he might have thought it amusing. “And he did want it.” Adam turned that sharp green gaze back to Coop. “This is the best possible result. This was an ending I’d not ever considered possible. He’s alive. He’s sane. He remembers you. And he’s not going to jail. Why aren’t you fucking celebrating?” “Because I killed his brother!” Louder than he’d intended, his words shut Adam up. Yeah, Frazer was alive and wouldn’t be a suspect once they were through here. But Coop had doubts their relationship could survive what he’d done to Julian. Maybe one day Frazer would be able to forgive him, but the odds were not in Coop’s favor. Adam bit his lip, anger gone, and patted Cooper’s arm gently. “Come on, let’s get this finished.”

They moved out into the living room to finish their preparations for the local authorities. Coop figured Goodson’s partner would be arriving soon—even if he’d sneaked away from the crime scene, she’d have to know where he’d gone—and if they only had one injured police officer to snow, the better. Glancing frequently at his ex-lover and his mentor in the kitchen, Coop shamelessly listened to the debriefing. If Oliver looked for one minute like he was upsetting Frazer, Coop would have to step in. Frazer took a breath. Cardoso had finished asking him a barrage of questions rivaling his previous questioning by Goodson. Grueling, but not too harsh. At least no one suspected him of anything. Cardoso stared at him in silence for a few moments. “I’m sorry about your brother.” Oh. Complete one-eighty. “Uh. Thanks.” “If you don’t mind my saying, you don’t seem upset by it.” Cardoso seemed to be watching him closely. Normally he wouldn’t consider spilling his personal feelings to a complete stranger, but he had a feeling Cardoso was waiting for a reply. No one had to tell Frazer that he wasn’t going anywhere until the man was completely satisfied. “Look, Mr. Cardoso—” “It’s Agent Cardoso. But you can call me Oliver.” Right. Agent Cardoso. “Okay. Oliver. We weren’t close, Julian and I. And he’d blackmailed me into giving him money.” Frazer explained briefly how Julian had convinced him to part with his savings. Oliver’s brows rose to his hairline as he spoke. His warm brown eyes, surprisingly darker than Cooper’s, were more sympathetic than he’d expected. Certainly more believable than the concept of Julian as a vampire. “I can hardly believe what I saw. My brother…those teeth.” Violent shaking ravaged Frazer’s body. “Yes, that’s the crux of our problem.” Oliver slipped his dark jacket off his broad shoulders and wrapped it around Frazer without missing a beat. Frazer clutched the warm fabric closer. Our problem? “You saw it, and you can hardly believe it. If you tell anyone, they definitely won’t believe you. And it is in your best interests that you don’t manage to convince anyone of your story’s veracity, either.” “But—”

“No buts.” Shit, Oliver sounded like his mother. She’d said that to him and his brother all the time. “Our agency is secret for a very good reason. The potential for panic is enormous and would be detrimental for our operations.” “This sort of thing happens a lot?” “Far more than you’d think.” Oliver looked sad and lost for a moment. Frazer couldn’t imagine the emotional toll a job like this took on the agents. For the first time, he was cognizant of how difficult and dangerous Cooper’s job really was. “So let us put your brother in the police’s sights as the killer, which is no more than the truth. And whatever you thought you saw, well, convince yourself it was a side effect of your brother’s mental illness.” Oliver slapped his hands on the table as though he expected no disagreement. In theory, Frazer didn’t object. He had no real desire to try to convince people he’d seen a damned vampire. “What about Goodson?” “He’ll go along with the same story. I’m sure of it. Now, it’s probably better if you aren’t here when the police descend. Goodson will convince the cops they’ve got the right man. Have you got somewhere to go? Or did you want to go to a hotel?” Frazer didn’t know what to do. Certain truths were making themselves known in his brain. His job was gone. Clearing his name now didn’t matter. He knew his fickle clients would never trust the brother of a serial killer. He never wanted to live in this apartment again. His bed was a write-off. Even his couch was tainted by Julian’s evil. He wanted Coop to take him home, but he didn’t know if he was welcome. So, no job, no apartment…no lover? Fate couldn’t be so cruel, could she? “And Cooper?” Frazer couldn’t stop himself from asking. Oliver’s expression softened into sympathy, but he didn’t bother answering aloud. Frazer gulped at the sudden shock of pain lancing his heart. Maybe it was all a lie. He had no doubt Julian was the reason Adam and Cooper had come to Brinton. Cooper had said meeting him was a coincidence, but Oliver’s sympathy shouted out he thought they had no future. Could he believe Coop? Especially after the complete lack of comfort he’d provided so far. “We can help you out for a short time, anyway. Think about it for a bit. I’ll be back.” Oliver rose to his feet and moved to the living room. Frazer followed. After all, Oliver hadn’t said not to, right? He saw Cooper’s back tense, as though he knew Frazer was there, but he didn’t so much as glance up. He listened as Oliver outlined the same plan for a conscious Goodson, who was clearly in pain, both physical and emotional.

“I can’t forget what I saw.” Goodson’s fingers roved restlessly over the nap of Frazer’s carpet. “I don’t expect you will. But don’t you think having Julian, the serial killer, to pin these crimes on is a much better prospect than trying to convince anyone of what you saw? Trust me. It’s easier this way. You’ll be a hero.” Strange. Oliver’s words were reasonable, and yet there was a thread of steel woven through them that said not taking his advice would be a dangerous and unwise move. “I’ve given you motive,” Oliver said. “Julian was jealous of Frazer and the men in his life. What more could you want?” “What about ballistics? How am I going to explain that?” “Don’t you worry. We’ll take care of it when the time comes.” Goodson’s eyes widened. “Who the fuck are you?” “No one you want to take on.” Goodson didn’t look completely convinced. He glanced at Frazer with a question in his eyes. Frazer was the only other one who could corroborate this madness. Frazer shrugged and nodded. Goodson thinned his lips before he grunted out his agreement. Oliver nodded. “We’re about done here. Think you can call this in yourself when we leave?” Goodson breathed out a quiet “Yes,” and Oliver placed a cell phone in his hand. Cooper backed away from Goodson. It was almost time to go, and he couldn’t bear to look at Frazer, to see the condemnation in his eyes, much less bring himself to apologize. But then, he hadn’t known about Julian, and he didn’t know why Frazer hadn’t trusted him enough to tell him. Frazer dropped to his knees by Goodson in the space Coop had vacated. “I’m sorry about Matt,” he heard Frazer say. Goodson’s eyes became shiny, and he reached out to grab Frazer’s hand. “I’m sorry I was so hard on you.” Cooper had no idea Goodson and Frazer’s ex had been involved, yet another thing Frazer hadn’t trusted him with. He looked at their clasped hands and realized this was a man Frazer could maybe be happy with. Luis was good-looking, gay, and hadn’t killed Frazer’s brother. “We’ll see him again, I think.” Oliver stood beside Coop. “Goodson?” “Yes. He’s not going away. He’s not going to forget or let go, no matter what he’s said.” Well, Oliver was always good at picking new recruits. Goodson would have to accept his new position gracefully.

Frazer patted Goodson’s hand before placing it back on the ground. He looked up and stared with those deep blue eyes, seeming to look straight into Cooper’s heart and soul. “I need to talk to you.” Cooper nodded curtly. “Kitchen?” Frazer asked. Cooper nodded again and moved to the other room without waiting to see if Frazer followed. This was it. Good-bye. It was fucking killing him, but he owed it to Frazer to listen to whatever he had to say. He sat for a brief moment before springing up again. After Frazer finished dumping him, he was going to leave as soon as possible. Already the team was clearing out. Frazer gave him a weird look but remained upright also. Cooper jammed his hands into his pockets. Otherwise he’d be tempted to touch Frazer, and he didn’t want to see his ex-lover flinch away from his touch. “Coop.” Words pushed up into Cooper’s throat, demanding he speak first. “Frazer. Please. Let me say, I’m so sorry. I wouldn’t hurt you for anything. But why didn’t you tell me about Julian?” Didn’t you trust me? Didn’t you say we wouldn’t lie to each other? But those questions were too revealing. They illustrated, too clearly, his hurt. He couldn’t ask them. Frazer dropped his gaze and grabbed the back of a chair, picking at the paint. “I was embarrassed. Mortified. It was bad enough that the police suspected me of murder. Add in my brother, and with all that against me, I figured you’d think I was too much trouble. I didn’t lie, and I was going to tell you, but not this soon.” “What about Matt and the cop?” “Shhh.” Frazer glanced around, still avoiding Coop’s eyes. “He’s closeted. It was the reason he and Matt broke up.” “But why didn’t you tell me? Earlier?” “I never knew his name. I figured it out today. I left you a message about it, though.” Frazer gripped the chair so tightly, his knuckles pressed white against the skin. Cooper remembered the call he’d ignored from Frazer. “I’m so sorry. About everything. But most of all Julian. Please believe me—there was no other way.” Frazer nodded. Cooper took a deep breath. There was no point in prolonging this agony. “Good-bye, Frazer.” Frazer’s head flew up.

Chapter Fifteen Coop was leaving? Just like that? Frazer searched Cooper’s face. His expression was inscrutable. But the ravages of his tears were still visible. Not obvious, but visible. And the memory of Coop’s pain and distress as he cried over Julian’s body gave Frazer the courage to grasp for what he wanted. What he hoped they both wanted. “Coop. Wait.” How did he say it? “I don’t have anywhere to go. I can’t stay here.” Frazer hoped Cooper wouldn’t remember Becca right now. Cooper grimaced but gave Frazer the answer he’d hoped for. At least part of it. “You can stay with me. Until you, you know, get back on your feet. But it’s a long commute for your job.” Frazer gave him a bitter grin. “I don’t have a job anymore.” “What? Why not?” “Do you think, after all this, I’ve got any clients left? They’ve been leaving messages all day, firing me.” Anger flashed over Coop’s face. “That’s not right! But once this is public—” Frazer shook his head. “No way. Trust me. It’s done; there’s no going back.” The thought should scare him more than it did. But he didn’t want to experience the regret he’d seen in Luis Goodson’s eyes. He could get another damned job. Cooper looked pained and guilty. “Frazer, I’m so sorry.” “Hey. Stop. It’s not your fault. But I’d like to go home with you. If you don’t mind.” “I would like you to.” Cooper spoke to the ceiling in a sad little whisper. “But don’t you hate me?” “For what?” Frazer matched Coop’s whisper, but he looked intently at the other man, watching his Adam’s apple bob convulsively as he swallowed several times. “I killed your brother.” Coop’s voice was thick, strained. “You said you wouldn’t lie to me. And you told me there was no other way. I believe you. It will take me some time to work through this, but Julian and I never had a close relationship. I regret that. I will grieve for him. But I believe you. Please take me home.” Cooper ceased his contemplation of the ceiling, his expression incredulous. “Take you home with me. You mean forever, don’t you?” Frazer nodded. Forever. Yes, please. A look of radiant joy replaced the incredulousness. There it was. That was the look Frazer had expected when Coop first opened the bedroom door to find him bound and gagged. Frazer was whole again, the empty spot in his soul magically repaired. “I love you,” Frazer said. Tears—happy ones this time—blurred his vision.

“I love you too.” Coop held out his arms, and Frazer leaped into them and wrapped his legs around Coop’s waist. “Take me home.” Judging by Coop’s broad smile, he was able to hear the joy in Frazer’s words. Frazer was about to kiss Cooper when Adam spoke. “You don’t have time for that.” Frazer twisted in Coop’s arms to see Adam grinning at them. Beyond, he thought he saw a look of longing on Oliver’s face, but the forbidding man turned away before Frazer could decide for sure. Sirens began to scream in the distance. “Hear that? Time to go,” Adam said. “Want me to take the SUV?” “Yeah, sure,” Coop said. Cooper looked at Frazer, and the tenderness in his eyes made Frazer indescribably happy. “Babe, want me to drive your car?” Frazer shivered with pleasure at hearing the endearment. But he realized if he drove, he’d have to stay awake and alert for at least another hour. Despite his current bliss, he was fucking exhausted. “Yes, please.” “Then let’s go home.” Frazer had never heard more beautiful words. Except for “I love you.” *** Cooper couldn’t believe it. Frazer was going home with him. He kept glancing over at his sleeping lover, trying not to speed. He wanted Frazer in his bed, where he belonged, as soon as possible. He’d honestly thought he’d lost Frazer for good. More than once. It had been a hard, emotional day for them both. After noticing Frazer nodding off, Cooper had pulled over a few blocks from the apartment and checked Frazer for concussion. When he couldn’t find even a lump under that soft blond hair, he’d concluded that Julian must have used some sort of chokehold to knock Frazer out. He’d tucked Frazer gently into the passenger seat and let him sleep. Who would have thought Coop was getting what he wanted most out of one of the most terrifying nights of his life? He was getting a life partner. And he couldn’t be more pleased. He’d have to remember to tell Frazer that he didn’t need to get a job right away if he wanted to finish school first. Coop wasn’t going to get rich working for MIA, but they compensated him well for the danger and secrecy. He could support Frazer while he sorted out his life. Cooper pulled into his driveway, looking up at his house, knowing he was bringing home the partner he’d hoped for when he bought it. “We’re here.” Coop stroked Frazer’s arm softly. His face was less pinched and had more color than when Coop had loaded his lover into the car.

Frazer opened his eyes slowly and smiled happily at Cooper. “Home. We’re getting a dog.” A dog? He knew if Frazer had his heart set, it was going to happen. Not today, but soon. “Come on. Let’s get you in the house.” Hands entwined, they walked to the front door. Cooper would have to get a key made. Put Frazer’s name on the deed. Get Frazer’s things moved here. Lots to do. He was glad Oliver had said he’d arrange for a week’s vacation. Coop ushered Frazer into the house and closed the door. When he turned back, Frazer leaped on him, mouth attacking his. Cooper didn’t want to, but he pulled away. “Are you sure? Aren’t you tired?” He’d been half hard the whole way home, from looking at Frazer’s sleeping form, but he wasn’t an animal. He could wait. Really. He could. “Slept in the car. Want you now.” Frazer climbed up Cooper, wrapped his legs around Coop’s waist, and bit Coop’s deltoid. Hard. Cooper’s cock filled instantly, and he reflexively grabbed Frazer’s ass with both hands, grinding his erection against Frazer’s. Cooper moaned as Frazer licked his neck before sucking strongly below his ear. Oh God. He loved this man. He felt Frazer’s teeth again and shuddered, feeling his cock leak against his too-tight pants. Frazer humped back strongly, and Coop ran them into the bedroom. Ensuring his lover was whole and unharmed became a need almost unbearable, both in its intensity and the speed with which it came on. He threw Frazer onto the bed, hands roughly attacking clothes. He barely registered Frazer doing the same thing. Once naked, he ran his hands along Frazer’s body but didn’t find any obvious contusions or wounds aside from the angry red marks around wrists and ankles. It made him want to kill Julian all over again, but he’d never tell Frazer that. He growled low in his throat. With more tenderness than he’d believed himself capable of at the moment, he kissed around each band of abused flesh. Frazer’s eyelids drooped. Propping himself alongside Frazer, Coop gazed at his lover. Frazer traced Coop’s lips with a finger. Coop pulled that finger into his mouth, massaging it with his tongue, adoring Frazer’s sexy little whimpers. Frazer thrust his hips up, asking without words for friction against that dripping, ruddy, beautiful prick. Cooper could smell Frazer’s musky arousal, see it in the flush spread across his chest, hear it in the hitch of his breathing. Finally he lowered himself against Frazer, the sensation of Frazer’s hot cock sliding against his making him hiss. “So good.” Frazer wriggled as he spoke, increasing the friction. Cooper thought he himself might be beyond words. He couldn’t believe this was real. It was a wonderful dream that he

didn’t want snatched away. He flipped them over so Frazer was straddling him. His gorgeous blond lover grinned demonically at him and clamped his teeth down on Coop’s nipple. Yelling out Frazer’s name, Cooper pistoned his hips off the bed. Oh, he did have a biter. A natural one. Frazer eased his teeth back but continued to suck strongly. “Fuck me.” Coop wrapped the words in a groan. Frazer released Coop’s nipple, and his head flew up, questions written all over his face. Cooper looked him directly in the eye. “Please. I need this. Need to know you’re real, you’re alive.” Frazer’s dick flexed against his stomach as he searched Coop’s face. He must have seen Coop’s desire there. “Now,” Frazer said. It wasn’t a question. “Now.” Cooper agreed anyway. He was so ramped up, more foreplay would only be torture. Frazer stretched to the bedside table. Fine tremors vibrated through his fingers as he opened the condom, but other than that, there was no sign of hesitation. Good. As much as Coop wanted it, he wanted Frazer to be comfortable too. Frazer had never thought he’d do this to Cooper. They’d discussed it, and he’d been sure the issue would never arise again. But he understood what Cooper wanted—and why he wanted it. He didn’t need to worry about making it good for Cooper, because there was a deeper need here than simple carnal pleasure. They were both so turned on, Frazer didn’t think his lack of skills in this department would be an obstacle to orgasm anyway. And to tell the truth? The idea of taking Cooper like this made him feel more in control, more confident in their relationship and himself after all the weirdness of the past few days. So, yeah, he was a tiny bit nervous, but he wanted this. Frazer smoothed the condom over his aching dick and spread Cooper’s legs. He wanted to suck down that gorgeous brown cock bobbing in front of him, but if he started, he wouldn’t be able to stop until Coop spurted down his throat. Fucking Coop would be easier for him if he was hard and wanting. Generously lubing his fingers, Frazer slid two of them immediately into Coop’s heat. Coop breathed his name and pushed his hips toward Frazer, seeking the impalement. Frazer pumped his hand a few times, and the tight ring loosened up like that of a true bottom. God. Coop was going to burn him up. Frazer slid a third finger in but didn’t notice any discomfort at all on Coop’s face. Coop’s prick was leaking a continuous stream of precum along its length, making the tip so juicy and irresistible that Frazer couldn’t help but take a quick lick.

“Now, please,” Cooper begged. Frazer had debated trying to massage Coop’s prostate, but he didn’t have it in him to deny his lover anything. Hopefully he could find it with his dick. He’d never managed to the couple of times he’d tried this in the past. As he slipped his fingers out, he used his other hand to slick himself up, then guided himself to the brown hole waiting for him. He pressed in partway and checked Coop again for any discomfort. He held still, waiting for a sign. While he waited, he adjusted his position and glanced down to where their bodies joined. Oh fuck. Frazer bit back a moan. Is this was what Coop saw every time he fucked Frazer? From this vantage point, the stark contrast between his vanilla and Coop’s cocoa skin was fucking hot. So fucking hot. Lost in rapt contemplation, Coop took him by surprise by bucking, sending Frazer’s cock deeper. “Move,” Coop demanded. Frazer complied, but slowly, savoring the heat and tight grip. He didn’t remember topping feeling this good. Ever. He stroked out again, amazed. Cooper panted below him, and he was apparently tired of Frazer’s leisurely pace. He bucked and writhed, sliding his hands over Frazer’s ass and pulling him tighter. Frazer resisted his nonverbal pleas, somehow. This was too damned good to be over too soon. Coop was gorgeous beneath him. With every stroke, Frazer hit his prostate, coaxing out various groans and moans, interspersed with Frazer’s name. It wasn’t any work at all to make this good for Coop. It was awesome. Eventually his body couldn’t stand the slow pace any longer, and his hips snapped back and forth. Coop flung his head back, yelling, “Fuck me, Frazer. Fuck me hard!” Oh yeah. He could so do that. Sweat slicked Coop’s muscular brown chest, making him glisten, and his cock left shiny wet kisses against his belly with every thrust. Faster and harder Frazer plunged into that tight, welcoming heat. They were both panting. One of Coop’s hands dug into Frazer’s buttocks as the fingers of his other hand wedged themselves into Frazer’s crease. Each thrust squeezed Frazer’s cheeks around Coop’s hand, a long finger pressing rhythmically against his pucker. Coop’s hips met each of Frazer’s forceful thrusts, and Frazer raced toward the dark, glittery edge of orgasm. Just as Frazer wondered if one of them should use their hands to pump Coop’s dripping erection, Cooper shuddered and came, cock flexing and spraying between their bodies. A finger slid into Frazer’s anus, and the dual sensations inside and out made Frazer scream, the firm grip of Coop’s pulsing tunnel yanking his cum right out.

After jerking uncontrollably for what felt like forever, Frazer fell on top of Coop, sliding a bit in the slick pool of cum on Coop’s brown belly. Coop eased out of Frazer’s hole, and Frazer returned the favor, pinching the condom at its base to keep it from slipping off his softening prick. “Love you,” Coop whispered in his ear, breathing like a winded racehorse. “I love you too.” Reluctantly Frazer dragged himself out of bed to dispose of the condom and get a washcloth to clean up with. When he returned, Coop was propped up in bed, smiling at him, his love for Frazer clear on his face. Frazer’s own lips turned up in automatic response. Seeing Cooper this happy might be his new fave thing. “It was okay, then?” Frazer knew he didn’t need to ask, though. “More than, babe. We’re doing that again.” “Yeah, we are.” Frazer cuddled into Cooper’s warm, cozy arms, enjoying the gentle kisses in his hair. Coop shifted slightly and hissed. “Maybe not all the time, though.” Humor was evident in his voice, and Frazer knew he hadn’t hurt Coop—he was feeling the ache of unused muscles. “No, not all the time,” Frazer agreed. “Like I’m giving up getting fucked by your fat cock.” Cooper laughed and squeezed him in a hug. “Did I mention we’re getting a dog?” Frazer knew he’d already mentioned it, but postorgasmic bliss was a good time to get agreement. This house needed a dog. Coop needed a dog. And Frazer would need someone to keep him company while he waited for Coop to return from his very dangerous job. “Did I mention we’re getting tested?” Cooper countered. Tested? Oh fuck, yeah. Tested. Frazer’s spent cock tried valiantly to rise as he thought about fucking and getting fucked—making love—bare. He’d never been bare with anyone before. Never thought it would happen for him. “Yeah, we’re getting tested.” God. This was real. He and Cooper were an item, a committed, exclusive item. Partners. “Mine,” Frazer said softly. “Yours.” Coop’s breath warmed his ear. It had been a long, grueling day, but Frazer was happier and more content than he’d ever been in his life.

Epilogue Frazer settled back into the secluded booth he’d secured at Papa Luigi’s for himself, Coop, Adam, and Carmichael. He was a little early, but who could blame him? He wanted to see his sexy partner, badly. Getting settled into his new home had taken longer than he’d expected. It had been three weeks now, and things with Coop kept getting better and better. Coop’s work had taken him away for a few days, and Frazer had worried. A lot. But Cooper had called every day, and Frazer had spent his time enrolling in classes and unpacking. Having Coop return his money had been a relief, since it meant he could finish university. Maybe he’d even go to veterinary college. But it hurt, knowing Julian had conned him and discarded the cash in the forest. At least Coop’s agency hadn’t required it to rot in an evidence locker. He’d also met several of Coop’s neighbors, one of whom had beagle-something mixed puppies on the way. Maybe tomorrow he’d tell Coop that Mrs. Stanton had promised them one. Tonight, though, Frazer had other things to tell Coop. Specifically about the negative test results in his pocket. He was reasonably certain Cooper wouldn’t arrest him for opening the other man’s mail. This was the first time they’d been separated for more than a few hours since the night his brother died. Cooper had told Frazer how jealous he’d been of Adam and Carmichael and how they couldn’t keep their hands off each other after a mission—er, business trip. Somehow, Frazer thought he might have the same problem. Frazer heard a low, rumbling laugh that warmed his belly. He’d know Coop’s laugh anywhere. Craning his head, he saw the threesome approach. This was also the first time he’d be socializing with Carmichael. He was a little intimidated, actually. Carmichael had been so aloof on the job, Frazer hadn’t guessed for a second Carmichael was gay, never mind in the presence of his life partner. But seeing the big blond with Adam now, the heat practically scorched him from several feet away. He was a sexy motherfucker, for sure. Not as sexy as Frazer’s man, but damn close. When Cooper slid into the booth next to him, thigh rubbing against his, Frazer’s half woody converted instantly to full wood. They said anticipation made it sweeter, and Frazer had been anticipating for days. His dick knew the end to his celibacy was only a couple of hours away. “Hi, babe. Missed you.” Cooper pulled Frazer in for a kiss, barely long enough for Frazer to thread his fingers into Coop’s soft black hair. There wasn’t even any tongue, dammit. He

tried to use the silky strands to keep Coop at his mouth, but Coop pulled back, eyes shiny and happy. “We’re not alone,” Cooper whispered against his lips. So? Frazer glanced over at the other couple. They hadn’t delved into their own liplock—he sensed Carmichael was too repressed for that—but they sure looked like they wanted to. Hmmm. Making Coop forget they had company might be fun. Might also get this meal over faster. Frazer suddenly understood Cooper’s impulse after that terrible scene in Frazer’s apartment three weeks ago, when he’d told Frazer he needed to make sure Frazer was alive and unharmed. Frazer needed that now too. The waiter disrupted the intense sexual tension that had settled over the table as he brought them bread with flavored oil for dipping. “So, Frazer, how are you?” Adam ceased his rapt contemplation of Carmichael’s face to ask him the question. “I’m doing okay. Getting settled.” “You look much better than last time I saw you,” Carmichael said. Adam elbowed him in response, and Carmichael looked puzzled for half a second before he muttered an apology. “That’s okay. I wasn’t at my best that night.” Frazer wanted to put the big blond at ease. These were Coop’s friends, and he wanted them to like him. The conversation quickly turned to less loaded topics, such as Frazer’s upcoming classes. When Adam began telling a story, Frazer picked up some bread. The oil dripped onto his fingers, and he discreetly shuffled in his seat, drawing Coop’s attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Coop look at him. Pretending exaggerated interest in Adam’s story, he licked his fingers clean. Cooper drew in a sudden sharp breath, and Frazer’s cock throbbed madly in his pants. He smiled and dared a full look at his man. Coop’s gaze was so heated, Frazer could burst into flames. Coop grabbed Frazer’s hand and traced a few shiny oil trails with his tongue. Frazer tried not to pant, but he didn’t think he succeeded. “Holy fuck,” Adam said, breaking the sensual spell. Carmichael appeared stunned and speechless. Frazer looked at them, eyebrows raised. Just let them say anything. “I had no idea it looked like that from the outside.” Adam’s gaze flickered between him and Coop. “What?” Carmichael sounded confused. “Us. Being in love.” Adam replied.

“You and me? We don’t look like that,” Carmichael protested. Adam and Cooper snorted in unison before Adam replied, “Yeah, I think we do.” Frazer sensed Coop nodding beside him in agreement. Color flashed into Carmichael’s face, giving fire engines a run for their money. He ripped his gaze away from where Frazer’s finger rested on Coop’s lips and whispered something in Adam’s ear. Adam flushed hotly as well, then dug a twenty out of his wallet and flung it at the table. Carmichael and Adam rose as one. “Well, it’s been fun. We’ll do it again sometime,” Adam said. Judging from the bulges distorting their pants, their night was going to get a hell of a lot more fun. The couple nearly bowled over the waiter as he returned to take dinner orders. Coop shook his head, smiled, and picked up a menu. Frazer was no longer hungry, not for food. And he had an ace in his pocket. “We’ve changed our minds. Thanks, though,” Frazer told the waiter and threw his own twenty on the table. “We have?” Coop asked as the waiter hovered, looking uncertain. “Yeah.” Frazer looked deeply into those whiskey-amber eyes. “I got our test results in the mail today.” “We’ve changed our minds,” Coop confirmed and dragged Frazer out of the booth by his hand. Out in the parking lot, Cooper “helped” Frazer into the SUV, although his help consisted mostly of groping. Frazer wasn’t complaining. Buckling into his seat, Cooper spoke, his voice hoarse with desire. “That was naughty of you back there, you know. Carmichael’s still kinda a closet case.” “Yeah? Watcha gonna do about it? Spank me?” Coop’s gaze flew to his, eyes dilated so much there was only a small ring of color around them. Oooh. Someone liked that idea. Two someones, actually. “I love you.” Cooper’s voice broke. “I love you too. Get us home, quickly. Or maybe I’ll have to spank you.” Frazer smiled wickedly at his lover. Cooper put the vehicle into gear with a shaking hand and peeled out of the parking lot. Frazer settled back into his seat. It was going to be a fucking good night. And a fucking great start to the rest of their lives.

Loose Id Titles by K. C. Burn The MIA CASE FILES Series Wolfsbane Blood Relations

K. C. Burn I've been writing for what feels like my whole life. I'm a sucker for a happy ending (get your mind out of the gutters!) so it's been romance almost all the way. Recently moved from Canada to Florida with my husband and cats, and shortly thereafter discovered a love of writing gay romance—the hotter the better. Who knew?