Hypnotic Healing

Fatefully Yours 6

Hypnotic Healing Hex has led his warriors through more battles than he can count. They turn to him for answers, for guidance—to show them the way to victory. The responsibility is huge, and the pressure is overwhelming. If they fail, the blame rests with him. Failure is not an option. Echo can see the strain of war is crushing Hex’s spirit and affecting his health. He’s done everything he knows to do, but still, Hex is resistant to accept his help. Then the unthinkable happens, and Echo is kidnapped and drained. He’s not sure how he survived, but he’s more determined than ever to prove his worthiness of a second chance with his mates. When the new moon rises, and those they counted as friends turn against them, it will be up to Echo to show Hex the way to heal the madness. How difficult could this leader stuff be?

NOTE! You are purchasing Siren's newest serialized imprint, the LoveXtreme Forever Series. This is Book 6 of 9 in the Fatefully Yours collection. These books are not stand alone. Each is a continuation of the previous book and must be read in the numbered order. Each book may end on a cliffhanger but usually with a happy-for-now for the beta hero and one or more men. The final book contains a happily forever after for the beta hero and all his men. Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Fantasy, Ménage a Trois/Quatre Length: 41,662 words

HYPNOTIC HEALING Fatefully Yours 6

Gabrielle Evans

LOVEXTREME FOREVER MANLOVE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: LoveXtreme Forever ManLove

HYPNOTIC HEALING Copyright © 2011 by Gabrielle Evans E-book ISBN: 1-61034-748-X First E-book Publication: July 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Hypnotic Healing by Gabrielle Evans from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

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

DEDICATION To Pat and Jon: Thank you for your enthusiasm and support. I adore that you love my demons as much as I do.

HYPNOTIC HEALING Fatefully Yours 6 GABRIELLE EVANS Copyright © 2011

Chapter One “Look, man, I’m happy for you. I really am. But if I walk into the kitchen to find you fucking one of your mates over the table again…” Hex trailed off as a deep growl bubbled up in his throat. “Echo’s birthday party is tomorrow night. Just…” He stopped again and scrubbed his face with his hands. “Just cool it, okay?” Craze laughed and clapped Hex on the back. “Ya worry too much, sugar.” Hex closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and prayed for patience. “And knock it off with the phony freakin’ accent.” “Syn and Jinx like it,” Craze argued. “Who’m I ta deny my lovelies?” “Your lovelies?” Hex snorted and rolled his eyes. “Do you have any idea what being mated is all about? Or are you just playing with them until something better comes along? If that’s the case, you need to come clean. Syn and Jinx are good guys, and they deserve better than being strung along like a couple of your little toys.” “Hex,” Craze replied, dropping the hokey Southern drawl. “I just met them four days ago. I don’t know how I feel about them yet, other than the fact that I want to fuck them against every available surface.” Craze shook his head and actually looked a little sad.

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Hex braced his hands against the kitchen sink and hung his head. “I can’t deal with any more shit right now.” If one more thing cropped up that required his attention, he was going to blow a fucking gasket, and he knew it. He’d never asked to be in the leadership role, and while most of the time it wasn’t so bad, the last few months were seriously testing his sanity. Add to the fact that the men he commanded and led into battle were his lovers, and he’d spent quite a few sleepless nights lately. Pushing away from the counter, Hex cast one last warning glare at Craze before pushing past him. Stopping just before he stepped out of the kitchen, he kept his back to the man as he spoke. “Please, Craze. Just…please.” He didn’t wait for an answer before he strode out of the kitchen. Gods alive, he just wanted this damn war to be over, and things to go back to normal. Though it probably made him a selfish bastard, he also wanted everyone out so that he and his men could have their home back. Grumbling under his breath, he let his feet carry him down the hallway, not realizing where he was going until he stood facing the shiny wood of the office door. Wrapping his fingers around the knob, he hesitated to turn it. What would wait for him on the other side of that door? More problems, more shit for him to figure out? Or maybe, for just a minute, he’d find a little peace from the constant bombardment of stress and responsibility. “Hex!” Myst called to him. “We know you’re out there. Get your sexy ass in here.” Some of the tension eased from his muscles, and Hex chuckled under his breath. The last of them forged from the flames of the river, Myst was the youngest of the seven as well as the jokester of their family. He was also a pain in Hex’s ass, but Hex loved the little shit. Love? No, he enjoyed that Myst could make him laugh. That didn’t mean he loved the man himself. Love and other tender emotions made them weak. Hex couldn’t afford weakness. He respected his men, maybe even cared for them, but love and happy

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endings were luxuries not afforded to demon warriors of the Underworld. Trying to shake off the melancholy, Hex pushed open the office door and stepped inside to find all his lovers gathered there. “So, this is where everyone has been hiding.” He tried to smile, but was afraid he didn’t quite make it when Echo tilted his head to the side and frowned. “What’s wrong, love?” Hex eased the door closed, keeping his back to the others while he tried to school his features and tame his runaway emotions. It always melted him when Echo called him love. His little mate was getting to him. No matter how hard he tried to keep Echo at arm’s length, he went crawling right back every time the man smiled at him. “Do you have another headache?” Echo asked quietly. “I’m fine.” Turning back to face the group, Hex ambled over to the sofa, smacked Myst in the back of the head to get him to move, and plopped down in the vacated seat. Myst rubbed at the back of his head and stuck his tongue out. “You could have just asked me to move, asshole.” “Yeah, but then you would have argued, and I would have ended up thumping you in the head anyway. This was faster.” Everyone laughed except for Syx, who had his nose almost touching the computer screen as he tapped away at the keyboard. The warrior had been working harder than ever to make up for the disastrous events that unfolded in that cave. Hex doubted the man had slept more than a few hours in the four days since they’d been home. He wished he knew how to ease Syx’s guilt and make him see that none of it had been his fault. “Don’t lie to me,” Echo said softly as he moved to kneel on the floor between Hex’s knees. “Are you sure you’re okay? You don’t look so good.”

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Hex brushed the golden locks back from Echo’s face and smiled reassuringly. “I’m really okay, baby. No headaches today. Thank you for worrying about me, but there’s no need.” Eyce leaned closer and bumped Hex with his shoulder. “We all worry about you, big guy. You work too hard.” Swallowing around the lump in his throat, Hex reminded himself that emotions made people weak. In battle, weakness got you killed. Clearing his throat, he looked away from Echo’s shining blue eyes and focused on Syx. “What have you found?” “Nothing that pertains to the prophecy,” Syx responded without looking away from the computer. “I did find that the CoreTech accounts are missing over half a million dollars, though.” “CoreTech?” Echo turned around and plopped on his butt as he nestled back between Hex’s thighs. “What’s that, and why are you missing money?” “It’s a company we own that designs and builds energy-efficient homes for low-income families,” Eyce answered. “We also own a sister company that helps with mortgage loans and down payment assistance.” “That’s really sweet.” Echo turned his head and gave them a beaming smile. “So, basically you use one to finance the other.” “Yes and no,” Vapre continued as he leaned over Syx’s shoulder to look at the screen. “CoreTech also designs upscale homes and some business offices around the world. Even without the loan company, it’s fairly lucrative.” “Wow,” Echo breathed. “When you said that you owned businesses and stocks in others, I didn’t realize it was anything like this. So, why is there money missing?” “That’s a good question,” Syx mumbled. “I don’t think it’s just a mistake in the bookkeeping, either.” “So you think someone stole it?”

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“It would look that way.” Syx frowned and scratched at his neck. “Whoever did it wasn’t very smart about it, though. It was taken out in two lump sums, one last month, and one just yesterday.” “So, what does that mean?” Echo sounded confused, and his little head tilted to the side. “I mean, what are you going to do about it?” “Make the phone calls,” Hex said calmly. It wasn’t as if they needed the money, but it was the principle of the matter. “Find out if Lexi knows anything first before we worry about it further.” “Got it,” Vapre said with a nod as he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and began dialing. “Who’s Lexi?” Hex combed his fingers through Echo’s hair and massaged his mate’s scalp. “She’s the accountant for CoreTech. If anyone can find out where that missing money went, it’s her.” Echo shrugged. “What happens if she doesn’t know? What do you do then?” “We’ll worry about that later,” Hex hedged. “We have a party to get ready for tomorrow night. In fact, everyone get out.” Hex maneuvered around Echo and stood, walked to the door, and held it open. “C’mon, let’s go. No more research, no more prophecies, tests, or missing money. We’re not going to think about anything bad until after Echo’s party.” “Hell yeah!” Fiero jumped to his feet and jerked Echo up as well. “Can we give him his present early?” Echo released Fiero’s hand so suddenly that he fell back to the floor on his ass. “No! I said no more presents!” His little nose scrunched up and his lips thinned into a white line as he glared around the room at each of them. “And as usual, we didn’t listen.” Fiero crossed his arms over his chest and arched an eyebrow. “It makes us happy. Don’t you want us to be happy?” “Oh, that’s not even fair.” Echo slumped back against the sofa and huffed. “You know I want you to be happy, but this is getting out of

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hand. I just want you to adore me and lavish me with attention.” He smirked wickedly. “Is that too much to ask?” Fiero wasn’t falling for it, though. Hex bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing as the demon rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue. “That part comes after the party.” “Along with your birthday spanking,” Vapre added with a slight growl. “Twenty-four smacks to that tight ass should make it all nice and glowing hot.” Hex closed his eyes and moaned as his dick filled and throbbed inside his jeans from the mental image. Though he wasn’t into having his ass spanked, the thought of his mate’s skin marked by their hands made him want to pant. Pushing away his lusty thoughts, he rubbed the heel of his hand against his aching groin, but succeeded in doing nothing more than making his dick throb from the friction. “Oh, gods, just give him his fucking present.” Everyone turned to look at him with similar expressions of hunger and desire. Hex actually gulped at the need shining in his lovers’ eyes, and it was all directed toward him. To know he was so desired was a heady feeling, and Hex gripped the door tighter to keep himself standing. Had he ever seen such a look directed at him before? “Yes,” Syx answered huskily. “You just never paid attention.” Was it Hex’s imagination or was there a slight hint of sadness to Syx’s voice? There was a long, awkward moment while Hex stared into the warrior’s eyes. What else had he missed over the years? Eventually, Eyce cleared his throat as he rose up from the sofa. “Okay, let’s give Echo his present.” Hex cast a grateful look at his beta and sighed. Something had passed between him and his men during that brief silence, and he knew he was going to have to do a lot of deep thinking on it. With so many other things clogging his overworked brain already, he didn’t want to dwell on it just then, though.

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“Well?” Echo asked as he pushed to his feet and held his hand out, palm up. “Gimme.” “I thought you didn’t want a present?” Vapre teased. Echo shrugged adorably. “You already got it for me. It would be rude of me not to accept it graciously.” Pulling a stack of papers from the desk drawer, Vapre laughed and came around the desk to present them to their mate. “Happy birthday.” Echo frowned, taking the papers but not looking at them. “What is this?” “This,” Eyce answered, tapping his index fingers to the top page, “gives you sole ownership of Silver City.” “And that would be?” Hex smirked. “A strip club.” “Male strippers?” Echo asked hopefully. “You guessed it.” If Silver City didn’t have male dancers, Hex would have hired some immediately just to see the smile that stretched across his mate’s face. “Can I see it? I mean, these papers are great, and it’s way too much, but I want to see it!” Echo actually bounced up and down a little on his toes as he spoke. Then he froze mid-bounce and slowly lowered back to the floor. The smile slid off his face, and he began worrying his bottom lip between his teeth. “Echo?” Hex took a step toward him. “I don’t know how to run a club,” Echo whispered. “I don’t know anything about being a business owner.” He tried to push the papers back into Vapre’s hands. “Thank you, but I can’t accept this.” “You can and you will,” Hex said firmly. “We have managers, accountants, and all kinds of people that run the day-to-day business. Mostly, we wanted you to have this so that you would have your own source of income.” He softened his voice as he closed the distance between himself and Echo. “It seemed like a good way to give you a little independence.”

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Echo continued to chew his lip for a long time before he finally released it and smiled crookedly. “So, I don’t have to do anything, right? And if I ever do, you’ll help me?” Hex skimmed his knuckles along Echo’s soft cheek and mirrored his smile. “Correct. Happy birthday, baby.” “Thank you”—Echo looked around the room—“all of you.” “Okay, great.” Fiero blew out a breath, obviously uncomfortable with the gratitude. Then he grinned seductively and wiggled his eyebrows. “Can we get to the naked part now?” Hex chuckled and turned back toward the door. “You guys go ahead. I have some stuff to do.” Hurrying out the door before anyone could call him back, Hex went directly up the stairs and to his room. It wasn’t that he didn’t want his men. His damn dick was hard as stone, throbbing painfully behind his zipper just thinking about all the damp, naked skin writhing together. He didn’t know what was wrong with him. Seven gorgeous men desired him, and he’d turned them down for what? To come to his room alone and…what? Stripping out of his clothes, Hex fell back on the bed and threw his arm over his face. Things were changing. They’d been changing for weeks now. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but even with the impending danger lurking over their heads, his warriors seemed happier than he’d seen them in centuries. A soft knock sounded from the door, and Hex groaned. It was probably Echo. As much as he adored his mate’s company, he really wasn’t in the mood to deal with the man. He needed to be alone and work out the strange feelings fluttering around inside his chest. “Hex? Please let me in,” Echo said softly through the heavy wood. Sighing in resignation, Hex called for his mate to enter. He didn’t move from his position, though. Whatever Echo had to say, he could say it and leave. Hex wasn’t in the mood for reciprocal conversation. The door creaked open, then closed with a quiet snick. Echo didn’t approach him. No footsteps sounded across the carpeted floor. Apparently, he was just going to stand there and stare.

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“Can I help you?” Hex asked with his arm still covering his face. He could feel the pressure building behind his eyes and the quiet ache of his temples. It wasn’t bad yet, but it was headed that way. “Why won’t you look at me?” Because I’ll fall apart, Hex thought to himself. One look at Echo’s beautiful face, and everything he was fighting so hard to keep inside would come spilling out in a gush. Maybe once he’d figured out exactly what he was feeling, he’d be ready to talk, but now, with his brain so twisted and snarled, was not the time. “Echo, I’ll come find you in a little while, okay? I just need some downtime right now.” He hoped he didn’t sound as desperate as he felt. Gods, he just needed the man out of the room. A quiet sigh reached his ears, and Hex hoped that meant Echo was going to let him have his way. He should have known better. There was a soft rustling sound, the shuffle of feet, then the bed dipped as Echo crawled up from the end. He didn’t say anything as he stretched out beside Hex and rested his head just over Hex’s heart. His small hand rubbed comforting circles over Hex’s abs as he nestled in closer. Finally lifting his arm away from his face, Hex blinked to clear his blurry eyes and looked down at his lover. “What are you doing?” “You said you needed downtime,” Echo whispered. “I’m letting you have that, but you’re not going to hide from me.” He placed a soft kiss over Hex’s heart and draped one slim leg over Hex’s thigh. “Sleep, my love. We’ll talk later.” There was that damn endearment again that made him feel like a big, mushy pile of goo. It also made his head hurt. He couldn’t give Echo what he wanted. He’d be devoted, affectionate, and attentive, but he couldn’t love the man. Oh, it would be so easy to fall in love with Echo. Hex had an idea he was more than halfway there already. It wasn’t something he could allow himself to do, though. It made him weak. It made him vulnerable.

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And it put everyone he cared about in danger. Ares believed Hex and the others protected Echo because he was the key to attaining victory in the war. For now, he was toying with them, playing a game like a little boy. Things would go downhill quickly if the vengeful god had even an inkling of how much Echo meant to Hex. The gloves would come off, and the things they’d faced so far would look like rides at a kiddie park. He didn’t know why the god had such a hard-on for him, but Ares could never know how important Hex’s men were to him. “This is supposed to be downtime,” Echo whispered drowsily. “You’re thinking too much.” He tilted his head back and popped open one eye. “And you’re not cuddling me properly.” “Well, I apologize.” Hex smiled a real smile and curled around his mate, winding his arms around Echo and pulling him closer. “Much better.” Echo sighed and rubbed his cheek over Hex’s chest. “Do you think it’s weird that Gage tries to hide his accent while Craze insists on making up one?” The shift in the conversation left Hex speechless for a second as his brain tried to catch up. Then Echo laughed and patted Hex’s chest. “Never mind, big guy.” They were quiet for another minute, and Hex had almost drifted off to sleep when Echo spoke again. “Hex?” “Yes, baby?” Mmm, Echo was so warm, and he smelled so good after his recent shower. His body conformed perfectly to Hex’s, making him sigh in contentment. Why couldn’t things always be this easy? In the next breath, Echo answered his unspoken question, or more to the point, slapped him in the face with it. “I love you, okay? Don’t be scared. Don’t say anything. Just know I love you.” Hex’s heart pounded wildly inside his chest, and suddenly, he couldn’t seem to get enough air. Echo had told him not to speak, and he fully intended to follow that order.

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Chapter Two Echo lay in bed for a long time after Hex fell asleep. He knew his big alpha needed the rest, and he was more than content to just snuggle close and watch his mate sleep. It was funny to him how he’d slipped right into calling his lovers that. They were his mates, though. As much as he belonged to them, they belonged to him. They also belonged to each other. And while he’d brought most of them around to his way of thinking, he knew Hex would be the hardest to crack. Myst and Onyx, bless their hearts, were just so unassuming, Echo often felt like they were left out or shunted to the side. He’d have to see what he could do to change that. He also needed to figure out how to get through to Hex. The man was still hiding something, still trying to keep everyone at a distance until it came to sex. Hmm, maybe Echo should cut him off. The thought actually made him giggle a little. Oh, he could just picture Hex’s face when he found out he wasn’t getting Echo’s ass— or any other orifice for that matter. And why stop at sex? A plan began to form, and before Echo knew it, he was slithering out of the bed, pulling on his clothes, and running down the stairs to find his other mates. Not to his surprise, they were all in the kitchen, talking and joking loudly with their houseguests. Jinx and Syn shimmied and gyrated by the stove, laughing together as they prepared dinner. Craze leaned against the counter with a beer in his hand, watching his mates intently. Whatever, Echo still didn’t like him. “Hey, guys, can I talk to you for a minute?”

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Every one of his mates snapped their attention toward him when he spoke. They looked at each other, frowned, then moved to join him by the threshold. Echo led them into the living room and plopped down on the sofa. He motioned for everyone to sit, rolling his eyes when Eyce and Onyx began fighting over who would sit next to him. Scooting to the middle of the sofa, he looked up at them and quirked his eyebrow. They both gave him a sheepish smile and settled down onto the cushions on either side of him. “So, what’s up? Where’s Hex?” Myst craned his neck around the room as if it had been possible to miss the six-foot-eight alpha. “He’s sleeping.” Echo chewed on his bottom lip while he tried to figure out exactly how to phrase his idea. “So, we all think he’s hiding something from us, right?” His lovers nodded. “And he’s been acting more distant than ever,” Myst mumbled. He looked so sad as he spoke that Echo pushed up from his seat and hurried over to clamber up in the man’s lap. Myst sighed happily, wrapping his arms around Echo’s waist and nuzzling against his neck. “I needed this.” “I know,” Echo whispered. He didn’t understand it, and didn’t really care, but he instinctively knew when one of his men needed him. Funny enough, when he comforted one of his mates, it seemed to ease them all. He’d have to think about that later. “I know you have a very wicked little plot forming in that cute head of yours,” Syx said with a soft laugh. “How exactly do you plan to cause trouble for Hex?” Echo smiled mischievously. “I don’t plan to cause trouble, per se, but I do intend to give Hex a little dose of his own medicine.” Onyx rubbed his hands together and eased forward on the sofa. “Do tell.” “I propose that we give Hex the same treatment he’s been showing us. Unless one of us is hurt, or he’s horny, he ignores us, or only gives us half his attention.”

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Everyone nodded again, and Echo could see the understanding in their eyes and the way their lips twitched at the corners. “So, you think we should give him the cold shoulder?” Eyce asked with a sparkle in his eye. Oh, the guy liked his plan a lot. “Yes and no.” Echo squirmed a little in Myst’s lap so he could turn and face everyone. Myst groaned, arching his hips and grinding his groin against Echo’s ass. He patted his lover on the chest and chuckled. “Down, boy. We’ll play soon, I promise.” “Okay, so spell it out for us,” Fiero demanded, but even he was smiling. “Well, first, I think our dear leader needs to know what it feels like to be alone. Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t hurt him for anything in the world, but…” “He’s taking us for granted,” Vapre finished for him. “We need to give him a taste of what it feels like to be kept at a distance.” “Exactly.” Echo beamed at his lover. “We are going to be polite as punch to him, do whatever he tells us, and do it with a smile. But we’re going to do it more like employees than lovers, does that make sense?” Eyce bobbed his head. “We act like we work for him, and we’re just doing our jobs, nothing overly affectionate or personal.” “Right! And he’s cut off. No sex with any of us.” “He hasn’t even really wanted that lately,” Onyx mumbled. “You saw him in the office earlier. Once the talk turned to sex, he practically bolted from the room.” “Well, I have a little plan for that, too.” Fiero snorted. “Why does that not surprise me?” “Because I’m brilliant?” Echo lifted both eyebrows, daring the demon to argue with him. Fiero merely dipped his head in agreement. Smart man. “Anyway, we’re not going to be overly friendly to him…” Everyone burst into laughter, and Myst squeezed Echo tighter. “I love the way your mind works, baby.” “And Syn, Jinx, and Craze have been going at it like rabbits.”

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“Well, they just mated. It’s new and exciting,” Vapre defended them. Echo waved him away. “Oh, I know, and I think it’s great that Craze is staying away from you guys.” That earned him a couple of smirks, but he chose to ignore them. “Syn has gotten very good at controlling his powers. We’ve worked on it a lot, and he can shield his emotions now without even thinking about it.” “What are you suggesting?” Judging by the light in Onyx’s eyes, he already had a pretty good idea. “I say it’s time for Syn to unleash some of that power.” His men groaned, and Vapre’s eyes actually rolled back in his head. “The way they’ve been jumping each other, my dick is going to be hard ninety percent of the time.” Echo wiggled his eyebrows. “That’s the point.” “Oh, you are evil,” Myst whispered from behind him, but he sounded almost proud of the fact. “So, are we all in agreement?” Nods and murmurs of assent went around the group. “Okay, then I’ll talk to Syn, and tell him to let it loose and crank it up.” Onyx groaned and shifted in his seat. “Maybe we should get naked first.” Echo rolled his eyes. “All in good time, babe. I’m going to hold off on that part of the plan until after the party tomorrow night.” “So?” Onyx rubbed his palm over the impressive bulge behind his zipper. “We could still get naked.” **** Onyx snapped his head around when Myst slammed his fist against the wall and growled. “Dude, what did that wall ever do to you?” “Not now,” Myst snapped. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, but his entire frame shook with obvious anger.

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Pushing up from the bed, Onyx walked over to his lover and cupped his face in both hands. He just stood there, not speaking, until Myst finally opened his eyes and looked at him. “Talk to me. What’s going on?” “I miss him,” Myst mumbled. With a silent sigh, Onyx pulled the warrior into his arms and held him tight. “He’ll come around, Myst. We’ll give Echo’s plan a chance, okay? I think Hex will pull his head out of his ass pretty damn quick.” Myst had always been the closest to Hex. Onyx knew that didn’t diminish either of their feelings for him, but he’d still always felt like the odd man out. Eyce and Fiero complemented each other, as well as Syx and Vapre. He understood it, and on some level, he was glad they all had someone who understood them so well. He just didn’t know where that left him. He wasn’t as strong as Hex or Eyce. He wasn’t smart like Vapre or Syx. He didn’t have Myst’s charisma or Fiero’s fearlessness. Hell, maybe he didn’t fit at all. “You really think it will work?” Onyx leaned back so he could look Myst in the eyes. “Yes, I do. We have to stick to our guns, though. We can’t let him seduce us, or he’ll never get it.” “Have you seen that man?” Myst chuckled and shook his head. “He’s like every wet dream I’ve ever had rolled into one. It’s not going to be easy to resist him.” “No,” Onyx conceded. “If you want him back, you’ll find a way, though.” “Hey.” Myst rested their foreheads together and sighed. “I don’t want him back just for me. I want him back for all of us. Don’t you miss him?” “You know I do,” Onyx mumbled and leaned away, averting his eyes.

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“Look at me,” Myst said softly. He waited for Onyx to meet his gaze once more and smiled. “You know you’re just as important to me as Hex is, right? I’d lose my fucking mind if something happened to any of you guys.” Onyx felt the same way, but it made him uncomfortable to talk about feelings—and not just his own. He really didn’t like talking at all if it could be avoided. No matter how hard he tried, his words never came out right. He was constantly sticking his size fourteen boot in his mouth. He had feelings and thoughts, and plenty of them. He just didn’t know how to express any of them, so it was best to just remain quiet and let the others tell him what to do. Not that he was submissive by nature, but he found it made life much easier when he let his lovers handle things. They probably all thought he was a complete loser and dumber than a slug, anyway. “Stop it,” came a deep growling voice from the doorway. Onyx spun around, and the blood drained from his face when he saw Syx standing there. “Hades’ hairy left nut!” For fuck’s sake, now he was cramming his foot in his mouth without even opening the damn thing. Why couldn’t he get anything right? “Myst, out,” Syx ordered. Myst looked a little startled but dipped his head and hurried out of the room. Syx slammed the door behind him before stalking over to stand right in front of Onyx. His hand came up, and Onyx actually flinched. He’d never seen Syx so pissed off before. Instead of a blow to the face, Syx’s fingertips lightly skimmed over Onyx’s cheek. “You are worse than the rest of them,” he mumbled quietly. Yeah, Onyx knew he didn’t measure up to the other warriors, but it still hurt to have it said out loud like that. Syx’s fingers curled around his jaw, and Onyx couldn’t stop himself from leaning into the touch. It was so seldom that any of them touched him like this. He’d lived for over three millennia, battled

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against some of the most monstrous creatures known to the Underworld, and one gentle touch from his lovers turned him into an insecure, attention-starved ball of need. Could he be any more pathetic? He seriously doubted it. When he finally looked up to meet Syx’s eyes, the look on the demon’s face startled him. His eyes tightened around the corners, and his lips pressed together in a thin line. His nostrils flared, and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. If Onyx didn’t know better, he’d think the warrior was in pain. “Don’t move,” Syx whispered. He brushed his lips over Onyx’s forehead, then hurried out of the room. Onyx shook his head and walked over to plop down on the foot of the bed. Resting his elbows on his knees, he dropped his face into his hands and groaned. He really needed a fucking drink. Before he could debate the wisdom of tying one on, hurried footsteps sounded in the hallway outside his door, and Echo rushed inside with Syx following right behind. Letting his hands hang between his knees, Onyx looked up at them and nodded. He didn’t know why Syx had brought Echo, or what they wanted, but he figured he’d find out soon enough. “I should kick your ass,” Echo said heatedly. Okay, he hadn’t been expecting that one. “Why is that?” Echo huffed and threw his hands up in the air. “I don’t know. Maybe because you’re being a dipshit?” “Echo, I didn’t bring you in h—” Turning sharply, Echo poked Syx in the chest, cutting him off mid-sentence. “You, get out. You’ve done quite enough. Tell the others I will deal with them later.” Syx growled and crossed his arms over his chest. “I didn’t do a damn thing. I’m trying to help. Stop being such a prick.” “Uh, why are you guys fighting?” Onyx’s head was starting to spin from trying to keep up with the conversation. “What did Syx do?”

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“Butt out,” Echo said over his shoulder. Onyx clamped his lips together and went back to watching. “You know you damn well did.” Echo poked Syx again. “I don’t even know why we keep you around.” “Hey!” Onyx pushed to his feet and pulled Echo back from the warrior. “Echo, what has gotten into you?” “No, he’s right,” Syx mumbled and hung his head. “I am completely useless. He has every right to say those things. I couldn’t even keep him safe out in those woods.” Onyx’s heart broke for his lover, and another little part of him wanted to shake the shit out of Echo. No one blamed Syx for what had happened in that cave. Hell, he’d saved all their asses in the end. How could Echo be so callous? “I’m sorry,” Syx whispered. “How does that make you feel?” Echo asked as he turned to look into Onyx’s face. Onyx opened his mouth to tell his mate that he felt like decking the both of them for being stupid, but nothing came out. He was starting to think that he was missing something. He just didn’t know what it was. “You don’t see yourself clearly,” Syx said when Onyx still couldn’t speak. “When I hear things like that inside your head, it hurts. Partly because I feel like you’re attacking someone I care about, but mostly because I feel like I failed somewhere.” Onyx understood the first part. To hear Syx say those things about himself made Onyx’s chest tighten and his gut clench. If anyone else had dared to say those things about any of his men, he’d have made sure their face had a nice little meeting with his fist. The second part just confused the shit out of him, though. “How did you fail?” Syx chuckled, but it didn’t hold much humor. “If you really don’t know how I feel about you, then I obviously haven’t been doing something right.”

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His heart flopped over in his chest, and his palms began to sweat. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask how Syx really felt, but he reeled it back at the last minute. He didn’t want to know. Did he? He watched Syx’s eyes dart to Echo, then the demon shook his head sadly. “Soon?” “Yeah, I think so,” Echo answered. “What? What’s soon? What are you talking about?” Syx glanced at Echo again, and Onyx saw their mate shake his head fractionally. “Not yet. It won’t have the same meaning. Words said with perceived guilt don’t hold the same value.” Onyx wanted to roar in frustration. “What the hell are you two going on about?” Instead of answering, Echo slithered up next to him, rubbing against him and making his brain short-circuit. Then he stretched up on his toes, wrapped his arms around Onyx’s neck, and pulled him down into an earth-shattering kiss. It took about two seconds and one brush of Echo’s tongue against his for Onyx to entirely forget about the conversation. “You fight dirty,” he panted against Echo’s mouth. Echo smirked. “You know it.”

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Chapter Three Echo leaned against the wall beside Jet and watched the crowd of people mingle throughout their house. “There’s a lot of people here,” he commented. Jet frowned and nodded. “This isn’t a big town.” His eyebrows drew together, and Echo mirrored Jet’s frown. “What do you mean?” “Nothing, I guess. I just didn’t think that so many people would be accepting of our…lifestyle.” “You mean being gay? Or the fact that I’m gay with seven different men?” “Both,” Jet answered immediately. “Or, do they just think you’re roommates or something?” “Most of them saw us all making out at the New Year’s party, so they know.” Echo hadn’t really thought about it before, but now that Jet brought it up, he supposed it was kind of strange for the good townsfolk to be so accepting of their relationship. Not that he gave a fuck what they thought, but it was kind of nice to be accepted. Catching Vapre’s eye, Echo waved him over. Vapre gave him a beaming smile and hurried across the living room to him and Jet. He stopped in front of Echo, pushed a glass of wine into his hand, and bent to kiss his forehead. “Are you enjoying your party?” “Yes, thank you.” Echo tilted his head up and pursed his lips in a silent request. Vapre chuckled and brushed their lips together gently. “Did you need something, sweetheart?”

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Echo blinked a few times to clear the haze from his brain. “Uh, what?” Jinx snorted and elbowed him in the ribs. “Dude, you got it bad.” “Yes, I do,” Echo admitted willingly. Who wouldn’t? Just look at his men. They were always gorgeous, but clean them up and slap radiant smiles on their faces, and they were breathtaking. “So, what’s up?” Vapre shoved his hands in his pockets and moved to lean against the wall beside Echo. “We were wondering why everyone seems so accepting of us here. I mean, in a town this small and this isolated, I figured people would be pretty small minded.” Vapre winked at him as he smirked. “We donate a lot of money to this town. Money talks, Echo. Besides, a lot of people here are just kind of the live-and-let-live type.” The sly grin slid off his face, and he became serious. “Not everyone here is like that, though. Don’t think because the few here are accepting that everyone is. Don’t ever go into town without one of us.” “Yeah, like you guys ever let me leave the house anyway.” Echo rolled his eyes and took a drink. You’d think he was made of spun glass the way his men treated him. It was nice most of the time, and he really had no desire to go anywhere without them, but he was still a grown man. “I’ve left our property exactly four times since I moved here, and none of those times have I gone into town.” They’d driven an hour to the nearest mall on two separate occasions. They’d taken him on a wonderful date, in which they’d also had to drive over an hour to reach their destination. And then the horrific trip into the woods. Again, another two-hour drive. “And I’d prefer to keep it that way,” Vapre said menacingly. Echo saw Jet shift uncomfortably out of the corner of his eye. The shifter started to ease away from them, and Echo let him go. He didn’t exactly want an audience for the argument he knew was about to go down. “You just said these were good people. Why can’t I go into town?”

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“I don’t want to fight during your party. Can we please just discuss it later?” He glared at his lover for a long time before dipping his head curtly. “We’re going to talk about this, though. I’m sick to death of you guys keeping shit from me.” Vapre groaned and dropped his head back to the wall with a thud. “We’re not keeping anything from you.” “Then why the hell can’t I go into town?” “It’s not safe,” Hex said quietly as he took up Jet’s recently vacated spot against the wall. “It’s not just you, baby. None of us go into town alone.” Both of Echo’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You’re demons,” he said quietly so as not to be overheard. “Why on earth would you be afraid of some human bigots?” “Who said anything about humans?” Echo choked on the sip of wine he’d just taken. He coughed and spluttered, holding his glass out to Vapre for the man to take it before he dropped it. When he was finally able to breathe, he looked up at Hex and fisted his hands on his hips. He started to open his mouth to demand to know what the hell that comment was supposed to mean, but stopped when he suddenly remembered his plan to get Hex to straighten up and fly right. Pressing his lips together and swallowing down the stubbornness he could feel just under the surface, he graced the alpha with a sweet smile and nodded slowly. “Will you explain that to me sometime?” “Yes, but not now. This is a party, and you should be having fun.” He scowled as he looked out over their mingling guests. “There are a few people I don’t recognize here, so I’d prefer if you don’t go anywhere alone tonight.” “If that’s what you want,” Echo answered calmly. Hex’s eyes snapped to him as though he didn’t believe what he’d just heard. “Yes, that’s what I want,” he said slowly.

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Echo nodded demurely and moved away from Hex until his back pressed against Vapre’s chest. The demon’s arms came around him, and Echo smiled. “Vapre will take good care of me.” “We’ll keep an eye on him.” Vapre released his hold on Echo’s torso and reached to take his hand. “Go enjoy the party, Hex.” Hex looked like he would argue for a moment. Instead, he jerked his head in what Echo assumed was supposed to be agreement, then turned and stalked away. “I think it’s working,” Vapre whispered in his ear. Echo smiled wickedly. “Oh, we’re just getting started.” **** Watching his men move about the party, Hex felt a deep ache in his heart. Not a one of them had said more than a handful of words to him the entire evening. They were polite and genial, but it felt off…distant. He’d even snapped at Fiero, hoping to get some kind of reaction out of the man, but Fiero just smiled and agreed with whatever Hex said. He’d purposely prodded Echo with that little snippet about the townspeople not being all they appeared, but his mate hadn’t taken the bait. They were all acting very strange, but Hex couldn’t put his finger on what exactly was different. “Would you care to dance?” Hex turned to find Craze standing behind him, smiling like a fool as he held his hand out with the palm up. “I don’t think that would go over well with your mates or mine.” Besides, Hex didn’t want to dance with Craze. He wanted his men. “You’ve been standing off in the corner by yourself all night. Is someone in the doghouse?” Hex frowned. Was he? He didn’t know what the hell he’d done to land himself in hot water, but the more he thought about it, the more it

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made sense. He was being punished for something, but damned if he knew what. Craze pressed against his side, crowding him, and invading his personal space. “Maybe we can make them jealous,” he purred. His hand landed on Hex’s chest and began a slow trek downward. Hex didn’t react to the man’s touch, but he didn’t push him away either. He scanned the room, looking for his men to see if they had noticed what was going on and if they planned to put a stop to it. Normally, Hex couldn’t get within ten feet of Craze without Echo jumping in to stake his claim. He loved that about his mate, and he craved that kind of attention at the moment. He found Echo doing a slow grind with Syx, and their eyes met and locked. Echo just smiled and gave him a little wave before turning his back to Hex and wrapping his arms around Syx’s neck. Hex felt the casual dismissal like a slap in the face. Craze’s hand traveled further down his chest and over his abs, heading straight for his groin. With a deep growl, Hex grabbed the man’s wrist and flung his hand away. “Fuck off.” “Ah, don’t be that way, darlin’,” Craze drawled. “We were good together once.” “Whatever happened between us is in the past, and I wouldn’t exactly label it as good. Besides, don’t you care anything about your mates?” “They’re sweet as pie, but they can’t give me what I need. If no one knows, no one can get hurt, though.” Hex felt his stomach curl, and bile rose in his esophagus. “You don’t deserve them,” he said quietly. Craze laughed harshly. “You’re no better than I am, Hex, so don’t get all fucking self-righteous on me. You’ll put yourself first every time, just admit it. You don’t give a damn about any of them beyond a warm hole to sink your dick into.” With a feral snarl, Hex’s control snapped, and he grabbed Craze by the throat, slamming him up against the wall. “Everything,” he

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spat. “Everything I’ve done has been for them—to keep them safe. Do not presume to know me. We are nothing alike.” His body thrummed with aggressive energy, and his skin crawled with the need to shift. His demon roared and gnashed its teeth, clawing its way to the surface. When he spoke, his voice sounded hoarse and gravelly, unrecognizable. “I would give up everything for them. They are my life. Mine!” “Ah, shit, man.” Craze closed his eyes briefly and groaned. “This was not supposed to happen.” He yelped when Hex pulled him forward by his neck then slammed him back against the wall again. “Hex, there are people here. Someone is going to get hurt. You need to calm the fuck down.” Hex wasn’t listening anymore, though. His blood roared in his ears, his heart pounded heavily in his chest, and a red haze settled over his vision. His muscles twitched and tightened, his body vibrating as he prepared to shift. “Hex, let him go.” The soft, musical voice penetrated his fury as nothing else could. “You need to let him go,” Echo whispered. His small, delicate fingers wrapped around Hex’s wrist, but he didn’t pull on it. “Come on, big guy.” He stared into Echo’s eyes for a long time, letting the sight, smell, and touch of his mate calm him. Very slowly, he unwound his fingers from around Craze’s neck and let his hand fall limply to his side. His eyes never left Echo’s. Craze dodged around him quickly and disappeared into the throng of people. “I’m sorry,” Hex whispered guiltily. It had been centuries since he’d lost control like that. What the fuck was wrong with him? He wanted to reach out to his mate, hold Echo in his arms, but the man didn’t look very receptive. So, he stood there and waited for Echo to let him have it. “Are you okay now?” Hex took a deep breath and nodded.

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“Okay.” Echo smiled crookedly. “I’m going back to the party. Try not to scare the locals, yeah?” Watching his mate walk away from him, Hex felt like he was going to vomit. His gut clenched painfully, his head spun, and his chest constricted. That was it? Echo didn’t offer him any sort of comfort. He didn’t demand to know what had happened. He’d just left as though Hex was nothing more than some disorderly drunk in a bar. Looking across the room, he found Craze in a heated argument with Myst. The two weren’t speaking loudly, but every subtle move dripped with hostility. Before Hex could decide whether to intervene or not, Echo rushed over to Myst and plastered himself to the demon’s chest. Myst instantly relaxed, ignoring Craze as though the man didn’t exist as his full attention settled on Echo, and he crushed him close. Echo cuddled into the embrace, nuzzling his face over Myst’s chest in an obvious show of comfort. Yep, Hex was definitely going to throw up. Deciding no one would miss him anyway, he crossed to the stairs and made his way up to his room. As he’d suspected, no one tried to stop him or call him back. Hell, none of his men even glanced at him as he’d passed. He was being ridiculous. This is exactly what he’d wanted— distance between himself and his men. So why the hell did it hurt so damn much? **** “I did exactly what you told me to, so don’t blame this shit on me.” Echo turned in Myst’s embrace and glared up at Craze. “I didn’t tell you to push him to the point he’d actually shift!” “Man, he just snapped,” Craze argued. “You can find someone else to do your dirty work from now on, Echo. I know what you think of me, but I didn’t enjoy any part of that. I don’t want Hex. I don’t

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want anyone but my mates. Saying those things to him, lying about the way I feel for Jinx and Syn…” Craze trailed off and scrubbed a hand over his face. “I’ve done a lot of things I’m not proud of, but that was probably the worst.” Seeing the truth in Craze’s eyes made Echo feel about two inches tall. This was not going the way he planned at all. Hell, he just seemed to be making things worse for everyone. It had taken every bit of willpower he possessed not to comfort Hex. “I’m sorry, Craze. Go find your mates. They’ll make you feel better.” Craze didn’t say a word as he spun around and went in search of his men. “I think the party’s over,” Echo whispered to Myst. He didn’t feel much like celebrating anymore. “We’ll start clearing people out.” Myst placed a quick kiss on the top of Echo’s head before he eased away and started herding their guests toward the door. Echo waited for a moment to make sure his lovers had everything well in hand before he made his way to the kitchen. He needed to be alone, if only for a few minutes. Sharing the house with fifteen other men, privacy was a rare and precious commodity. Lost in thought, Echo crossed the kitchen, and slipped out the back door. He didn’t want to worry his mates, but he just needed five minutes to freaking breathe without someone hovering over him. Hex’s warning about not going anywhere in the house alone came back to him, but the party was over and people were leaving. Besides, he could take care of himself. The minute the door closed behind him, he realized just how wrong he was. A hard body pressed against his back as a huge, callused hand came up to cover his mouth. “Scream, and I’ll kill you,” the man hissed in his ear. The guy’s other arm encircled Echo’s waist and lifted him off his feet. Then he leapt off the back deck, hitting the ground with a muffled thud, before he started running toward the tree line.

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Echo doubted the guy would take the time to kidnap him if he really intended to kill him. If he wanted Echo dead, he would have done it back on the porch. So, he ignored the order to remain quiet and began kicking and screaming, doing everything in his limited power to get away. He didn’t even slow the man, though. The guy grunted a few times, shook Echo a little, but kept right on sprinting for the trees. Echo changed tactics, going completely limp and hoping his dead weight would cause the man to falter. Of course, he had no such luck. Holy damn, the man was massive. Echo had one last hope, and he only prayed it would work. “Syx!” he screamed inside his head. He didn’t know what the limit was on the distance Syx could hear a person’s mind. With any luck, he was still close enough to his lover for it to work. The farther the man carried him into the woods, the more Echo’s hope began to fade. He called for Syx over and over inside his head, telling him where he was and in which direction the stranger was carrying him. After a few minutes, and he still didn’t hear anyone shout his name, Echo knew he was on his own. He began struggling madly, biting at the hand over his mouth as he kicked behind him, trying to connect with any part of his abductor he could reach. Without someone to syphon power from, he was virtually helpless. “Be still,” the guy snapped. Echo ignored him, jerking his head to the side until he could sink his teeth into the fleshy part of the asshole’s hand. “Fuck! You bit me, you little shit!” He probably should have realized he was in some deep trouble at that point, but Echo kept right on struggling—until he was dropped to the ground and a hard fist connected solidly with the back of his head. Falling face-first onto the cold earth, Echo moaned, blinking rapidly to clear his blurred vision. He tried to push up, but a swift kick

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caught him in the ribs, causing him to cry out and crumple to the grass again. Sickening pain lanced through his side, and his head pounded as blackness closed in around the edges. Gods, he didn’t know if he was going to pass out or throw up. He really hoped it was the latter. He knew he didn’t have any hope of defending himself against the giant of a man, but if he could remain conscious, maybe he could figure a way out of this. Then the heavy, steel-toed boot caught him under the jaw, snapping his head back, and lights burst behind his closed eyelids. He didn’t even have time to cry out before the darkness swallowed him.

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Chapter Four Onyx sighed when the last of the taillights disappeared down the long, winding drive. “Well, that went well,” he mumbled to Syx. When he didn’t receive a response, he turned to look at his lover, his eyebrows drawing together when he found Syx staring off into space. Grabbing the man’s shoulder, Onyx shook him lightly. “Syx?” Syx blinked and shook his head several times before his eyes finally focused on Onyx. “Sorry about that. What did you say?” “Where did you go?” Something wasn’t right. He could feel it, and Syx’s little episode only cemented his certainty. “I don’t know. My brain went kind of fuzzy for a minute. It was like when I hear thoughts, but there wasn’t anything there, just white noise.” Onyx didn’t know why, but he suddenly needed to find their mate. “Where’s Echo?” “I’m not sure. I saw him heading toward the kitchen earlier.” “He wouldn’t go outside, would he?” Syx chuckled under his breath. “I think Echo will pretty much do whatever he wants.” “We need to find him.” His urgency must have finally gotten through to the warrior, because Syx’s eyes widened briefly before he nodded and hurried back into the house. “Has anyone seen Echo?” “Not since the little episode with Craze,” Fiero answered slowly. Onyx pushed past his lovers and marched toward the kitchen. He didn’t find his mate there, but he hadn’t expected to, either. Hurrying

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back to the living room, his heart pounded up into his throat. “Check upstairs. Look everywhere.” Thankfully, no one argued with him. Onyx paced back and forth in front of the coffee table, rubbing his hands through his short hair as panic threatened to seize him. This could not be happening. They’d just gotten Syx and Echo back after almost losing them in that cave. They were working to bring Hex back from whatever dark place he’d fallen into lately. He couldn’t lose them again. “He’s not upstairs,” Eyce called as he flew down the stairs, Hex right on his heels. The sight of their alpha went a long way in calming Onyx’s nerves. Hex would know what to do. The demon always had a plan. They could always count on him. Their eyes met across the room, and Hex rushed right over to Onyx and wrapped his arms around him. “We’re going to find him.” He released Onyx and turned to address the rest of the men. “Get Jet and Pax, we’ll see if they can track him. Someone find Mac. Maybe he saw something.” Though his heart still pounded in his throat, Onyx gave a shuddery sigh. He felt better now that they were doing something. “We watched everyone get into their cars, so we know he wasn’t taken in a vehicle. Whoever took him is on foot.” Hex clapped him on the shoulder. “Nice thinking.” Jet and Pax hurried into the room, stripping out of their clothes as they came. “We’re going to shift,” Jet explained. “We’ll go out back. Jinx and Syn don’t quite have the same sense of smell we do, but it’s better than yours. They’ll take the front.” “I’m going with them,” Craze announced and immediately crossed the room and slipped out the front door with his mates. “I haven’t seen anything,” Mac called as he came down the stairs with his lovers following behind him. “No visions or anything like that. I don’t know where he is. I’m sorry.”

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Though a little disappointed, Onyx knew it wasn’t the guy’s fault. Still, he was just desperate to find his mate. “I’ll go with the shifters.” Jet smirked at him as he streaked past. “Try to keep up.” “I’m coming with you.” Syx jerked his head toward the kitchen, then took off jogging toward the back of the house. “If they find anything, Jet can tell me without having to shift back.” Onyx hadn’t thought of that, but he liked it. The more time they saved, the more likely they would find their mate alive. A cold shudder racked his body at the thought of what could happen to Echo if they didn’t find him. A loud howl rent the air, and Onyx froze for a split second before sprinting to the back door and out into the night. Two enormous wolves stood in the moonlight, along with Syx and Eyce. “What happened?” “Footprints,” Eyce snarled, pointing to the ground beside one of the wolves’ feet. “They lead out toward the forest.” “Then what the fuck are we waiting for?” Onyx pushed Eyce’s shoulder, then Syx’s. “Move your asses.” “Go get Hex,” Syx whispered as his face paled. “Jet says he can smell blood, and he thinks it’s Echo’s.” **** Hex was just about to step out the back door when Onyx came barreling through it. He stopped abruptly, and Hex could tell just from the look on the warrior’s face that it was bad news. “Jet says he can smell blood, and he thinks it might be Echo’s. There are footprints that lead out into the trees as well.” Hex showed no emotion as he pushed past Onyx and out the back door. “Find the others and follow us,” he called over his shoulder. He didn’t wait for a response, but he knew Onyx would follow his instructions. Sprinting across the back field, his heart hammering inside his chest, he called out to the others. At this point, it just no

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longer mattered if there was anyone in the woods to hear him. He actually hoped someone heard his angry shouts and knew what awaited them when he finally found whoever had taken their mate. Within minutes he caught up with Syx and the shifters, jogging alongside his lover as they followed the wolves deeper into the trees. “Have they found anything?” “Not yet,” Syx answered. “Jet says the trace of blood is fading away.” “Maybe we’re going in the wrong direction.” “I don’t know, Hex. Something’s not right. We found footprints from what looks like a large boot by the back steps. Once we made it inside the trees, they just vanished.” A few minutes later, Onyx and the others caught up with them as well. “Find anything?” Onyx asked the minute he stepped up beside Hex. Hex shook his head. How the hell was he supposed to make a decision when his brain was still trying to rebel against the fact that Echo was actually gone? Shaking his head to clear away the depressing thoughts of what could happen if they didn’t find him in time, he noticed the others watching him, waiting for him to give them directions. “Okay, I think we’re searching in the right direction. If the footsteps led this way, and Jet scented the blood, I say we keep searching in this part of the woods.” Everyone nodded their agreement, but they looked dazed and disoriented as if they couldn’t believe this was happening. Join the club. “I think we should stick together,” Jinx said quietly. The vampire had a point. There was something dangerous in the trees. Hex could feel it like an electrical charge in the air. If they split up, they’d be able to cover more ground, though. The quicker they found Echo, the better. Why the hell did he have to make the decisions all the time?

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“We stick together,” Eyce said in a deep commanding tone. “We’ll spread out, but within shouting distance. Everyone got it?” Apparently they did, because everyone started moving. Stepping up beside his beta, Hex bumped him with his shoulder and sighed. “Thank you.” “You don’t have to do everything on your own, Hex. Now, let’s go.” It was just one more thing that Hex adored about the man. Eyce took charge when he needed to, and he never made a big production of it. He didn’t know how long they trekked the woods, calling out Echo’s name and searching for any sign of him. The farther into the trees they traveled, the darker it became, and Hex started to panic. It had been too long. What if they didn’t find him? Or what if they found Echo, and it was too late for Hex to help him? He sent up prayers to every deity he could think of, promising all sorts of things for the safe return of their mate. “Jet smells something,” Syx announced almost an hour later. They quickened their pace, knocking aside low-hanging tree limbs and stomping through the underbrush. The trees began to thin, letting the moonlight filter through the branches and illuminate the forest floor. Stepping around an enormous tree trunk, Hex lifted his head, and almost dropped to his knees and threw up. “Oh, gods, no.” He shoved his friends and lovers aside as he raced through the trees and snarled bushes. “Echo! Open your eyes, baby. C’mon, open your eyes.” Hex could heal a lot of things, but death wasn’t one of them. “Get him down!” He cradled his angel’s face, stroking the bruised and battered skin softly. His precious angel, the center of his very world, hung upside down, swaying gently in the cold breeze. His ankles were bound together and tied to a large branch high above them. His wrists were tied together in a similar fashion as they dangled over his head.

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Echo looked so pale beneath the dark purple bruises marring his face and body. He’d been stripped naked, beaten, cut, and bled from what Hex could tell. Sets of twin puncture wounds littered his body— at his neck, his wrists, the insides of his thighs, and even his stomach. The warriors gathered around him, Eyce sawing at the rope connecting Echo to the tree with a wicked-looking dagger. When the rope finally snapped, Hex and Fiero caught Echo, lowering him gently into Hex’s arms. Fiero whipped his shirt off over his head, and draped it over their unconscious mate. “Tell me you can fix this,” he choked. With a heavy heart, Hex shook his head. “I can’t fix this.” The search had taken too long. They’d hiked miles through the trees looking for their missing mate. Maybe if they’d found him sooner, Hex could have done something. But now, it was too late. “What the fuck are you talking about?” Vapre demanded. “Heal him! Bring him back! He is not fucking dead!” “No,” Hex whispered. “He’s not dead, but I can’t fix this.” He cradled Echo in one arm and brushed the hair back from his face. “Everyone calm down. He’s going to need us more than ever.” “I don’t understand.” Myst stepped forward and trailed his fingertips down Echo’s cheek. “Why can’t you fix him?” “He’s not broken,” Jinx answered quietly before Hex could speak. He patted the hand Craze rested on his shoulder then eased away from his mate to come closer to them. “His wounds will begin to heal themselves once the transition is complete.” “Transition?” Syx spun around so fast, Hex was amazed the warrior didn’t fall on his ass. “You mean…he…but what about…Oh, fuck me,” he finished his ramble with a groan. “This is not fucking happening.” “He’ll be thirsty,” Syn added quietly. “It is a good thing there are so many of you.” “We’ll give him whatever he needs,” Hex vowed.

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“He can’t be in the sunlight.” Jinx bit his lip and his shoulders slumped. “He can have the attic, and we will return to the basement.” “No,” Vapre answered immediately. “Thank you, but Echo would have a fit. We’ll take him to the basement for now, and figure out something else tomorrow.” “What the fuck is going on?” Onyx roared. “Why are we taking Echo to the basement? Why can’t he be in the sun? And what fucking transition is he talking about?” “Onyx, come here.” Hex waited for the demon to step closer to him then wrapped his free hand around the man’s neck and dragged him into a tender kiss. “Everything is going to be okay,” he mumbled a minute later. Releasing Onyx, Hex pinched Echo’s chin gently between his thumb and index finger, urging his mate’s mouth to open. His plump lips parted, and Echo moaned as he tried to snuggle closer to Hex’s chest. Before he turned his face, however, everyone in the clearing had a clear view of two wickedly pointed canines gleaming in the moonlight. “So, he’s…he…” Onyx’s eyes were as big around as dinner plates, and he shook his head back and forth frantically. “What does this mean? Is he still going to know us? Will he still be our mate?” “Of course he will,” Jinx said kindly as he patted Onyx on the back in comfort. Then he turned, crossed his arms over his chest, and smirked at Myst. “He’ll just be your little bloodsucker now.” “Does it hurt? I mean, when he drinks from us, will it hurt?” Myst rubbed at his neck and grimaced. “I’ve never had someone bite me before.” “It doesn’t hurt,” Eyce and Hex said at the same time. Hex remembered the two vamps drinking from his wrists, but there hadn’t been any pain. That’s not to say it had been a pleasurable experience. Maybe it would be different with Echo. The thought of his blood flowing inside his mate made Hex’s heart pound and his

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dick throb. Pushing away his less than noble thoughts, he returned his attention to Jinx. “Is there anything we need to do for him?” “Just be there when he wakes up. He’s going to feel like he’s on fire, and his throat will ache as though he’s gargled glass. It shouldn’t last more than a week or two, though. I was born this way, and I’m afraid I don’t know much about made vampires.” “I don’t know anything about vampires, so you’re one up on me,” Eyce said with a shake of his head. “Is he going to have to answer to the vamp that changed him? That’s how it works in the movies. They’re bound to their makers.” A feral growl rumbled in Hex’s chest and right up through his snarling lips. His mate would be bound to no one but them. He was already set on finding the bastard that had hurt Echo and ripping him apart slowly. This only cemented the fucker’s fate. Jinx chuckled, though. “No, it doesn’t work that way. He won’t be bound to them, though if they’ve had his blood, they’ll be able to find him until it works its way out of their system. He’s completely yours, however, so no worries.” Though relieved to hear his mate wouldn’t be condemned to walk beside someone else for all eternity, Hex couldn’t help but snort at Jinx’s reassurances. No worries, indeed. Their troubles were multiplying by the minute. **** Hot. It was so damn hot. Echo rolled to his side with a groan, his legs sawing back and forth against each other. The sheets beneath him were damp, his hair clung to his sweaty face, and his skin felt like it was melting off of his bones. “Echo?” “Drink,” he croaked. His mouth was desert dry and so sticky his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth. His throat burned and ached,

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the muscles convulsing as he tried to swallow. He was so damn thirsty. “Echo, baby, come here,” Hex whispered and gathered Echo into his arms. “I’m going to help you, but you have to do exactly what I say.” Crying out in pain, Echo curled into a ball on Hex’s lap as sharp pains ripped through his stomach. It was like one of those sci-fi movies, and he just knew there was an alien trying to crawl out of his stomach. What the hell had happened to him? “Drink,” he whispered again. “So, thirsty, Hex.” “I know, baby. I’m going to help you,” his lover repeated. “Can you open your eyes?” With a great deal of effort, Echo managed to drag his eyelids open and blink up at his mate. His eyes didn’t go to Hex’s face, though, but locked onto the pulsing vein throbbing in the man’s throat. He inhaled deeply, a soft growl slipping through his panting lips when the sweetest smell hit his nose. Uncurling himself, he pushed up straighter in Hex’s lap, leaning closer to his lover’s throat as he followed the rich scent. His mouth went even drier if possible, his gums ached, and he darted his tongue out to lick a long line along the column of Hex’s throat. There, right there. That’s where the amazing smell emanated from. He licked again then skimmed his nose along the same path, inhaling deeply as his body shuddered. Hex’s large hand came up to cradle the back of his head, urging his mouth closer. “Drink, baby. Take what you need.” Need, oh, yes, he needed. Sucking the warm flesh into his mouth, he swirled his tongue over the pulsing vein twice before sinking his teeth into it. The first rush of blood over his tongue was the most divine thing Echo had ever tasted. He moaned throatily, drawing on the wound, desperate for more of the sweet nectar that flowed into his parched mouth.

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Again and again, he sucked on his lover’s neck, pulling more of the life-giving essence into his mouth as he moved to straddle Hex’s powerful thighs. His hands roamed over his mate’s broad shoulders and down his perfectly chiseled chest. He rocked his hips, pushing his swollen cock against Hex’s belly. Hex began to breathe heavily, his arms locking around Echo’s back and crushing him close. Deep moans vibrated his chest, and he thrust up against Echo, grinding his hard cock over Echo’s ass. Then without warning, his entire body tensed, and he roared out as streams of cum erupted from his slit. Echo felt the splash of his lover’s release along his crease. To know he’d brought his lover such pleasure was a heady feeling, and with one final draw on the small puncture, he followed Hex over the edge, groaning as his climax ripped through him and he filled the space between them with his seed. Gently extracting his teeth from Hex’s neck, Echo licked over the bite and sighed. “Thank you.” His head felt groggy, and his limbs were heavy. “Tired,” he whispered then snuggled against his lover’s chest and closed his eyes. He licked his lips, groaning at the few drops of Hex’s blood that exploded over his taste buds. So good, so sweet, so absolutely delectable. His tongue roamed the inside of his mouth, looking for any traces of the ambrosia he may have missed. He licked at the back of his teeth, his tongue grazing over fangs. Fangs? Echo’s eyes snapped open, and he jerked upright to stare at Hex with wide eyes. His gaze drifted to the already-healing puncture marks at his lover’s neck. “I bit you,” he gasped in disbelief. “Oh, Hex, I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened. I didn’t mean...I–I…oh, gods.” He buried his face in Hex’s neck and immediately groaned as the scent of his mate’s blood made his head spin and his mouth water. Pushing away, he tried to scramble out of Hex’s lap, crying out when Hex held him immobile. “No! Stop, please. You have to let me

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go. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I don’t want to hurt you again. Please!” Was it his imagination, or did Hex look a little paler? “Echo, stop. You didn’t hurt me. Calm down, baby, and I’ll explain.” Echo didn’t stop struggling, though. Already, his throat began to burn again, and he could feel the fire coursing through his body. His gums tingled, and he ached to sink his teeth into Hex’s neck again. “Please,” he sobbed. “I can’t do this. I already took too much.” “You didn’t take enough,” Hex admonished. “You won’t hurt me. Let me help you. Let me feed you.” “What the fuck is wrong with me?” Echo sobbed. He was human. He didn’t drink blood. So, why was he leaning closer to Hex’s neck? Why was his body vibrating with need as he slowly licked along his mate’s salty flesh? As his sharp canines pierced the yielding flesh once more, Echo realized something else had changed as well. He’d always referred to his lovers as his mates, but the word held more power now. He licked and sucked, groaning in pleasure as the hot liquid poured into his mouth. With every deep draw, something primal rose up inside of him—a fierce possessiveness that clouded all other thoughts. The man he held in his arms was his mate, his destiny, the air he breathed, and Echo’s cock swelled and throbbed at the recognition. Was this what it was like for his men? Is this how they felt every time they were near him? The deep, all-consuming need to brand him, claim him, and mark him as taken? Easing away, Echo didn’t understand how he knew what to do, but he slowly tilted his head to the side, baring his neck to Hex. “Please,” he breathed, fisting his hands in Hex’s hair and pulling him closer. Hex didn’t disappoint, and the instant his sharp teeth sank into Echo’s neck, Echo moaned and shuddered, his cock erupting in more strings of pearly cream. He felt the connection, the bond, snap into place, and he smiled in contentment just before everything went black, and he passed out in his mate’s arms.

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Chapter Five Holding Echo to his chest, Hex combed his fingers through his mate’s hair, nuzzling his cheek over the top of Echo’s head. He knew he needed to get them both cleaned and settled down before the sun came up, but he just wanted to hold his baby for a little while longer. Echo had claimed him. It was the single most erotic experience of his life, and they’d barely even touched. His heart felt full to bursting, and his throat constricted with his emotions. The door to the basement creaked open, and footsteps treaded lightly down the stairs. Eyce appeared first, followed by the other warriors, and all seemed to sigh as one when they found Echo cradled in Hex’s arms. “He’s okay?” Eyce asked. “He woke up long enough to drink. He seemed fine, though. We’ll just have to take it one day at a time.” “Go on and get some rest.” Eyce cupped the side of Hex’s head and smiled. “You look a little pale. I don’t think he should drink from you again just yet. Me and Fiero will stay today. We’ll talk when the sun goes down.” Hex didn’t want to let Echo go yet, but the worry and anxiousness on their faces told him that his lovers needed time with their mate as well. Placing Echo gently in the center of the bed, he brushed the hair back from his sleeping face and smiled. Things would be different. He’d make sure they were. No more hiding or thinking he knew what was best for everyone. The fear and desolation that filled him when Echo had gone missing finally drilled into his stubborn head exactly how much he stood to lose. He couldn’t allow that to happen.

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“How long until sunrise?” “Forty minutes or so,” Vapre answered. “Can you guys get him cleaned up and changed? I need a minute alone with Myst.” Hex needed to make his peace with everyone, had a lot of groveling to do with all of his lovers, but he knew Myst needed to hear the words first. Syx walked around the bed to lift Echo into his arms. Carrying him out of the room, he paused by Hex’s side and dipped his head. “You made the right choice,” he whispered. “That man has been going out of his mind.” “It doesn’t mean I need him more than any one of you,” Hex said just as quietly. Syx smiled crookedly. “I know, boss man. We’ll talk later, okay?” Hex kissed Syx’s temple and stepped away. “We will. Now, hurry, and have Echo back before the sky even begins to lighten. I won’t take any chances.” With that, the warriors hurried up the stairs and out of the basement, leaving Hex alone with Myst. The demon looked nervous but resolute, as though he expected to be punished but agreed with the sentence. “Come here,” Hex said to him. How did he let things get so bad? Myst looked like he was walking to the electric chair as he crossed the small space to stand in front of him. “Now, look at me.” With a visible shudder, Myst lifted his head to look into Hex’s eyes. “Hey.” Myst’s eyebrows drew together, and he frowned. “Hi?” he said uncertainly, making the greeting sound like a question. Hex would never say it out loud—mostly because he liked his head right where it was—but Myst looked adorable in that moment. Lifting his hand slowly, he curled his fingers around Myst’s cheek, smiling happily when the demon leaned into his touch. Then Myst’s eyes widened, and he snapped his head up quickly. “You wanted to talk to me?” he asked with more roughness in his voice.

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“Not really.” Hex chuckled under his breath at the confusion on his lover’s face. Instead of expounding, he slid his fingers into Myst’s hair and pulled the man to him, crushing their mouths together and thrusting his tongue through Myst’s parted lips. The sweet groan that spilled into his mouth made Hex’s heart hammer in his chest and his naked dick throb painfully. Myst leaned into him, settling his hands hesitantly on Hex’s hips. Now, that just wouldn’t do. There should never be any apprehension between them. He’d fucked up royally, but he’d make things right before either of them left the dank basement. Pulling out of the kiss, he held Myst to him as he rested their foreheads together and panted for breath. “Missed you.” “Missed you, too,” Myst whispered. “I need to tell you something, okay?” Hex leaned away so he could look into his lover’s eyes. He wanted Myst to see the truth when he spoke the words. “I’m sorry I’ve been such a prick. It won’t happen again. I hate that it took this happening to Echo for me to pull my head out of my ass, but I finally see what I have right in front of me.” Myst licked his lips nervously. “And what is that?” Hex brushed their mouths together tenderly. “You.” He did it again. “Echo.” He flicked his tongue over the seam of Myst’s lips. “Syx, Vapre, Eyce.” His hands roamed down Myst’s back, urging the man closer to him. “Onyx and Fiero,” he finished before claiming his lover’s mouth once again in a toe-curling kiss. “Forgive me,” he panted a moment later. “Forgive me, and I swear I’ll make it up to you.” “If you lie to me, or keep things from me again, I’m going to kick your sexy ass.” Hex chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in longer than he could remember. “I expect nothing less.” “Why now?” Myst demanded. “I mean, I get what you’re saying about worrying we would lose Echo, but I don’t get it. What changed?

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How do I know you’re not going to go back to being a complete shithead again tomorrow?” “I’m too tired?” Myst just glared at him. “I love you, but you’re already being a prick again.” It took about two seconds for Myst to realize what he’d said, then his lips pressed together, his eyes widened, and he began shaking his head. Hex thought he’d pass out right there on the concrete floor. He knew Echo loved him, remembered clearly when his mate had spoken the words. It had been more than enough, but to know Myst felt the same was overwhelming. “I’m sorry,” Myst mumbled. “I shouldn’t have said that. I know warriors aren’t supposed to have these feelings. We’re supposed to be cold and ruthless, and…I’m just sorry, okay? I won’t say it again.” “First,” Hex said clearly, “I don’t think there is a rulebook that outlines how warriors are or are not supposed to act. Secondly, do you really think any of us are cold and ruthless?” Myst shook his head, and the corners of his mouth twitched. “No, and especially not since Echo arrived. We’re like putty in the little guy’s hands.” Hex nodded his approval. “Third, you never have to be sorry for saying what you feel or think. And last…” He trailed off and smirked. “Last?” Myst croaked. “I’d be very disappointed if you didn’t say it again.” “Really? Why?” “Because I love you, too, and I plan to say it as often as I can.” A goofy smile spread over his lover’s lips, but before Myst could respond, the basement door swung open again, and Fiero carried Echo back into the room. Hex kissed Myst on the forehead and stepped back. “Go get some rest.” Myst nodded dazedly as he brushed past Eyce and headed up the stairs.

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“What the hell did you do to him?” Eyce turned to watch the man leave and laughed. “He looks like he got clobbered over the head.” “Oh, Hex,” Echo said quietly, and Hex only then realized the man was awake again. “You didn’t do something stupid again, did you?” Smiling like an idiot, Hex crossed over to stand beside Fiero and dropped a kiss on Echo’s lips. “Not this time, baby.” “Good, because I’m tired, and I don’t feel like kicking your ass right now.” Hex threw his head back and laughed as Fiero eased Echo under the blankets on the bed. Then Fiero and Eyce began undressing, preparing to sleep through the day and be there for Echo if the man needed them. Sitting on the side of the bed, Hex cupped his mate’s face and smiled. “How are you feeling?” “Tired, sore, confused, take your pick. What happened to me?” “Just sleep, and we’ll talk when you wake up, okay?” Hex knew he couldn’t dodge the answer forever, but so far Echo seemed to be oblivious to his new status in the paranormal world. If Hex could keep it that way for a little longer, maybe he’d figure out a way to explain it to his lover. “Okay, but tomorrow, I want answers. My brain feels fried, and I can’t think straight. I feel weird, though, and I know that the sun is coming up in exactly nineteen minutes. How do I know that?” “Because you’re a bloodsucker now,” Fiero said with a teasing glint in his eye. Hex wanted to deck the bastard. “Don’t use that word,” Echo scolded half-heartedly. “I may be a vampire now, but I’m still your mate. Don’t be rude.” Hex’s mouth fell open, and he gaped. Well, there went his theory that Echo was oblivious to what he’d become. Echo rolled his eyes and snorted. “Close your mouth, Hex. I’m not stupid. My throat burns, I have fangs now, and I want to sink them into your neck as we speak. I don’t understand a lot of it, like how I

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know when the sun will be up, or exactly what being a vampire entails. I’m sure Syn and Jinx will help me, though.” “How can you be so calm about this? Aren’t you scared, or at least mad?” “Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about it right now. Ask me again tomorrow, and I’m sure my opinion on the matter will change a dozen different times between now and then. It’s done, though. It can’t be changed. I still have the men I love, and you don’t seem to mind, so that’s enough for now.” Bending over his mate, Hex kissed Echo’s cheek and trailed his lips to the man’s ear. “You are amazing.” He paused for a second, gathering his courage. “I love you.” Echo’s small hand came up to rest against the side of his neck. “I know, love.” Hex sat up to see his mate’s face. Echo smiled softly. “You look like hell. Go get some sleep. We’re going to need you running on all cylinders when it’s time to talk.” “Sweet-talker,” Hex teased. He kissed his mate again and rose from the bed. “I’ll see you when the sun goes down.” “I have no doubt you’ll be pacing the kitchen well before then. Try to sleep, though.” Hex bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. The little runt knew him too well. **** The next time Echo woke up, he was feeling a hell of a lot better—besides the burning ache in his throat. At least he knew what it meant this time. With no windows to see out of the basement, he didn’t know what time it was, or how long his lovers had slept. Judging by his still-damp hair from his shower, it hadn’t been long. He didn’t want to wake Eyce or Fiero, but the longer he stared up at the ceiling, the worse the raw, burning need became.

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Strong arms wrapped around him, pulling him up against Eyce’s chest, and Echo whimpered as his nose pressed right along his mate’s jugular. He gritted his teeth together, hissing when his fangs pierced his bottom lip. Stupid fangs. Weren’t the damn things supposed to retract when he wasn’t using them? Eyce moaned in his sleep, cuddling Echo closer, urging his face to the crook of his neck. Echo’s entire body began to shake violently as he fought not to sink his fangs into the supple flesh. “What’s wrong, baby?” Eyce mumbled drowsily. Echo whimpered and shook his head. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to drink from his mate—boy, did he—but he figured it would be a pretty shitty wake-up call to open your eyes and find someone snacking on your neck. That was exactly what was about to happen, though, if Eyce didn’t stop rubbing against him the way he was. Then Eyce tilted his head back, baring his throat. “It’s okay, baby. That’s why we’re here. Take what you need.” With a loud moan of relief and gratitude, Echo curled his fingers around the back of Eyce’s neck, clamped his mouth around the pulsing vein in his throat, and bit. He didn’t take much, not nearly as much as he needed, but he’d never do anything to hurt his men. Until he knew how much to take, he’d rather suffer a little than risk drinking too much. When he tried to extract his fangs and pull away, however, Eyce wouldn’t let him. One muscled arm locked around Echo’s waist while the other hand came up to cradle the back of his head, keeping him firmly in place. “Drink,” Eyce demanded raggedly. Echo grew concerned at Eyce’s labored breathing and the rough quality of his speech until he felt the hard ridge of Eyce’s weeping cock sliding over his belly. Oh, his mate liked that! Crawling up his lover’s chest, Echo straddled his hips, rocking against him as he pushed his fangs deeper into Eyce’s neck. The warrior cried out, his hips jerking upward, and wet heat exploded between them. Mmm, maybe this vampire stuff wasn’t so bad.

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Eyce shuddered beneath him, his hands smoothing down Echo’s back and over his hips to grip his ass and massage the rounded globes. He squeezed and kneaded, pulling Echo’s cheeks apart so that cool air brushed over his twitching hole. A warm, slippery tongue immediately replaced the slight breeze, and Echo groaned around the flesh in his mouth. Lost in the taste of Eyce’s blood, the powerful feeling of giving his lover pleasure through his bite, Echo hadn’t notice Fiero was awake. Slipping his canines from Eyce’s neck as gently as possible, he glanced over his shoulder just as Fiero swiped his tongue over Echo’s tight opening. “How are you feeling, baby?” Echo returned his attention to Eyce and smiled. “A little tired, but you’re not going to talk me into missing this.” “Not sore?” Eyce probed further as he skimmed his fingers up Echo’s sides. “I’m fine, Eyce.” He bent closer and pressed their lips together. “I love you, yeah?” “Love you, too,” Eyce whispered, “fangs and all.” Fiero’s tongue licked against his hole, ringing it, and pushing inside. A deep, rumbling growl vibrated Echo’s chest, a sound he’d never heard himself make, and he arched his back and rocked his aching cock against Eyce’s as he pushed back into Fiero’s mouth. His thirst sated for the moment, another kind of need swept through him, tightening his muscles, and burning his body. “More,” he demanded. A thick finger pushed in beside Fiero’s tongue, sawing in and out of Echo’s clenching hole. It wasn’t enough. “More!” “Demanding little shit,” Eyce mumbled with a feral grin. Echo’s loosely held control snapped, and he launched himself off the bed faster than he’d ever moved before. In the next blink, he had Fiero on his back, crawling up his body, and devouring his mouth. He growled and snarled, thrusting his hips against his lover’s naked body,

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writhing on top of him as his cock pulsed, swelling to the point of pain. “Give. Me. More!” He felt movement, heard rustling in the background, but his hazy brain couldn’t register who or what made the noise. His throat began to burn again, his fangs lengthening and throbbing as he sucked at Fiero’s neck. “Want you. Want to bury my cock in your tight ass and make you scream my name. Would you like that? Would you like me pounding into you until you come so hard you pass out?” “Holy fuck.” Fiero groaned, craning his head to the side and arching his back. That was enough of an answer for Echo. Before he could move to retrieve the lube, though, two slick fingers pushed into his fluttering entrance, and he hissed against Fiero’s throat. Fiero growled, his muscles tightening then relaxing as he fisted his hands in Echo’s hair and attacked his mouth. The digits sawed in and out of his hole, pumping hard and fast several times before a third joined them and started the process all over again. Echo’s body thrummed with pleasure, his muscles quivering with anticipation. When Eyce extracted his fingers, Echo shimmied down Fiero’s body, dropping his feet to the floor and hooking the demon’s knees over his arms. With ease, he jerked the warrior to him, dipping two fingers into Fiero’s clenching opening to make sure he was stretched, then swiftly replacing them with the head of his cock. “I can’t go slow,” he warned seconds before he shoved in to the root. Fiero roared, his inner walls clamping down around Echo’s cock, stroking and massaging him until he thought he’d lose his mind. Leaning over his mate, Echo stretched Fiero’s legs wider, opening him up so he could drive in deeper. Two hard snaps of his hips, and Echo stilled, waiting for Eyce to join them as he swirled his tongue around one of Fiero’s copper-colored nipples. Eyce parted Echo’s cheeks and rubbed the weeping tip of his cock over Echo’s puckered hole, then rocked forward until the flared crown

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popped through the guarding ring of muscles. Echo groaned, his eyes rolling back in his head, and pushed back, pulling his dick from Fiero’s ass as he impaled himself on Eyce’s huge length. Eyce echoed his groan as his fingers dug into Echo’s hips, and he began a slow, deliberate pace. Push and pull, give and take, they found their rhythm and moved as one. Over and over Echo dragged his flexing cock over the straining muscles of Fiero’s hole. Eyce filled him, retreated, and filled him again, stretching his inner walls and brushing over his sweet spot. His throat felt raw and scratchy, his balls churned and ached, his heart kicked against his sternum, and Echo couldn’t hold back any longer. With a roar loud enough to shake the windows, he jerked his hips, driving into Fiero’s yielding body and demanding Eyce keep pace with him. “Mine!” he snarled just before sinking his fangs into the sweatslicked flesh just over Fiero’s heart. “Mine,” Eyce whispered into his ear and bit into the sensitive skin on Echo’s shoulder. Echo felt the bond snap into place, so intense that it stole his breath and robbed him of speech. With a muffled whimper, he sucked hard on Fiero’s chest, grinding against his lover’s ass as his balls unloaded, and his cock erupted to spill his release into his mate’s waiting channel. Eyce extracted his own fangs, crying out Echo’s name as he pounded into him, pumping through his orgasm. The hot splash of his release against Echo’s inner walls sent him into overdrive, and he released his hold on Fiero to scream out to the ceiling when another blinding orgasm ripped through him, and he filled Fiero’s passage to overflowing. A second later, Eyce pulled from Echo’s hole, tugging him back with him so that his still-hard dick slid out of Fiero’s entrance as well. Echo shuddered against Eyce’s chest, his body strung tight and in need of more. Gods, he’d never felt so out of control before.

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Before knew what was happening, Fiero’s arms locked around his waist and flipped Echo beneath him on the mattress. “Let’s see who screams now.” Then he drove into Echo’s stretched hole in one mighty plunge. He didn’t waste time but slammed into Echo over and over with such force that it pushed them up the mattress. “Scream for me, baby. Scream my name,” Fiero demanded. His fingers fisted in Echo’s hair, jerking his head back as his other arm slid under Echo’s back and lifted him so that their chests pressed together. “Human, vampire, or dodo bird, you will always be mine.” His pointed canines pierced Echo’s neck, pushing in deep, and the rhythm of his hips faltered. For the third time, an unbreakable connection snapped into place, slamming into Echo like a freight train, and he screamed until his voice gave out while his cock shot spurt after spurt of cream between them. When he came down to earth, he found himself cleaned and snuggled in bed between his lovers, both of them kissing and stroking him. “Thank you. Love you,” they both chanted between kisses. “Sleep,” Fiero whispered. Too exhausted to argue, Echo took Eyce’s hand and wrapped it around him as he turned to snuggle into Fiero’s chest. The instant his cheek touched Fiero’s skin, he slipped happily into the void.

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Chapter Six Onyx paced the kitchen, each pass taking him by the door to the basement. He glanced out the window every few seconds, watching impatiently as the sun sank lower in the sky. His hands clenched and relaxed at his sides. His strides were long, his movements stilted, and his anxiety built with every ticking minute. “Dude, would you sit down?” Myst called from the kitchen table. “You’re making me twitchy as hell.” “How long until sundown?” He’d yet to sleep since they’d found Echo tied to that tree. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw their mate’s limp, broken body swaying from that rope. He just needed to talk to Echo, hold him, touch him for just a minute and assure himself his lover was safe and alive. “Another twenty minutes or so, man. You’re going to wear a hole in the damn floor if you don’t sit your ass down.” His lips peeled back from his teeth, and Onyx snarled as he stalked past his lover again. He knew he was being a dick, but he couldn’t stop himself. Every time he’d tried to get closer to Echo the night before, it seemed like he’d been pushed aside while Eyce and Fiero took over. And if it wasn’t those two, then Vapre and Syx were right there. “Doesn’t it ever piss you off? Don’t you ever just want to scream and beat something?” Myst looked up at him for a long time before he nodded slowly. “Sure, it pisses me off sometimes. I mean, he is my mate just as much as he belongs to them. I don’t think anyone means to push us to the side, though. We just don’t ever say anything.”

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Onyx admitted the truth in the warrior’s words. Just because he didn’t say much didn’t mean he didn’t feel, though. He just needed to know Echo was safe, and then he would drift back into the shadows and stay out of everyone’s way. “It wasn’t supposed to happen this way, but I guess Echo’s plan kind of worked.” “Yeah, I don’t think getting kidnapped, beaten, drained, and turned into a fucking bloodsucker was part of that plan.” Myst rolled his eyes. “You know what I meant. You need to calm down, Onyx. Echo is going to rip you a new one if you keep acting like this.” “What if something happened?” Onyx voiced his greatest fear. “What if he didn’t survive the change?” “You read too much.” Myst snorted. “If something had happened, you can bet your ass Eyce and Fiero would be ripping that door down to get him to Hex. You really think they’d just sit there and watch him die without even telling us?” Onyx sighed and resumed his pacing. Okay, so he was being irrational. He’d never survive it if something happened to his men, though. Echo had swept in, wormed his way into Onyx’s heart, and changed everything. While he still hadn’t found the courage to voice his desires, he no longer tried to deny them. There was just no way to deny the things Echo made him feel—not only for his little mate, but for the other warriors as well. He wanted vengeance for what had happened to Echo. His lover deserved nothing less from his mates. They’d sworn to protect him against all the evils of the world, and they’d let him down in the worst way. How could Onyx claim to love the man if he didn’t do everything in his power to see Echo’s tormentor pay for his crimes? How could he call himself a warrior if he sat by and did nothing? No, Echo deserved more from him.

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Spinning on his heels, he marched to the back door and wrenched it open. Ignoring Myst’s calls, he stepped out into the waning light and sprinted across the field and into the trees. He didn’t care how long it took him, how much he suffered, or even if he raced toward his own death. He would not return until he’d made things right. **** “Where is he going?” Hex asked as he watched Onyx storm out of the kitchen and slam the back door behind him. “I don’t know. He’s been acting strange all day. I don’t think he slept at all.” “He feels guilty.” Hex scrubbed his hands over his face. Hell, they all did. They’d failed their mate. He wouldn’t have blamed the man if he never forgave them, but of course, that just wasn’t Echo’s style. “The sun’s almost down. Do you think it’s safe to—” Myst stopped abruptly as he looked up at Hex. “Motherfucker!” Hex jerked a little and looked around him. There was nothing there. “What? What the hell, Myst?” Myst sprang out of his seat, grabbed Hex’s face, and stared into his eyes. “I am really starting to feel left out, and it is so not fair for you to look even sexier now.” Oh! “My eyes,” he said with a soft chuckle. He wound his arms around Myst and dragged him closer. “You like?” “Mmm, I think I do,” Myst purred before licking at Hex’s lips. “Burgundy is definitely your color.” He placed a quick but searing kiss on Hex’s lips then slipped away. “Can we wake Echo up now? I really need to see him.” As though he’d been waiting for the summons, the basement door creaked open, and Echo stepped into the kitchen with a bright smile. Hex completely freaked. Though the sun had mostly set, the sky was still more of a dusky gray than black. He wouldn’t take any chances with his mate. Rushing over, he positioned himself between

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Echo and the kitchen, ushering his mate back into the basement. “It’s not fully dark yet. We don’t know what will happen. A few more minutes, please, baby.” Echo rolled his eyes and dipped under Hex’s arm. He walked right across the kitchen, flung open the back door and turned around with his arms crossed over his chest. “See? I’m not going to shrivel up like greasy bacon. Now, will you please relax?” Hex sighed in relief. That didn’t mean he wasn’t going to redden Echo’s cute little ass later for scaring the shit out of him, though. He looked over his shoulder when Eyce and Fiero thundered up the stairs. “Where is he?” Fiero snarled. Hex grunted and waved a hand toward their mate. “I thought you were supposed to keep an eye on him.” “He’s a lot fucking stronger now,” Eyce grumped. “You try holding the little punk still.” “There’s two of you,” Hex argued. “He’s faster, too.” “Oh, everyone just shut up. I’m fine, and I’m tired of being locked up in the basement.” Echo sauntered over to the table and crawled up in Myst’s lap. “Hey, handsome. Missed you.” Happiness swelled Hex’s chest as he watched Myst clutch Echo close and bury his face in the man’s neck. “Missed you, too, baby. You’re okay?” “I’m fine.” Echo laughed and kissed Myst’s temple. “I’m hungry, though.” His lips roamed down Myst’s face until he could claim the man’s mouth. “Feed me,” he murmured silkily. Hex bit his tongue to keep from laughing, when Myst started bobbing his head eagerly. “What do you want? I’ll make you anything you want.” “Anything?” Echo purred. “Absolutely. Just tell me what you want, and it’s yours.”

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“Then, sit still and look pretty.” Echo laved his tongue up the smooth column of Myst’s throat. His fangs dropped down, and he scraped them over the warrior’s neck. “Say yes,” he whispered. Hex groaned, reaching down to readjust his hardening cock inside his jeans. Just the memory of those canines sinking into his neck made him hard enough to pound nails. He heard Eyce and Fiero make similar sounds beside him, and knew the demons understood exactly how he felt. Myst gulped audibly. “Will it hurt?” “No,” Hex, Eyce, and Fiero answered together. “I’ll make you love it,” Echo answered seductively. His hand slithered down Myst’s chest, and he rose up slightly to push his hand between them and cup Myst’s groin. “I’d never hurt you, love. You mean too much to me.” “Yes,” Myst breathed and tilted his head to the side to bare his neck. He closed his eyes, his body trembling. Hex watched silently, his breathing becoming unsteady and his cock pounding against his zipper. Echo was so gentle, smoothing his free hand over Myst’s face as he bit into his neck. His other hand continued to massage Myst’s cock through his jeans, and Hex could almost feel that strong grip on his own dick. “I feel…” Eyce panted. “Me, too.” Fiero’s rubbed the heel of his hand over the bulge in his pants. “Oh, gods.” He moaned loudly, his eyes rolling back in his head. A heartbeat later, Myst cried out, his hips jerked upward, and Hex almost fell to his knees as his orgasm ripped through him. Leaning heavily against the basement door, he struggled for breath, all the while wondering what the fuck had just happened. Echo licked over the mark then trailed his lips up Myst’s neck, over his jaw, and finally captured his parted lips. He dipped his

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tongue inside, stroking Myst’s a few times before easing away and smiling. “Did that hurt?” Myst shook his head dazedly. “Good. Your turn,” Echo murmured. He palmed the back of Myst’s head and urged him toward his neck. “Claim me, big guy.” Just as gently as Echo had, Myst pierced the supple flesh, growling and whimpering as he sucked at the wound. Echo gasped, his fingers dug into Myst’s shoulders, and his entire body gave a visible shudder. Hex roared and slid to the floor when another mind-numbing orgasm ripped through him. It was one of the most intense things he’d ever felt, and no one had even touched him. Hell, he hadn’t even touched himself. “What the fuck is going on?” “I don’t know, but I want more.” Eyce dropped to the floor and slumped against Hex. “Sweet hell, the runt is going to kill me.” “I am totally sleeping in Echo’s room tonight,” Myst said loudly. “So, you can all just kiss my ass.” Echo laughed breathlessly and kissed the side of Myst’s neck. “I’d love for you to sleep with me tonight.” “Yeah, so there.” Myst actually stuck his tongue out, and Hex couldn’t stop his laughter if he’d wanted. “Okay, okay. We’ll figure out sleeping arrangements later. Right now, we need to round everyone up and have a little talk about Echo’s…condition.” “Man, I do not have cancer.” Echo snorted and climbed down from Myst’s lap. He moved gingerly, grimacing as he pulled his sodden sleep pants away from his groin. “I really hope that doesn’t happen every time I bite one of you.” “I do.” Echo glared at Fiero. “Fine, then you can do the laundry from now on.” “Happily.” Fiero smirked as he gave Echo a quick wink.

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“Oh, you guys are incorrigible.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Okay, let’s get cleaned up because I do have questions. I’m still not sure how I feel about this whole vampire gig, yet.” Syx and Vapre stepped into the kitchen at that moment, took in the scene around them with wide eyes, and burst into laughter. “No one called us for kitchen sex?” Hex looked up at Syx and grinned goofily. “As you can see, everyone still has their clothes on.” Syx looked like he would say something else, but Echo interrupted him. “Where’s Onyx?” “He stormed out the back door a few minutes before you came in here,” Myst answered. “He looked pissed off.” “He’s not back yet?” Echo worried his bottom lip between his teeth as his eyebrows drew together. “Did he say anything before he left?” “No.” Myst sat up straighter in his chair. “He was pacing in front of the door. He said a few things about being worried about you and…” Myst trailed off, looking uncomfortable. “Uh, well, then he just left.” “What are you hiding?” Hex pushed to his feet and took up a nononsense stance with his feet wide and his arms crossed over his chest. “It’s nothing.” Myst stood as well and pushed a hand through his dark, shaggy hair. “I think he’s feeling a little left out, is all. He said some things about being pushed out of the way last night when he really needed to touch Echo and make sure he was okay.” “Oh, you didn’t.” Echo looked around the room, meeting each of their eyes, disappointment etched into the lines of his face. “Why?” “Baby, we didn’t mean it like that.” Hex closed the distance between them and cupped Echo’s cheek. “We were all worried about you. It’s not like we purposely tried to keep him away.”

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His mate sighed and rubbed his cheek over Hex’s palm. “I know, but I really think you take Onyx for granted too much.” His eyes darted to Myst. “And not only him.” With a twinge of pain, Hex realized Echo was right. Onyx was just so quiet, and Myst always acted as if nothing in the world could bother him. He couldn’t speak for the others, but he knew he had a lot of apologizing to do. At least he’d already begun trying to make things right with Myst. “We’ll find him.” Echo nodded firmly. “Please. I’m worried about him.” Hex looked at his mate in amazement. After everything Echo had been through, and his main concern was still for them. It was nothing short of a miracle, and one none of them deserved.

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Chapter Seven “Echo, we’re going to find him. Just re—” Echo jabbed his finger in Vapre’s chest and glared. “If one more person tells me to relax, I’m going to drop-kick them in the face. Do I make myself perfectly clear?” Vapre chuckled and tried to gather him up like a small child. “Onyx can take care of himself. He just needs to work off some steam. You’re overreacting.” Well, that did it. Echo pushed against Vapre’s chest and bared his fangs as he hissed. “You have not seen overreaction. One of the men I love is missing, and you’re acting like he went off to a fucking tea party.” “I suggest you put those away,” Vapre cautioned, motioning toward Echo’s canines, “unless you plan to use them. Don’t try to play with the big boys, sweetheart. You’ll just get yourself hurt.” Echo had Vapre on his back with a knee pressed into his groin and a hand around his throat before anyone could blink. “And, I suggest that you back the fuck off.” He pressed his knee more insistently into Vapre’s crotch. “Anything else, sweetheart?” Onyx was missing. Echo was still dealing with the fact that someone had drained him. His throat ached, his mouth was parched, and he wasn’t feeling just real stable at the moment. He so didn’t need shit from Vapre on top of it. Vapre glared up at him and snarled. “Get off me.” Even when they’d been angry before, Echo had never heard that tone from his lovers directed at him. Whipping his head around, he found Syn and lifted both eyebrows. “Dude?”

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Syn jerked as if coming out of a trance, surveyed the scene, and blushed. “Shit, sorry.” He took a deep breath, then another, and finally nodded. “Sorry,” he repeated. Vapre immediately went limp beneath Echo, blinking several times as if he was confused about how they’d gotten into the position in the first place. “Are you coming on to me, love?” Echo rolled his eyes and snorted. “I think you were getting a little backlash. Sorry, I kicked your ass.” He rose to his feet in one swift, graceful movement and held his hand out for Vapre. Taking Echo’s hand, Vapre grimaced. “You didn’t kick my ass,” he mumbled. “Whatever you say.” Echo glanced around the room and watched as the other men shook themselves. “Everyone okay now?” “Yeah,” Hex answered slowly. “I really hate when that shit happens. I wanted to punch Vapre in the face for being such a douche, then I wanted to smack you upside the head for hurting him.” He shook his head and sighed. “Syn, what happened?” “I was thinking, not paying attention, and I let my emotions get away from me. I truly apologize.” “What happened?” “We’re having some issues with our dear mate,” Jinx said with a slight growl to his voice. “We will handle it.” Echo nodded. He knew exactly how insane Craze made him. He couldn’t imagine being mated to the man. Speaking of the asshole, where was he anyway? “He’ll be along,” Jinx answered Echo’s unspoken question. “Let’s focus on your mate, shall we?” “I guess that means you know something?” Echo eased past Vapre and plopped down on the sofa. “So, what do we have?” Jinx extracted a folded piece of paper from his pocket and passed it to Hex. “This is a list of everyone invited to the party. At the bottom, there are four names of attendees without invitations. Next to those names are descriptions. I spoke with everyone that attended the

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festivities. If one of these people didn’t take Echo, they weren’t at the party.” “You remember all this?” Hex asked in awe. “How?” “Jinx has a photographic memory,” Syn said proudly. “Yes, I know you said that…” Hex trailed off as he studied the names on the sheet of paper. He walked around the sofa and eased down beside Echo. “Look at these descriptions and tell me if any of them sound like the man that took you.” Reading quickly, Echo shook his head and passed the paper back. “The guy that took me was at least your size, if not bigger. His hand almost covered my entire face. He was wearing a black, leather coat and dark, steel-toed boots. That’s all I saw of him, though.” “Did he say anything?” Echo could see Hex shaking with the effort to hold back his fury. Moving closer, he molded himself to the alpha’s side and stroked his chest to calm him. It seemed to be working when Hex’s arm went around his shoulders and his cheek rested on top of Echo’s head. “Just what you’d expect from a kidnapper. He told me to be quiet or he’d kill me.” Hex tensed and his chest rumbled. Echo just continued to rub his palm over the demon’s chest. “It was a bunch of bullshit if you ask me. If he really wanted to kill me, he wouldn’t have carried me off into the woods. He would have done it right there on the deck and left.” “So, you didn’t know he was a vampire?” Vapre didn’t sound accusatory—merely curious. “Other than Syn and Jinx, I’ve never met one.” Echo paused and scrunched his eyebrows together. “Well, that I know of, anyway. I guess I could have, huh? I mean, I knew Gage for a while, but I never would have guessed he was a werewolf.” Gage’s chuckle reached his ears, and Echo looked over his shoulder to see the ex-guard enter the room with his mates. “There were three vampires at the compound with you, and you were in contact with them several times.”

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“Well, see? There ya go.” Echo waved his hand around in dismissal. Before Christmas, he’d be losing his mind over the information. Now, he was the information. Fan-fucking-tastic. “Okay, we’ll come back to this.” Hex folded the paper and handed it over to Syx. “Hold on to that.” “Onyx didn’t take any of the vehicles,” Gage said slowly. “He couldn’t have gotten very far in the last hour. If we split up, we could probably find him before sunrise.” Echo nodded eagerly. He liked that plan. “Let’s do it.” “Hold up.” Hex kissed Echo’s temple quickly. “Don’t you have some questions for Syn and Jinx?” Echo shook his head. “They can wait. I want to find Onyx. I am what I am. There’s not much we can do about me, but we can find Onyx. I’ll deal with my shit when he’s home.” “You are kind of amazing,” Eyce said reverently. “You know that, right?” Shrugging, Echo pushed away from Hex and rose from the sofa. “I just refuse to feel sorry for myself. I’ve always been different. Now, I’m just really different. Besides sleeping during the day now, and needing blood to live, I’m still the same person I was.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Do I want to find out who did this to me and why? Sure. Do I want to make the scumbag pay for it? Absolutely.” “Oh, he will pay,” Fiero vowed. Echo nodded and offered the warriors a crooked smile. “I know you’re all foaming at the mouth to get to this guy and rip him apart. As much as that should disturb me, it actually makes me feel pretty damn special because I’d do it for any one of you. Right now, it’s not nearly as important as finding our mate.” “Your mate,” Vapre corrected quietly. “No,” Echo said firmly. “I know what I said.” He’d never felt anything with more conviction than the understanding that they were

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all supposed to be one—claimed, mated, and bonded for eternity. He’d work that out later, though. “We don’t even know where he went.” Myst settled back in the armchair and rubbed his temples. “How are we supposed to find him if we don’t know why he left in the first place? I still think he’ll be back when he cools off. In the meantime, we should do some more of this ripping apart you were talking about.” A lightbulb went off in Echo’s head, and his mouth fell open. “He’s gone after him.” “What? Who? What?” Mac looked back and forth between Gage and Echo before finally settling on Gage. “What’s that mean?” “It means we need to find Onyx before he gets himself killed.” Hex jumped to his feet and began biting out orders. “Syx and Vapre, take Gage and head out to the west. Jet, you go with Fiero and Eyce toward the north. Myst, you take Pax and go east. Jinx and Syn, you come with me.” “I’m coming, too,” Echo demanded. “No.” Hex’s tone brooked no argument. “If this is a trap to get us all out of the house, we can’t leave Mac and Sony unguarded.” “Then leave Craze here. It’s not like he’s much use for anything else.” “No,” Hex repeated. “I need Craze to come with us. Stay here and keep your friends safe. You’re much stronger now, and we need you here.” Echo thought it over for a minute and dipped his head. “I’ll take care of it.” Hex took Echo’s hand and pulled him close. “Thank you for not arguing.” “Oh, I’ll have plenty to say about it later, but I don’t want to waste the time right now. I’ll go get Craze. You guys get ready to go.” As he hurried across the room and up the stairs, Echo had to wonder about the intelligence of the man that had turned him. If the

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goal was to kill him, or give him some kind of disadvantage, the guy had acted rashly. So far, the only thing his transformation had succeeded in doing was to make him a stronger, more formidable weapon in the war. The thought made him smile. It was kind of like a big screw-you to Ares. He liked that. **** “Something has been bothering me,” Jinx said as they pushed through the trees. “What’s that?” Hex kept his eyes straight ahead, scanning the dim light for any signs that Onyx had been through there. “I didn’t smell any vampires at the party. I would have been able to scent them.” “Right,” Hex answered distractedly. “Echo said the guy didn’t match any of the descriptions on the paper, though.” He saw Jinx bob his head slowly from the corner of his eye. The man looked thoughtful, though. “I still should have scented something in the woods where we found Echo. He couldn’t have been there that long. A vampire would have left a lingering trace at the very least.” Hex’s head started to ache. “Okay, we’ll talk about it later.” What did that mean for Echo? Was he not a vampire as they all believed? He certainly looked and acted like one. Come to think of it, though, he didn’t really smell like Jinx or Syn. Hex had chalked it up to Echo being his mate, but maybe he was missing something. His temples started to throb, and he pushed away the thoughts. He could only deal with one crisis at time, and as long as Echo was alive and healthy, they would deal with the mystery surrounding him after they found Onyx. Craze marched along beside Syn, but neither of them had said a word in the last two hours. Something was going on there, but Hex

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filed it away under none of his business. Unless it became a problem for him or his lovers, he’d let the two work out their own problems. “You do realize that the new moon is in three weeks,” Jinx said hesitantly. “Should you be preparing?” Swallowing back a frustrated growl, Hex ignored the vampire. Yes, he knew how long they had until the new moon. He knew they’d face yet another challenge, and hopefully, would come out victorious once more. Yes, they should be preparing. Now, if something would go right for a change, he’d get right on that. His cell phone began to vibrate against his thigh, and Hex dug in his pocket until he could pull it free. His heart galloped inside his chest when he saw Gage’s name on the display. Flipping open his phone, he swallowed hard and pressed it to his ear. “Did you find him?” “You need to come back to the house.” Gage’s voice was strained. “We’re almost there now.” Then he hung up. With shaking hands, Hex closed his phone and slid it back into his pocket. “They found him,” he said, though his voice sounded robotic, even to his own ears. “Let’s go.” Craze spoke for the first time, giving Hex a hard shove to snap him out of his stupor. “How far are we from the house?” “At least a mile, maybe more.” Oh, gods, what if he didn’t make it in time? Gage hadn’t said, but if his voice was anything to go by, it was bad. “We’ll make it,” Craze assured him. “I’ll get Jinx and Syn back. Run.” So, Hex did. He ran harder and faster than he ever had in his life. He used every last reserve of energy he had, pulled on all of his added strength as a demon, and flew through the trees and across the frozen ground. He didn’t know how long it took him, but he never stopped running until he bounded up the back steps and barreled in through

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the kitchen door. Myst met him in the kitchen, his face pale and his eyes red. “In the living room,” was all he said. Hurrying past his lover, Hex jogged into the living room and froze just beyond the threshold. Onyx’s limp and unconscious form was spread out on the floor, completely nude, and covered in savage bite marks from head to toe. Not a single patch of skin was unmarred by bites, bruising, or cuts. Blood seeped from the wounds, dripping down his body to soak into the carpet beneath him. “Help him,” Echo whispered thickly. His entire body shook where he knelt on the floor by Onyx’s head. He stroked the demon’s hair, tears streaming down his face. “Please, Hex.” Everyone moved out of the way as Hex hurried over and knelt on Onyx’s other side. Closing his eyes and sending up a little prayer, Hex let his hands roam over his lover’s body, pushing away the nausea that rolled his stomach at the blood-slicked and gaping wounds he encountered. He stayed that way for a long time, letting the power roll through him as he worked on the warrior. Echo’s hands landed on top of his, and Hex felt the added surge like an electric current along his skin. Still, he didn’t open his eyes, didn’t interrupt his concentration. When he’d finally done all he could do, he sat back on his heels and dropped his chin to his chest, covering his face with his bloodstained hands. “Is he going to be okay?” Echo asked after a few minutes of silence. “I don’t know,” Hex admitted. “It’s up to him now. I can’t help him anymore.” Dropping his hands, he looked at Echo in apology. “I’m sorry.” “No. He’s going to be fine. Don’t you dare start apologizing.” Echo stroked Onyx’s hair, caressed his cheeks, and kissed his forehead. “Can we clean him up and move him to the basement? Please? I can’t sit with him anywhere else when the sun comes up.”

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Hex nodded numbly and looked up into the solemn faces of his lovers. He didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t even think around the pain in his heart. It overwhelmed him, consumed him, and left him broken. They were demons. They weren’t supposed to die. “We’ll move another mattress to the basement,” Eyce answered Echo. “We’ll all stay with him.” Then he began giving out orders, finding something for everyone to do to keep them busy. The warriors looked grateful for the tasks. To hell with the war, Ares, Hades, and Tartarus. Hex was locking his men in the basement and never letting them leave. Two nights in a row of finding a lover beaten and broken—Hex couldn’t survive another one.

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Chapter Eight Warmth surrounded him, pressed against him on all sides, and Onyx sighed in contentment. Echo’s sweet scent filled his nose, and Onyx wanted to weep in gratitude. His mate was in his arms, curled against his chest, and everything was right in the world. Without opening his eyes, he held Echo closer, stroked his hair, planted kisses on the top of his head. How lucky was he to have such an amazing mate who loved him? In a world where most people thought him a myth, and the rest feared or loathed him, Echo’s love was nothing short of a miracle. “He’s not the only one that loves you, ya know.” Syx nuzzled his nose along the side of Onyx’s neck. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.” It was only then Onyx realized Syx was shaking so badly he was vibrating the entire bed. Not wanting to speak and risk waking Echo, Onyx pushed back into Syx’s arm and pushed his questions into the warrior’s mind. “What’s wrong? Why are you so upset?” “You don’t remember?” Onyx shook his head slowly. What was it he was supposed to remember? “Oh, babe,” Syx breathed into his hair. “I’m just glad you’re okay. We’ll talk later.” The endearment bathed Onyx in a warm glow, and he smiled against Echo’s temple. He didn’t know what had changed while he was sleeping, but he could definitely get used to it.

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“You are okay, right?” Syx’s lips traveled over Onyx’s shoulder. “You don’t hurt anywhere? Are you hungry? Do you need anything? Please, just tell me what to do,” he begged. Gently adjusting Echo, Onyx finally opened his eyes and peeked over his shoulder. Syx’s jade-green eyes stared back at him, tight at the corners and full of concern. “Syx, tell me what’s wrong.” The warrior’s eyes were bloodshot, his face pale, his lips white. He was kind of starting to scare Onyx. “Are you okay?” Syx shook his head. “No, I don’t think I am.” “Onyx?” Echo wiggled against his chest, his eyelids fluttering up, and he smiled sweetly. “You’re awake.” Then the same mask of worry settled over his face to mirror Syx’s, and he scrambled to sit up on his knees and begin touching him everywhere. While Onyx enjoyed the attention, something was wrong. Taking Echo’s hands in his, he stilled their frantic movements and waited for Echo to meet his gaze. Tears welled in Echo’s eyes before spilling over and sliding down his soft cheeks. He wiped at them roughly with his fingers and groaned. “I’m leaking.” Onyx chuckled softly. “You look gorgeous.” He took Echo’s hand, brought it to his lips, and brushed a tender kiss over the knuckles. “Why are you so upset, though?” Pressing his lips together, Echo glanced up at Syx. When his eyes settled back on Onyx, he tried to smile, but it just looked painful. “Are you hungry, love?” If it would give Echo something to do and take that lost look out of his eyes, Onyx would eat every damn thing in the kitchen. “I could eat.” “Great. I’ll be right back.” Echo scrambled off the bed, pulled on a T-shirt and boxers, and hurried over to the stairs. He’d made it halfway up when Onyx suddenly realized where his mate was going. “What time is it?” he asked Syx. “About four in the afternoon.” Syx tensed around him, catching on to the same thought Onyx was having. “Echo!”

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Echo had already reached the door, though. “Be back in a second,” Echo called to them then pushed the door open. Warm rays of sunlight slipped down the stairs to illuminate part of the basement, and Echo screamed. **** “You scared the hell out of me.” Echo placed a hand over his racing heart as he glared at Hex. “What the hell?” Hex stared at him, his eyes rounded and his mouth hanging open. Footsteps pounded up the stairs, the warriors yelling his name the entire way. Echo jumped out of the way just before Syx could grab him. “What is wrong with everyone?” He pointed at Onyx. “You need to be in bed.” “The sun,” Hex breathed. “You’re in the sun.” Echo’s head whipped to the back door, and he gaped at the beams of sunlight streaming in through the window. It didn’t hurt. In fact, it felt amazing. He wanted more. He craved those bright rays. A slow smile started at the corners of his lips, spreading until his mouth stretched wide over his face. “I’m in the sun.” “So, you are.” Hex mirrored his smile before snatching him up in his arms and swinging him around in circles. They clung together, laughing like loons. Echo could have learned to live without the sun, but he was thankful beyond words that he wouldn’t have to. Hex kissed him on the lips and dropped him to his feet. His eyes landed on Onyx, and he hurried over to the man, running his hands over his face, down his neck, over his bare chest. He touched him everywhere with shaky hands as his eyes followed the path. “You’re okay.” “Yeah, I’m fine.” Onyx took one of Hex’s hands and brought it to his chest to rest over his heart. “I’m perfectly okay. Thank you.” “I didn’t think I’d be able to heal you,” Hex admitted. “Do you remember anything?”

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“Just bits and pieces right now, but it’s coming back to me. I was scared I’d never see any of you again.” Everyone converged on Onyx, touching and kissing him, whispering soft words that Echo couldn’t hear. He caught the undertone of love and relief, however, and it made his heart sing. They still had a lot of questions that needed answering, but they were going to be fine. Echo crossed the kitchen and busied himself with making coffee. So what if it was the middle of the afternoon? He’d just woken up and needed caffeine. It would also give his mates the time alone they needed with each other. He’d just turned the coffeemaker on when big arms wrapped around his waist, and a hard body pressed against his back. He didn’t know who held him, and it didn’t matter. Leaning back in his lover’s arms, Echo closed his eyes and sighed. “I love you,” Hex whispered into his hair. “Thank you for helping me save him.” Smiling happily, Echo snuggled back against Hex’s broad chest. “I love you, too, big guy. And thank you for bringing him back to us. I don’t know how much more of this shit I can take.” Hex’s hands began roaming his body, smoothing down his spine, over his hips, and up his sides. “How about I make you forget for a little while?” Echo’s cock perked up, swelling and standing at attention inside his boxers. Forgetting sounded really good. “What did you have in mind, love?” Long fingers slid into the waistband of his underwear, skimming through his closely cropped curls and dancing over his throbbing length. Hex teased him, keeping the touch featherlight, caressing the underside of Echo’s cock with his knuckles. “Let me take care of you.” “Let us take care of you,” Onyx murmured.

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Echo opened his eyes and reached out to caress the side of Onyx’s face where he knelt on the floor in front of him. “How do you feel? Are you sure you’re up for this?” Onyx gripped his own naked cock, giving the hard shaft a few good strokes as he smirked. “Oh, I am more than up for it.” He nuzzled his cheek against Echo’s hip, his palm smoothing up the inside of Echo’s thigh. “I feel great, baby, promise. I need you, though. Don’t say no.” How could he? He’d give any of his men whatever they needed. To know he was the object of their desire made his head spin and his dick ache. Then Syx was there as well, kneeling beside Onyx and pushing Echo’s shirt up his chest while Hex finally palmed Echo’s leaking cock and stroked it lightly. Dropping his head back on his lover’s chest, Echo groaned and pushed his hips forward, pumping his hard length into Hex’s loose grasp. Hex tugged Echo’s shirt over his head, and Syx and Onyx worked to remove his boxers. Echo shivered and moaned when the cool air from the kitchen met his overheated skin. His moan turned to a yelp of surprise when Hex swung him up in his arms and carried him to the kitchen table, placing him gently on the hard wood. He was pushed and pulled, maneuvered until he sprawled on the kitchen table with his legs and arms spread wide like a sacrificial offering. To complete the picture, soft Velcro straps were wound around his wrists and secured firmly to the table legs. He didn’t even know where his lovers got the bindings or who had tied him. His body trembled, his skin tingled, and his brain felt mushy. Large, callused hands touched him everywhere, spiking his pleasure and leaving him begging for more. Then warm, wet heat surrounded his pulsing cock, and Echo’s eyes snapped open. Lifting his head slightly, he peered down his body, his tongue lodging in the back of his throat as he watched his glistening dick slide in and out of Myst’s swollen lips.

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Echo pulled at his restraints, wanting—needing—to touch his men, to feel their slick, smooth bodies beneath his palms and fingertips. The Velcro held tight, keeping his hands in place, and Echo growled in frustration. Syx and Onyx bent over him from opposite sides of the table, licking and nibbling at his nipples, biting them between their teeth and tugging. Echo dropped his head back to the table and groaned while his eyes rolled back in his head. They were trying to kill him. He just knew it. The suction on his cock increased, as well as the speed in which Myst dragged his lips up and down the throbbing shaft. Just when he thought the top of his head would pop off, Eyce leaned over him, claiming his mouth in a hard, hungry kiss. More hands began roaming his body. More lips traveled over his skin. Eyce’s tongue plunged into his mouth, licking at the moist depths and taking no prisoners. He didn’t just kiss Echo, he devoured him, laying siege and claiming what belonged to him. His skillful tongue swirled around Echo’s before Eyce sucked it into his mouth and grazed it with his teeth. He ruled, commanded, and dominated until Echo’s entire world centered on the next swipe of the warrior’s tongue. Echo’s balls churned, ached, drew tight to his body, and the lips wrapped around his pebbled nipples sucked harder until Echo couldn’t hold back any longer. With a muffled cry against Eyce’s lips, he arched his hips, driving his cock to the back of Myst’s throat and erupting like a geyser. His dick swelled and pulsed, flexing inside the demon’s mouth as cum spurted from his slit to bathe Myst’s tongue. Before he’d even finished coming, his hands were released, and Onyx lifted him from the table, urging his limp body to the floor between Vapre’s spread thighs. The demon reclined in his chair, stroking his thick cock and dipping his thumb into the slit to smear the clear beads of pre-cum around the engorged head.

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Bracing his hands on Vapre’s thighs, Echo licked his lips and dove forward, moaning like a complete slut when the spicy taste of his lover burst over his taste buds. More, oh, gods, he needed more. Digging his fingers into Vapre’s yielding flesh, Echo licked and sucked, hollowing his cheeks as he dragged his lips along velvetwrapped, steel-hard cock. Strong hands caressed his upturned ass, squeezing the muscles and spreading his cheeks apart. One hand disappeared, only to return with a stinging swat to his already sensitive skin. Echo groaned, sucking harder on Vapre’s dick, and the warrior growled and thrust up into his mouth. “Fuck, do that again,” he demanded. Again, the large hand landed on Echo’s ass, harder than the first time and sending fire straight to his balls and up his half-hard prick. A second hand joined the first, slightly larger and more powerful, and they took turns, reddening Echo’s ass and sending him into a tailspin of need and desire. His cock filled once again, jerking with every stinging swat to his ass. With his renewed passion, another hunger began to burn inside his belly, claw at his throat, and ache in his gums. Echo pulled off of Vapre’s cock before his fangs could elongate, unwilling to hurt his mate even by accident. The artery in Vapre’s groin called to him like a siren’s song, filling his nose with the rich, sweet smell of the demon’s blood. Another smack landed on his heated backside, and Echo cried out before burying his nose against the inside of Vapre’s groin. He licked over the vein there, whimpering as he fought against the burning need to sink his fangs into the salty flesh and drink his fill. Vapre stroked the side of Echo’s face, then his fingers slipped into Echo’s hair until he cradled the back of his head and held him firmly. “Take what you need, little one. I’m always happy to give it to you.” “Thank you,” Echo whispered as his canines lengthened. He ran his tongue over them, shivering as electricity shot straight to his cock. He licked at the vein again, wrapping his lips around it and sucking.

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When the need became too much for him to fight, he finally pushed his fangs through the supple flesh, moaning loudly as the delicious nectar flowed into his mouth. Vapre roared loud enough to shake the windows, his cock exploding without touch, and long, hot strings of cream coated the side of Echo’s face. It only spurred him on, and he sucked harder at the wound, rocking his hips against the air and growling in frustration. Two slick fingers pushed into his pulsing hole, driving in deep and nailing his prostate on the first try. Extracting his teeth from Vapre’s thigh, Echo dropped his head back on his shoulders and screamed. His cry was cut short when Syx knelt beside him, fisting his hand in Echo’s hair and crushing their mouths together. Two fingers became three, three became four, and then disappeared. Echo whimpered into Syx’s mouth at the empty feeling in his ass. His lovers were quick to remedy the problem. Breaking the kiss and looking over his shoulder, Echo watched as Onyx lined up his weeping cock, nudging against Echo’s needy hole. The demon looked up, met Echo’s gaze, and held it as he thrust forward, slowly feeding his cock to Echo’s clenching passage. It felt like a torturously long time before Echo finally felt the brush of his lover’s heavy sac against his own. Onyx paused for only a second then pulled out until only the flared crown remained. He paused again, and Echo thought he’d kill the demon. “Stop teasing me.” Onyx’s hands held a bruising grip on his waist, and he jerked Echo back, slamming his cock in to the root. Echo cried out, his fingers still digging into Vapre’s thighs as his head swam in ecstasy. Fast and hard, Onyx grunted and growled as he drove into Echo’s greedy channel. Syx tilted his head to the side, pulled Echo’s mouth to his throat, and shuddered. “Claim me,” he demanded.

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Out of his mind with lust, Echo didn’t think twice. He sank his teeth into Syx’s neck, pushing his fangs deep and growling like an animal at the warm rush of blood over his tongue. “Oh, fuck,” Onyx and Syx yelled in unison as they both went off like bottle rockets. Syx’s seed splashed against Echo’s flank as Onyx filled Echo’s ass to overflowing with the molten lava of his release. Everyone separated quickly, and Echo dropped back to his heels, grabbing his aching cock and stroking it fiercely as the muscles in his neck bunched and strained. The need to come overpowered him, made him dizzy, left him aching to be filled, sucked, fucked, and ravished until he couldn’t move. Luckily, he had seven talented lovers that had made it their personal goal in life to see to Echo’s every need. Hex’s muscled arm looped around his chest, lifting him up and holding him firmly against the alpha’s damp chest. His huge cock pushed into Echo’s hole, slamming into him at a ferocious pace. Vapre and Eyce stretched out on the floor to either side of Echo, taking turns fondling his balls and laving the head of his dick with their wet tongues. Hex’s pace faltered before stilling completely. Frustrated and desperate, Echo snapped his head over his shoulder to find out what the problem was. Myst knelt behind the huge warrior, his face buried in Hex’s neck as his body rocked and shuddered. Eyce’s plump lips wrapped around the head of Echo’s cock as Vapre’s slippery tongue swirled around the base. Hex began thrusting again, slowly, but with just as much power. Onyx appeared in front of him, cradling Echo’s face and bending forward to seal their mouths together. Oh, gods, too much. Too much and not enough, all at the same time. Onyx’s tongue stroked in and out of his mouth, moving in the same rhythm as the enormous prick pounding into his ass, and Echo let out a throaty, needy moan. Vapre’s mouth disappeared from his cock, and Echo glanced down in time to see Syx tackle the warrior to the floor, push his knees

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to his chest, and drive into him with such force they moved across the kitchen tile. Eyce moaned around the head of his cock, before he, too, disappeared. Echo darted his eyes to the other side, moaning into Onyx’s mouth as Fiero pushed Eyce face down on the floor, lined up the head of his dick, and pushed into Eyce’s sweet hole. Clinging to Onyx’s shoulder with one hand, Echo moved the other down the demon’s chest until his fingers came in contact with the hot length jutting proudly from Onyx’s groin. Palming the heavy erection, he stroked his mate, hissing in delight when Onyx immediately returned the favor. Hex’s thrust became wild and jerky, and grunts and moans filled the kitchen. A feral growl rumbled in Echo’s chest, and he jerked Onyx’s head to the side by his hair, striking before the warrior could even question him. His canines pushed through the skin on his lover’s neck as easily as a hot knife through butter. Several ear-piercing roars filled the room, including Onyx’s as he unloaded his balls, spraying Echo’s hand and wrist with his cum. Hex howled, grinding his groin against Echo’s ass and filling his convulsing channel to overflowing. Still, Echo couldn’t come. His dick throbbed and ached. His balls tightened until it was painful. His belly cramped and burned, but he couldn’t come. Releasing his hold on Onyx’s throat, he dropped his forehead to the man’s chest and mewled desperately. “Please,” he begged. He didn’t know what he begged for, but if he didn’t get it soon, he was going to die. Overdramatic maybe, but he had no doubt he would keel over if he didn’t get relief soon. “We got you, baby,” Onyx whispered. He urged Echo’s head back, peered into his eyes, and slowly lowered his mouth to Echo’s neck. At the same moment, Echo felt another set of lips on the opposite side of his neck, and yet another ghosting over the inside of his thigh.

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Syx and Vapre. He couldn’t see them, but he knew, and he suddenly understood what he needed. The instant the three warriors pierced his skin, claimed him and marked him, light exploded behind Echo’s closed eyelids, and he screamed loud enough to shatter glass. The final bond popped into place, connecting him to all of his mates, and Echo continued to scream as copious amounts of scorching seed rocketed up his dick and exploded from the slit. When he came down from his disorienting euphoria, he was cradled in Hex’s lap, his lovers surrounding him as they petted his skin and cooed loving words to him. Yeah, he could definitely get used to this. “And just why can’t I fuck my mates on the kitchen table?” Echo’s head popped up, and he let out a very unmanly giggle at the sight of Craze standing in the kitchen, glaring at them with his hands on his hips. “We didn’t fuck him on the table,” Hex answered calmly. A wry smile twisted his lips, and he rubbed his cheek over Echo’s head. “Much.”

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Chapter Nine “Should we get him in bed?” Vapre whispered in his ear. Lounging on the sofa, surrounded by his men, Hex couldn’t remember a time he’d ever felt happier. Their friends and fellow housemates gathered on the floor, each cuddled with their own lovers, sneaking kisses and sharing smiles. This was how it was supposed to be. Running his fingers through Echo’s hair, Hex smiled and shook his head. “In a bit.” Echo snuggled in his lap, his breathing slow and even, as he snored adorably against Hex’s throat. His poor baby was so tired. Remembering the reason for Echo’s exhaustion, Hex couldn’t bring himself to feel too bad about it. In the four days since Echo had claimed them all, they’d taken the little man in every position imaginable, on every flat surface in the house. Yeah, life was perfect. So perfect in fact, Hex had almost forgotten that someone had tried to take Echo and Onyx from them. He’d also given little thought to the coming test that loomed just ahead of them. The Oracle had been unusually quiet, not visiting any of them in their dreams, or whispering encouragement into their minds. Syx, however, felt confident that Hex was the next up to bat. He explained that the bites marring Onyx’s body when they found him looked more animal than human or supernatural—not vampire or werewolf, he said. Hex argued that Onyx had been attacked before the new moon, so that didn’t prove anything. Syx still didn’t budge on his position.

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Echo shivered in his arms, snuggling closer. “Blanket?” Hex asked of Vapre. Soft fleece immediately covered their mate, and Hex nodded his thanks. If indeed it was his turn, Hex would face his challenge without fear. He had too much to lose, and failure was not an option. Dropping a tender kiss on the top of Echo’s head, Hex sighed in contentment. Things were so much easier since he’d decide to just let go and accept what his men offered. He still worried for their safety, knew Ares would exploit the gift of their love, and the love Hex gave in return. In the midst of all the chaos, Echo had completely bewitched him, heart, mind, and spirit, and there was no turning back. He’d face Ares as he faced the new moon—proud and fearless, cold and ruthless. “Hex?” Jinx called softly from the floor. He looked anxious, his lower lips sucked in between his teeth, and he gripped Craze’s hand so hard, his knuckles were white. Craze stroked his hair and kissed his temple. Hex approved. Jinx and Syn deserved a caring and giving mate. He’d had reservations that Craze could be that mate, but was happy to see the Addonexus proving him wrong. “Yes?” “I don’t want to make trouble, but I’ve been thinking.” The vampire looked paler than usual. In fact, he looked like he was going to be sick. Was Hex really that intimidating? “You’re a big teddy bear,” Syx teased from his other side, and soft lips brushed over his cheek. “Just hear him out, okay?” Hex turned his head to capture Syx’s lips. He kept the kiss brief, but poured as much love as he could into it. “You know I always do.” Syx’s lips drifted to his ear, his warm breath causing Hex to shiver involuntarily. “I love you.” Hex’s heart slammed against his breastbone so hard it made his head swim. It happened every time one of his lovers voiced their feelings. After the third or fourth time it happened, Hex decided it

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wasn’t such a bad thing. He doubted he’d ever tire of hearing the words. “More than anything,” he whispered back. “Uh, guys, this is kind of important,” Craze chastised, but he was smiling when Hex looked at him. Craze dipped his head. “I’m happy for you, but I think you’re going to want to hear this.” His knuckles skimmed down Jinx’s cheek. “I’m right here, baby. Just tell them.” “Echo isn’t a vampire,” Jinx blurted then scooted closer to Craze as though he wanted to burrow into the man’s skin. Hex failed to see how this was a bad thing. He also didn’t understand how it could be true. “He has fangs. He needs to drink from us.” Though he had a feeling they enjoyed it as much if not more than their mate. “Why do you think he’s not?” “Born or made, vampires cannot go out into the sun. He also doesn’t smell like a vampire. He smells…sweeter, more floral, I guess.” Jinx crawled up into Craze’s lap. “I want to bite him.” Hex tensed and a low growl rolled inside his chest. His warriors all sat up, similar sounds falling from their snarling lips. He finally realized why Jinx looked so afraid. Craze wrapped one arm around his mate and held the other up in a peaceable gesture. “He’s not going to touch him. Please, he’s scared enough.” “What about you?” Hex asked as civilly as possible, his eyes locked onto Syn. He didn’t think he pulled off the calm tone he was aiming for when the little man paled and scrambled over to Craze’s side. “Yes,” he whispered. “I won’t, but you have no idea how amazing he smells now.” “I have no desire to bite him,” Jet piped up, “but he does smell different since we brought him home. Not like Jinx and Syn, though. Their scent is colder, more like sugary ice, if that makes sense. If sunshine had a smell, that’s what I’d say Echo smells like.” “Agreed,” Gage said. He bobbed his head thoughtfully. “Like spring flowers, fresh strawberries, and sunshine all rolled into one.”

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“Exactly,” Pax whispered. Hex glanced around at the other demons, taking comfort in the fact that they all looked as confused as he felt. “So, what does that mean? If he’s not a vampire, what is he?” No one had an answer. “I don’t know,” Jinx offered quietly. “I’m sorry. I’ve never smelled anything like it.” “Did he smell this way before?” “Not exactly.” Syn scrunched his eyebrows. “It was similar, but more…muted, I guess.” Transferring Echo to Syx’s lap, Hex stood from the sofa and dipped his head curtly. “Thank you for telling me. If you bite him…” He left the threat hanging as he glared at the vampires. “We won’t,” Jinx said hurriedly. “I just thought you should know.” Hex nodded again then walked around the couch toward the staircase. “Where are you going?” Eyce called after him. “To see if I can get a meeting with the Oracle.” **** It was surprisingly easier than he’d thought it would be. After stripping out of his clothes and crawling into bed, Hex closed his eyes, thinking of the Oracle, and willing her to answer. When he opened his eyes again, he stood in a vast field, lush, green grass tickling his bare toes. The sun warmed his face, the sky bluer than any he’d ever seen, and the Oracle stood before him with a sly smirk on her face. “You beckoned, Warrior?” “I need answers.” No point in beating around the bush. She obviously knew why he’d sought her out, and he had little patience for riddles at the moment.

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“You have neglected your heart, your mate, and the bond between you. Now, you seek answers to questions that should have never been brought to light.” She spoke softly, kindly, but with a trace of steel. “How were we supposed to know Echo was going to be kidnapped and drained?” Hex grinded his teeth together to prevent the growl from escaping his mouth. “By your actions, you led him into danger. Not once, but twice.” Her words cut through Hex like a knife. If he hadn’t pushed Echo away, his mate would have been by his side instead of out in the night alone. Had he not acted like such an insufferable asshole, Echo wouldn’t have been hurt, and then Onyx wouldn’t have felt the need to go after their mate’s attacker. Guilt slammed into him so hard, he dropped to his knees, struggling for breath. “How do I fix this?” he pleaded. “You cannot.” The Oracle knelt in front of him, her eyes boring into his. “You cannot take back what has been done.” Her fingertips whispered over his cheek, and she smiled warmly. “Your eyes are lovely, Warrior, but they hold such sadness.” “I let them down,” Hex whispered. “I was supposed to protect them.” “Ah, but you take too much onto yourself. You are meant to protect one another. The war is not yours to fight alone.” “Will Echo be okay? What is he?” “Echo is stronger for his ordeal, both mentally and physically.” She smiled crookedly. “He is your mate, of course.” “Yes, but he’s something more. What happened to him? How can I be sure it won’t happen again if I don’t know what to be prepared for?” “Yes, he is something more. Though”—the Oracle laughed musically—“he always has been.” Hex’s head began to hurt. “I don’t understand. Please just tell me what to do now.”

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“Echo is special.” She kissed Hex’s cheek lightly before rising gracefully to her feet. “You will know more when the time is right. For now, keep him close. Keep him safe. More will come for him, but they mustn’t find him. Do you understand?” All he understood was that his mate was in danger. That was more than enough. “He will be protected.” “Do not seek answers, Warrior. They will come to you.” With that parting line, the Oracle faded away, and Hex jerked straight up in his bed. As always when the Oracle visited him, he now had more questions than answers. He knew one thing, though. Echo would not so much as take a piss without someone watching him until the war was over. **** “So, I’m not a vampire?” Echo scratched the back of his neck and frowned. “Okay, so what am I?” The minute he’d woken up in Syx’s lap, he’d thought something was wrong. After going in search of Hex and finding him naked and grumbling in his bed, he’d known something was wrong. “Does it matter?” Hex cupped his cheek and kissed the tip of his nose. “You’re alive. You’re healthy. I hope you’re happy, because I know I am. What more is there?” Of course, Hex would go all mushy on him now. “You know I’m happy. And, I guess it’s enough for now, but I’d still like to know.” “We’ll figure it out. Just try not to worry. Whatever you are, you’re still our mate. Nothing can change that.” Echo rubbed their noses together and grinned. “I never doubted that. Just confused and a little afraid. What if I’m something bad?” It was his worst fear that something evil had taken root inside him out in those woods.

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“Not possible. Our choices define us. Not what we are, but who we are. Before you met us, I’m sure you thought demons were evil.” Echo blushed and nodded. “Okay, I see your point. I just don’t want to hurt anyone. I mean, I feel like myself mostly, but I hate not knowing what to expect.” “Expect to be loved and adored, and nothing more. No sense in worrying over things we can’t control.” “Where is all of this coming from? You’re usually the first one to fly off the handle and go apeshit when something bad happens.” Echo kissed Hex’s cheek quickly. “Not that I’m complaining, mind you. I like this calmer side of you.” Hex chuckled and rolled over on the mattress to rest on his side. He pulled Echo to him until their chests pressed together, and Echo’s face rested in the crook of his neck. “I had a little visit with the Oracle. I’ve screwed up a lot where you’re concerned. I’ve probably done worse by the others. I have a lot to make up for, and I can’t do that if I let my uncertainty rule me.” “I’m still under surveillance, though, huh?” Echo had been more than pissed when Hex explained that he might as well get used to having a permanent shadow. “Just for a little while. The Oracle says you’re special, and while I already knew that, I think she means something different from my definition. You could say that I’ve been ordered to keep you out of danger. I intend to follow that command to the letter.” Echo chuckled under his breath and snuggled closer to his mate. “Fine, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. You guys were already overprotective before. I can just imagine what it’s going to be like now. When this war is over, I’m going to have to have each of you surgically removed from up my ass.” Hex tickled his ribs, pulling a yelp from his mouth. “I thought you liked having us up your ass,” the alpha growled seductively. “You know what I meant.”

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“I do, and I’m sorry. You’re just going to have to deal with it for a while.” “Has Onyx talked to you?” Echo didn’t want to ruin the moment, but he’d been concerned about the man for days. “He hasn’t said a word about what happened to him. It’s not good for him to keep it inside like that.” “He hasn’t said anything to me.” Hex sighed and nuzzled the top of Echo’s head. “We’re warriors, baby. Until you came along, we never talked about feelings or stuff like that. It was just easier to pretend they didn’t exist. You can’t expect all that to change overnight. If anyone can get him to open up, it’s you.” “Should I go talk to him now?” Echo worried his lower lip between his teeth. “Or, do you think I should wait?” “He’s been spending a lot of time by himself,” Hex whispered. “I know for a fact that he’s been sleeping alone as well. I think the sooner, the better.” “Will you come with me? I understand why you think he’d open up to me, but it’s not the same. I’ve never tried to hide my feelings. I think he needs to know that at least one of you guys supports him as well. What do you think?” Echo hoped he was explaining it right. Unless Onyx believed all his lovers would be there for him, love him no matter what, he’d never fully heal. “I think you’re smart and sexy. I’ll give you a few minutes alone, but I’ll be right there. Don’t let him hide, baby. He needs us, even if he won’t admit it.” Echo couldn’t agree more. “Okay, but don’t take too long. Oh, and, Hex?” “Yes, Echo?” Hex leaned away and smirked down at him. “I love you.” “And I thank the gods for it every day.” Hex patted him on the hip. “Now, go.” Echo squirmed out of the bed and pulled on a pair of sleep pants. This wasn’t about sex after all, and he wouldn’t allow Onyx to

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distract him. He reached the door and eased it open before Hex called his name, making him pause and look over his shoulder. “Yes?” “I love you, baby.” Echo’s heart flopped over in his chest, and his stomach made a slow roll. He smiled like an idiot, dipped his head, and hurried out of the room. It amazed him that his big, bad alpha had the power to turn him to putty with those four softly spoken words. He wouldn’t trade anything in the world for it.

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Chapter Ten Suppressing a groan, Onyx rolled to his back and stared up at the ceiling. “Come in.” He said the words grudgingly. He didn’t want to see anyone. The door eased open, then closed. Still, he didn’t move his eyes from the ceiling. Soft footsteps padded across the carpet, and the bed dipped. Onyx continued to ignore whoever was in the room with him. A small body curled against his side, a tiny hand stroked his chest, and Echo’s long, golden hair tickled his arm. “Can I stay?” All resistance faded, and Onyx finally looked down into his mate’s eyes. Even in the dim light from the moon, Echo’s brilliant blue eyes shined. Turning to face his lover, he tucked Echo closer to his body and kissed his forehead. “You’re always welcome here.” “Are you upset because I’m different now?” There was so much uncertainty and fear in that one simple question, it broke Onyx’s heart. “No, baby, I’m not upset. Am I sorry for what happened to you? Yes. That doesn’t change how I feel about you, though.” He expected Echo to probe deeper into that statement. If Echo asked exactly how Onyx felt about him, he knew he wouldn’t be able to lie. Instead, Echo sniffled softly against his neck. “I’m sorry that I messed everything up.” “Oh, Echo. None of this is your fault. You didn’t mess anything up.” Onyx slipped his fingers under Echo’s chin and applied gentle pressure until the man looked up at him. “There is nothing you can do that would make me not love you.” It wasn’t nearly as scary to say the words as he thought it would be. It felt right.

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“Kiss me,” Echo whispered. Who was Onyx to deny such a sweet plea? Dipping his head, he pressed their lips together, slow, sweet, and tender. “You’re playing me, aren’t you?” he asked a moment later. The knowledge didn’t bother him in the least. “Not really. I am sorry for being stupid and getting myself kidnapped. I do worry that things will change because of what I am now.” Echo smiled and pressed their lips together again. “And I do love you, Onyx.” “Good enough.” Onyx didn’t want to talk anymore. He wanted to feel his mate beneath him, their bodies moving together as Echo wrapped around him like a silk glove. He wanted to hear Echo gasp and moan, calling out Onyx’s name as they both raced toward the same goal. “You have entirely too many clothes on.” “Do you hurt anywhere?” With a sly smirk, Onyx took Echo’s hand and guided it to his naked cock. “There seems to be a lot of swelling and throbbing here. Maybe you could kiss it and make it better.” Echo didn’t remove his hand, but he didn’t stroke Onyx’s aching length. He didn’t smile, either. “I’m being serious. Is your body healed?” “I’m fine. The wounds closed before the next morning, and the scars faded a day later.” Onyx slid his dick in and out of Echo’s loose hold. “Stop worrying so much.” “How can you say that?” Echo released him and pushed up on his elbow. “You could have died, and you tell me not to worry about that? Did you worry when I was hurt?” With a frustrated groan, Onyx dropped his head to the pillow and pinched the bridge of his nose. “You want to talk about this now?” “Yes, I do,” Echo said stubbornly. “You haven’t talked about it at all. I have no idea what happened to you. Why won’t you talk to me?”

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“Not everything is about you,” Onyx snapped. He immediately regretted his words when Echo gasped and jerked away from him. “Ah, fuck, I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry.” “I want to help, but I can see you’re not ready. I’m sorry if I made things worse for you.” Echo rolled away as if he planned to leave. “You know where to find me.” Onyx grabbed his lover’s arm and held him on the mattress. “Don’t go.” Echo stilled but didn’t look at him. “I thought you wanted to be alone?” “I don’t know what I want,” Onyx admitted. “Yeah, I’ve been fucked up since I was attacked, but it’s not because I’m scared. I’m embarrassed, ashamed.” His mate whipped around and gaped. “Why would you be embarrassed?” Echo crawled back up the bed to kneel beside Onyx and place a hand in the center of his chest. “You couldn’t stop what happened to you.” “That’s exactly it. Baby, I was born to fight. That’s what I am— what we all are. Until we escaped the Underworld, it was our only purpose. We’ve never lost a fight.” Onyx’s chest swelled a little with pride, but quickly deflated as he continued. “Until that night, I’d never been bested in battle.” “You were outnumbered.” Onyx arched an eyebrow. “How do you know that?” “No one could take you one-on-one.” Onyx had an idea the little imp was trying to assuage his wounded ego, and he loved him all the more for it. “I never saw what attacked me, but you’re right in assuming there was more than one. I know they were animals, but I couldn’t tell you what kind. I also don’t know if they were truly beasts, or maybe shifters.” “So, why didn’t you just tell me that?”

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“Can you imagine what kind of shit the guys would give me for getting my ass kicked by a pack of damn animals?” “You’re wrong.” Onyx snapped his attention to the doorway and groaned. “Motherfucker. You set me up, you little shit.” “Well, kind of,” Echo admitted. “I knew Hex was coming, but I didn’t know he’d walk in at just the right time.” He looked over at Hex and grinned. “You have excellent timing, love.” Hex ignored him, his eyes still on Onyx. “You scared the shit out of us. We worked out that you’d been attacked by animals for ourselves, thank you very much. We’re not stupid, Onyx. Nor do we think any less of you or your combat skills. So, stop being a shithead and pushing everyone away, or I’ll kick your skinny ass.” Echo moaned and hung his head. “That was the worst pep talk I’ve ever heard.” Onyx disagreed. Though it wasn’t wine and roses, it was exactly what he needed to hear. “My ass is not skinny.” High-pitched laughter filled the room as Echo fell back on the bed and rolled from side to side. “Seriously? That was practically an epic speech for Hex, and what you got out of it was that your ass is skinny?” “It’s not skinny.” Echo laughed harder. “No, no, it’s a great ass.” “Precisely.” The sound of his mate’s delighted laughter made Onyx’s chest swell. He could listen to Echo laugh all day. Hell, he could just sit and listen to the man breathe for that matter. Hex stripped out of his clothes, took two steps, and dove on the bed to land on top of Onyx. His hands slipped under Onyx’s ass and gave it a good squeeze. “It is a really nice ass.” Hex’s lips nibbled at Onyx’s neck. “Love this ass.” The rumble of approval in his voice sent Onyx from peaceful and content, to hard and aching in two seconds flat.

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“Oh, yeah? How about you show me how much you love it?” “Oh, yes, please can we show him?” Echo jumped to his feet and stripped out of his sleep pants before anyone could blink. His eagerness only pushed Onyx’s desire to a fever pitch. “I want to bite it.” “He’s going to kill me,” Onyx said around a groan, arching his hips up and sliding his swollen dick along Hex’s abs. “Naw, you’ll survive.” Hex licked over Onyx’s collarbone. “We’ll take good care of you.” And they did. **** “This is so not fair!” Myst threw his hands in the air, waving them around like an idiot. “Why haven’t my eyes changed? Why am I always left out?” His arms crossed over his chest, and his lower lip slid out. It was too much for Echo. A man that big and fierce should never pout. Chewing on the inside of his cheek, Echo tried so hard not to laugh. He knew Myst was upset, but really, the man was acting like an overgrown child. “And what color eyes would you like to have?” Onyx asked, batting his eyelashes. Tiny snorts escaped Echo’s nose, and he bit down harder on his cheek until he tasted blood. “I don’t know. But this!” Myst pointed his finger in Onyx’s face, indicating his newly changed eye color. Echo thought the deep, dark chocolate looked stunning with Onyx’s skin tone. “This is not fair! Tell me how,” he demanded. “You’ll have to find that out on your own.” Onyx winked at the warrior and made kissy faces. Echo finally lost it. He leaned back against the kitchen counter, wrapped his arms around his midsection, and laughed until tears

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streamed down his face. He knew the catalyst for the change in his warriors’ eye color. He just didn’t understand why or the importance of it. Myst’s overreaction was priceless, though. “It’s because of him, isn’t it?” Myst moved his finger to jab it in Echo’s direction. “It’s his fault.” “I don’t know if I’d put it that way, but yeah.” Onyx looked across the room at Echo and winked, which only made him laugh harder. “But, he claimed me. I claimed him. I’ve done the same thing as everyone else. Why aren’t my eyes all pretty?” “Oh, you think my eyes are pretty.” Onyx batted his lashes again, and Echo was having serious trouble breathing through his amusement. “Shut up, asshole,” Myst grumped. “You know what I mean. What’s wrong with me? What did I do wrong?” That finally cooled Echo’s mirth. If Myst were merely acting out because he wanted information that no one would give him, that was one thing. The obvious concern in his voice that he didn’t measure up to the other warriors was in no way funny. Echo just didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t make Myst love him. Okay, well, he had no doubt in his mind or heart that the demon loved him. He couldn’t make Myst say the words until he was ready, though. “Just give it time,” he finally answered. “There is not a damn thing wrong with you.” “Yeah, I guess.” Myst pushed a hand through his hair and sighed. “I just don’t like not knowing shit.” Echo snorted. “Join the club, man. Join the freakin’ club.” “So, what’s on today’s agenda?” Onyx asked grudgingly. “Well, it’s the full moon for one,” Gage answered, walking into the kitchen with a smile on his face. “So, you’ll be shacked up in your room with Sony and Mac?” Gage grabbed an orange from the table and began peeling it. “Actually, I was thinking I might run wild tonight and see if I can pick up anything out in the woods.”

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“No!” Echo pushed away from the counter and fisted his hands on his hips. “Have you told your mates about this stupid idea? Since you’re still standing, I’m going to guess not. Did you see what happened to me?” Gage looked Echo up and down and arched an eyebrow. Echo gave a flick of his wrist in dismissal. “Okay, so I’m a runt. I get that. You’re the one that found Onyx, aren’t you? He’s certainly not a pipsqueak. It’s not safe, Gage.” “Echo, I’m a werewolf.” “And Onyx is a fucking demon!” Echo shouted. “If I had to put money on it, I’d bet on him any day of the week to wipe the floor with your furry ass. You. Are. Not. Going!” Echo even stamped his foot to emphasize his point. Childish maybe, but he was beyond caring. He was sick and damn tired of people he cared about getting mauled and beaten. “I’ll be fine.” Gage turned his back and began talking to Myst. The asshole had another thing coming if he thought he could just blow Echo off without consequences. Walking casually to the kitchen entryway, Echo cupped his hands around his mouth and bellowed for Gage’s mates. “Sony! Mac! Can you come down here, please?” Gage whirled around and glared at him. “You wouldn’t.” Echo ignored him and leaned against the doorway, waiting for his friends to make their way to the kitchen. “You screeched?” Sony asked with a smile. Waving a hand behind him in Gage’s general direction, Echo huffed. “Did you know that Gage plans to go out into the woods to shift tonight?” “No, he’s not.” Mac shook his head and glared over Echo’s shoulder at his lover. “He’s not that stupid.” “Oh, I knew there had to be a mistake.” Echo turned his head and smirked at Gage. “I guess I misheard.” “You didn’t mishear anything.” Gage growled and took a menacing step toward Echo. “Is there a reason you feel you need to

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stick your nose into everyone’s business? Not everything is about you, Echo!” That was the second time someone had said that to him in a few short hours. Did he really come off as that self-centered? He just wanted everyone to be safe, and going out into the woods at night certainly didn’t fall into that category. “Man, that’s enough,” Onyx said with a quiet steel in his voice. “He’s right, and you know it.” “This is bullshit,” Gage spat. “He is not my goddamn keeper.” He turned back to Echo with a snarl on his lips. “I am so fucking tired of you bossing everyone around and acting all high and mighty like you rule the world. What do you know about war? What do you know about anything that we’re facing? Do you even care?” Echo jerked back as if he’d been slapped. “Of course I care,” he answered quietly. “I’m trying to save your life.” “No!” Gage growled. “You’re trying to run my life. There’s a big difference, and I don’t appreciate the latter.” “Gage.” Myst began to vibrate, his chest heaving, and the black bleeding out to the corners of his eyes. “You need to step back.” Gage threw his hands in the air and huffed. “That’s right. Take his fucking side. Do you think he really gives a shit about what happens to any of us as long as he has a roof over his head and a cock up his ass every night?” “Gage, you’re being a prick.” Sony eased past Echo and walked over to his lover. “This isn’t like you, and Myst is going to rip your head off if you don’t stop it. What’s going on?” It seemed pretty obvious to Echo what was going on. Gage hated him. He didn’t know why, or what he’d done to cause the change in the ex-guard’s attitude, but the deep loathing in Gage’s eyes as he stared at him couldn’t be confused with anything else. “Where’s Syn?” Mac asked from behind Echo. Echo shook his head. “He’s sleeping. This is all Gage. Syn isn’t doing this.”

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Mac shook his head as well. “This isn’t Gage. He’d never say those things. He’d protect you with his life, if only because you’re my friend. This doesn’t make sense.” “I don’t know, Mac.” Echo rubbed a hand over his face, watching as Sony walked Gage toward the back door. They spoke quietly, Sony keeping his fingers locked around Gage’s wrist. “I’m sorry I caused problems between the three of you.” Then he pushed past his friend and hurried out of the kitchen. He made it to the stairs just as Hex and Eyce came jogging down them. “What’s all the yelling about?” Eyce asked. “Nothing.” Echo wasn’t going to start any more trouble by telling the truth. From now on, he’d just keep his mouth shut and his opinions to himself. “Echo, what happened?” The commanding tone of Hex’s voice let Echo know it wasn’t a request. The alpha demanded an answer. Now what the hell did he do? If he lied and Hex found out, it would stir up trouble. If he told the truth, it would start a fight. Some days it really sucked to be him. “Gage is a little upset. That’s all.” “Why is he pissed?” “Because I told him it wasn’t a good idea to go into the woods alone.” “Well, that’s smart,” Eyce agreed. “None of us should be out there until we find out what attacked you and Onyx.” “What else happened?” Hex crossed his arms over his chest in a no-nonsense gesture. “Don’t lie to me, Echo.” “Nothing,” Echo lied as he looked away from his mates. “He’s talking to Sony and Mac now. I’m sure they’ll talk some sense into him.” “So, where are you going?” Echo shrugged. “Tired. Just going to go take a little nap.” “Mmm,” Hex hummed. “Nice try.” Before Echo could react, Hex had him draped over one broad, muscled shoulder. “If you won’t tell me, I’ll just have to find out for myself.”

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He marched them into the kitchen, Eyce following along and looking a lot less friendly than he had a moment before. Echo just hung limply over Hex’s shoulder. There was no point in struggling. Something shitty was about to happen, and as always, he’d be right in the middle of it. Yippee! “Okay, so what’s the problem?” Hex asked casually. “Why is Myst about to shift?” Eyce pointed at the warrior and arched an eyebrow. Echo closed his eyes and placed a hand over them for good measure. All hell was about to break loose, and he didn’t want any part of it. Ironic, considering the whole damn mess was his fault to begin with. “Gage,” Onyx said coldly, “needs to apologize to Echo.” “Oh, go to hell,” Gage countered with a snarl. “Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.” Onyx’s voice held such icy steel that it made Echo shiver. “Okay, everyone calm down.” Hex still spoke calmly, but Echo could feel his lover’s shoulder tense beneath him. “Start from the beginning, and tell me what’s going on here.” “Something is wrong with Gage,” Mac answered quietly. “He’s not acting like himself.” “There is nothing wrong with me besides the fact that I’m stuck in this house with two sniveling mates and a houseful of men that fall to their knees every time Echo walks in the fucking room.” Echo groaned when he heard Mac’s loud gasp and Sony’s quiet growl. He was beginning to understand Mac’s point, though. No matter how Gage felt about him, Echo knew the man loved his mates more than anything. Gage was also a smart man, military trained, and always cool and levelheaded. No way would he go traipsing out into the forest alone after dark. “It’s a trick, a trap,” Echo said urgently as he lifted his head to look at Eyce. “Get Syx.”

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“Already here,” Syx said, stepping up behind Hex and rolling his eyes at Echo. “Is there a reason he’s carrying you around like a sack of laundry?” Echo shrugged as much as his position would allow. “I think he likes it, to be honest.” “So, why do we need to get Syx?” It was Echo’s turn to roll his eyes at the demon. “Because I need you to take a look inside Gage’s head. I think there might be someone else taking up residency there.” “Like Sage?” “Exactly. So, do you think you could get with the mind thing before everyone starts fighting? I’m kind of partial to not being beaten up.” Syx kissed Echo’s forehead and stepped around Hex. “Gage, how’s it going, man?” Gage just snarled. “Right. I guess that means you’re having a pretty crappy day.” Echo kicked his foot out, smirking when he connected with something solid and Syx grunted. “Get on with it.” “It would seem we have a visitor,” Syx drawled. “Sage,” Echo growled. “How do we get rid of him?” That little demon had hurt the people he cared about for the last time. Wiggling in Hex’s hold until the alpha finally set him on his feet, Echo marched over to Gage and placed both hands on the man’s chest. Gage growled, but Echo ignored him. He’d never been so furious in his life. What they faced each new moon wasn’t enough? Going to war wasn’t enough? Ares had to send his vile little henchmen to mess with them in between? Well, fuck that. “Echo,” Hex warned. “Come here, baby. Step away from him.” “Leave us alone!” Echo yelled up into Gage’s face. “Be a man and face us. Stop sneaking around like a coward!” He continued to yell, to taunt the demon as well as the god who controlled him. The longer he talked, the madder he got, and without warning, bright light shot from

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his hands, hitting Gage in the chest and knocking him backward with enough force to send him careening into the back door. Gage opened his mouth and roared, but it sounded nothing like him. Primal, feral, and animalistic, the sound seemed to go on forever. Then suddenly, everything went quiet, and Gage dropped to the floor on his hands and knees and panted heavily. His mates converged on him, touching, stroking, and whispering encouragements to him. Echo felt exhausted. His knees trembled, and he reached for something to steady himself. Silly of him since he had such big mates who were more than happy to hold him. Eyce caught him before his knees buckled, cradling him against his chest. “What the hell was that?” “I have no idea, but it worked.” “Echo,” Gage said raggedly. “I’m sorry, man. I swear I didn’t mean any of that shit. I could hear myself saying it, but I just couldn’t stop it.” “I know. I don’t blame you. Are you okay?” “Tired and sore, but yeah, I’m good.” Gage clutched his lovers to him and began his apologies all over again. “I guess this is going up on the board,” Syx mumbled. Echo craned his neck to look at the warrior. “What board?” “The dry-erase board I made to keep track of all the questions we still need answers to.” “And how is that working out for you?” Syx frowned. “I think I’m going to need a bigger board.”

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Chapter Eleven Hex couldn’t help but laugh. Syx really had a dry-erase board set up in the office with a list of questions scrawled down the one side, and possible answers on the other. “You weren’t joking.” Syx shook his head. “It’s easier if I have something tangible to look at, even if it’s just words on a white board.” “I can understand that. So, what do we have?” Syx walked over to the board and jabbed a finger at it as though it had morally offended him. “Okay, so here are the last parts of the prophecy leading up to the war.” Hex nodded, and Syx continued. “We need to find out why Ares has a raging boner for you. Don’t deny it.” “I never said a word.” “Okay, so then we need to know what importance the lab will play in this war. Why is it so important to Ares? Why are there only men and no women?” “Got it. What’s next?” Syx jabbed the board again. “What attacked Onyx? What happened to Echo? What is he now?” All excellent questions, and Hex just wished he had answers. “What’s that last one?” “I still haven’t heard back from Lexi about the missing money. It’s been almost two weeks. It’s not like her to not return my calls.” “It is strange, but what does it have to do with everything else that’s going on?”

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Syx stared him in the eyes and shook his head. “I’m not dismissing anything. No matter how far out in left field it seems, I’m assuming it’s all connected until I can prove otherwise.” “Smart.” Hex tilted his head to the side and frowned when Syx took a black marker and began scribbling something else on the board. “What are you writing now?” “We’re dropping like flies, man. That shit that happened with Gage in the kitchen is nuts. It’s the third time someone has succumbed to that evil little prick, too. We can’t let it happen again.” “What do we do about it?” Syx waved a hand behind him. “I don’t know. That’s why it’s on the board.” **** If Gage apologized one more time, Echo was going to scream. “Look, I’ve been there. I know you can’t help it. I know you didn’t mean it. I just know, okay?” Gage bit his lip and turned to his mates. Mac held a hand up. “Don’t. I forgave you the minute you said it. I knew something wasn’t right.” “Then let me say this.” Gage brushed his lips over Mac’s. “Thank you for believing in me and knowing I’d never hurt you that way.” “Hey, I believed you, too,” Sony huffed. “Then let me show you my gratitude.” Gage smiled wickedly as he grabbed up both of his mates and ran them out of the kitchen. Echo chuckled under his breath and eased into the seat beside Myst. “You doing okay?” “Yeah, sorry, baby.” Myst propped his elbows up on the table and rested his chin in his palms. “I didn’t mean to wig out like that.” Leaning over, Echo kissed the underside of Myst’s jaw. “Well, it was a bit hostile, but it was also kind of sexy. It’s nice to know that you’d defend me no matter what.”

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“Every time,” Myst answered with sincerity. Echo kissed his mate again and cleared the roughness from his throat. “Okay, the full moon is tonight. The new moon is in two weeks. We haven’t done anything to prepare for it.” “That seems to be our standard operating procedure.” Echo turned in his seat to find Fiero leaning against the kitchen doorway. “You’re right, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good practice.” Standing up straight, Fiero shrugged and walked over to plop down in one of the chairs. “It’s been working so far. I say if it’s not broke, don’t fuck with it.” Echo snorted and rolled his eyes. “Yes, very eloquent.” He started to say something else, but bit his lip and looked down at his hands where they rested in his lap. Although it hadn’t technically been Gage who’d said those awful things, maybe the man had a point. Maybe Echo was too bossy. Onyx reached over and tapped the end of his nose. “What’s all this? If you have something to say then just say it. Don’t let what Gage said get to you.” “Yeah, we like you bossy,” Myst added. “Quiet and submissive is not your style.” Fiero gave a dramatic shudder. “Thank the gods for that.” “Fine.” Echo huffed and stuck his tongue out. “You asked for it. We need someone to stand guard outside of Gage’s room tonight. I know Mac and Sony normally calm him, but after what happened earlier, I don’t think we should take any chances.” “Me and Eyce will take turns.” Fiero rose from his chair, dropped a quick kiss on the top of Echo’s head as he passed, and hurried out of the room. “What else?” Myst leaned forward in his chair, staring inquiringly at Echo. “You really don’t mind me ordering you around, huh?” Myst’s brow scrunched and his lips turned down at the corners. “Why would I? You have good ideas.”

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“You do say all the right things,” Echo purred. “Okay, then you, me, Onyx, and Hex are going to work on your powers. Syx thinks Hex is up next, and I agree, but it never hurts to be prepared. Plus, we know your tests are coming, so we can get a jump start on it.” “When do we start?” Onyx asked. “The sooner, the better. Tension is high right now because of the full moon and what happened to Gage. Let’s just deal with one thing at a time, and we’ll get started in the morning.” “I’m going to need a lot of help,” Myst said quietly. “After what happened to you two,” he waved a hand between Onyx and Echo, “I guess we’re assuming that Hex’s test has something to do with the beast scattering their worries, or however it goes.” Echo nodded slowly. He could tell Myst had more to say, and he wouldn’t interrupt until the demon was finished. “Then the crops dying would be Onyx. I mean, how would I do anything about that? It just makes sense, ya know?” “Yes, it does. I still don’t understand why you think you’re going to need more help than the others. You’re strong, Myst. I have no doubt that you’ll come out on top when it’s your turn.” Judging by the look on Myst’s face, the warrior was not reassured. “I’m not so sure about that. If we still assume that the bleeding moon is referring to the war that only leaves something about those born on the first.” “Born of the first,” Echo corrected. He didn’t know why, but that one little word seemed important. Myst wiggled his fingers in dismissal. “I don’t know what that means other than someone is going to die. After the first test, we’ve been able to prevent that. How am I supposed to use my ability to stop this?” Taking Myst’s hand in both of his, Echo squeezed gently. “We’ll figure it out, just like we did with all the others. I’ll make sure you’re ready,” Echo vowed.

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“What if it means you?” Myst asked so quietly that Echo almost didn’t hear him. “Then we’ll worry about that when the time comes.” What else could he do? He could sit in his room and wait for death to come for him, or he could help his men prepare for battle. It wasn’t a hard decision for him to make. **** “That was Lexi,” Vapre said, snapping his phone closed and shoving it into his pocket. “She’s been out of town.” “Where the hell has she been that she didn’t have phone or internet reception?” Hex demanded. Vapre looked at him and shrugged. “I didn’t ask, but she said that you called her back in February and authorized the transfer of funds once a month beginning in March.” “Right. Try again.” Like hell he’d made that call. He hadn’t spoken to Lexi in damn near a year. Vapre and Syx always took care of that stuff. “Well, that’s what she said. I told her I’d talk to you, but to stop the transfers for now.” “Did she say where the money was going?” “Some non-charitable organization in Washington state.” Hex blinked a few times then threw his head back and roared with laughter. “Oh, talk about adding insult to injury. That is fucking priceless.” Vapre looked at him like he’d lost his mind. “Would you like to share?” “Where did Gage say they were moving the residents from the lab when we rescued his mates?” “Oh, fuck me.” Vapre closed his eyes and groaned. “That is seriously messed up.”

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“What’s messed up?” Myst asked as he, Onyx, and Echo filed into the office. Hex chuckled again. It really wasn’t funny, but if he didn’t laugh, he’d probably tear the damn house apart. “Apparently, Ares has been stealing money from our accounts to fund the war against us.” “So, we’re paying for him to kick our asses?” Echo’s eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. “Well, isn’t that just peachy?” “It doesn’t really hurt us,” Hex continued. “It’s just more of a big screw-you.” “Are you sure it’s him?” Onyx asked reasonably. “Not a hundred percent, but I’m willing to put money on it.” “Sounds like we already did,” Echo said around a snort. He shook his head and sighed. “We really can’t catch a break, can we?” “Things will be over soon.” Hex spoke with more conviction than he felt. He knew things were going to get a lot worse before they got better. Echo looked at him for a long time, but didn’t comment. Finally, he blew out a breath and pushed his hair back from his face. “I’m hungry.” Every man in the room moved toward Echo, Hex included, tilting their heads to the side as they went. Echo laughed and shooed them away. “Not that kind of hungry.” “I’ll start dinner,” Myst said immediately. “I’ll help.” Onyx grabbed Myst’s arm and dragged him from the room. Echo laughed again. “I’m going to take a shower.” He sashayed to the door, putting a lot of sway in his hips, and disappeared through it without another word. Hex was a lot of things, but a fool wasn’t one of them. Giving Syx a push to get him going, he grabbed Vapre’s arm, dragging the man along as they followed Echo out of the office. Peeking over his shoulder at them, Echo made kissy faces then turned and sprinted through the living room and up the stairs.

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“Oh, I love it when he wants to play,” Syx practically sobbed. “Hurry.” Happy, naked, wet, and writhing all ranked high on Hex’s list of favorite things. Apply those adjectives to his men, and there was nothing in the world he liked better. Pushing, shoving, tripping, and stumbling over each other, they finally made it to the top of the stairs without falling right back down them and began stripping out of their clothes as they hurried to Hex’s bedroom. He could already hear the shower running, the water beating against the tiles, and his dick hardened instantly as his brain produced images of Echo beneath the steamy spray. Hex was the first into the shower, followed quickly by Syx and Vapre. His hand went to his cock, gripping the base to keep from coming as he watched the water cascade over Echo’s creamy skin. “Are you just going to stand there and watch me?” Echo asked without turning around. His words seemed to bring them all out of their daze, and Hex released his cock and dropped to his knees, running his hands down his lover’s back and over his hips. Vapre knelt beside him while Syx moved to crouch in front of Echo. They lavished attention on their mate, touching, caressing, kissing, licking, and nibbling at every inch of skin they could reach. Hex swirled his tongue over Echo’s lower back, nibbling over the rounded hills of his ass and ghosting his tongue along the crease. Echo moaned and trembled, bracing his palms flat against the tiled wall of the shower in front of him. His back arched, his hips jerked, and Hex thrilled to the wanton display of surrender. The snick of a bottle cap drew his attention, and he held his hand out for Vapre to coat his fingers in the waterproof lube. Gently spreading Echo’s cheeks, he caressed his fingers over the clenching pucker, stroking the tight muscles until Echo’s hole began to relax against his constant touch.

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He pushed in with one finger, pumping in and out in slow, languid movements. Echo gasped. He added a second, twisting his wrist and scissoring his fingers. Echo whimpered. By the time he had three fingers sawing in and out of his mate’s hole, Echo was rocking his hips, pushing back against him, and moaning like a twenty-dollar whore. “Oh, sweet hell,” Echo cried, one hand moving away from the tiles and lowering in front of him. Hex peeked around his lover’s hip, groaning as he watched Echo’s hard cock slide in and out of Syx’s stretched lips. Warm, moist heat surrounded his own throbbing dick, and Hex snapped his hips forward, driving his cock to the back of Vapre’s throat. His fingers worked in and out Echo’s clutching hole, turning and curling, brushing over the walnut-sized gland. Vapre’s lips locked around his straining prick, dragging up and down the flexing length. His hand fisted around his own cock, stroking himself roughly as his muffled groans competed with Echo’s uninhibited cries of pleasure. His balls ached, his cock pulsed, his head swam, and Hex had a split second to muse over the fact that this was bound to be the shortest blow job in history before his orgasm slammed into him. Dropping his head back on his shoulders, the cords in his neck strained as he grinded his teeth together and grunted. He rocked his hips while his balls unloaded, pouring cum from his slit to fill Vapre’s mouth and slide down his throat. Vapre swallowed around the head of his cock, massaging him, milking him. The warrior’s body stiffened, his hips jerked forward, and he slid off Hex’s prick and groaned. Pearly ropes of seed erupted from his crown, spilling over his hand to mingle with the water from the shower. Through his orgasmic high, Hex managed to keep his fingers moving, thrusting into Echo’s heated passage with enough force to push his mate forward and increase the volumes of his moans. Then

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Echo’s inner walls clamped around his fingers, his spine went ramrod straight, and Echo let out a strangled cry. Syx’s garbled groan followed swiftly, and Hex watched between Echo’s spread thighs as cream shot from Syx’s cock with such velocity it painted Echo’s shin and the side of his calf. Gently easing his fingers from Echo’s twitching entrance, Hex slumped back against the wall, grabbing Echo’s hips and lowering him into his lap before his mate could fall. “Damn,” he mumbled, cradling his lover to his chest while Syx and Vapre pressed against his sides. “You wore me out, and I didn’t even do anything.” Echo chuckled breathlessly and kissed the side of his neck. “Well, I guess you’re welcome then.”

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Chapter Twelve “This is fucking lame.” Onyx pushed his powers toward the trees behind the house, bending and swaying them to his will. He’d been doing it for as long as he could remember. It was nothing new, and he sure as shit didn’t see how it was going to help him in his task. “Fine,” Echo growled. “You want a challenge? We’re going to make the grass grow.” “Yeah.” Onyx snorted and waved his hand toward his feet. A circular patch of dead grass suddenly became a vibrant green around him, sprouting up out of the ground until it reached his ankles. “That was hard.” “You know, your shitty attitude really isn’t helping anything.” Echo stepped up to him and jabbed a finger in his midsection. “Stop being a fuckwad.” Onyx sighed and let the grass die around him. “I’m sorry. I’m just worried, and I don’t know how any of this is helping. If I mess this up…There’s just a lot at stake, okay?” “I realize this, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be an asshole to everyone. Now, if you’re done, I wasn’t talking about making a tiny patch of grass grow. I meant the entire field.” His mouth fell open, and Onyx gaped at his mate. “Echo, I don’t have that kind of power. I can make living things grow, bend the trees, that kind of thing. Bringing an entire field back to life? I just can’t do it.” “You can and you will.” Echo held his hand out, palm up, and waited for Onyx to take it. Then he held his other hand out to Hex, smirking when the alpha hesitated at first. “I don’t bite, love.”

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“I thought Myst was supposed to be practicing, too,” Onyx complained. “Where is he anyway?” “He took a shift on guard duty last night to make sure Gage didn’t massacre the entire house. He’s sleeping, but don’t worry. I’ll get him later.” “Okay, so what do we do now?” Hex gripped Echo’s hand and looked out over the field. “What am I supposed to do? I heal people, not plants.” “Well, now you’re going to do both.” With that, Echo closed his eyes, and Onyx immediately felt the shock of electricity sizzle from his palm and jolt up his arm as though he’d stuck his finger in a light socket. His knees shook, his muscles bunched, and his stomach rolled. He tried to jerk his hand away, but Echo held firm, gripping his hand with more strength than he imagined the smaller man capable of. “It’ll pass,” Echo said calmly. “Just hold on.” Closing his eyes, Onyx tried to push away the discomfort as his body continued to thrum with energy. His own powers coursed through him, flowing and ebbing, then building to a crescendo until he thought it would burst out of his pores. Then something else began to wash over him like a cooling spring, soothing his jittery nerves and calming his racing heart. He inhaled deeply. Let it out slowly. “Now, make the field green,” Echo said as if he were asking them to simply spread some seed and turn on a sprinkler. Keeping his eyes shut tight, Onyx imagined the grass growing lush and green across the field. Gods, he hoped he was doing it right. He had a feeling he might be when Hex gasped, and Echo started laughing. He didn’t drag his eyelids open, though, until Echo released his hand. Blinking against the sunlight, Onyx surveyed the small field behind their house in awe. A slow grin worked over his lips,

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stretching them wide until he felt his face would split in two. “We did it.” “Told you.” Echo gave him a confident smile that bordered on cocky, and it was the sexiest damn thing Onyx had ever seen. “I don’t know how this helps me,” Hex mumbled, “but it’s pretty freakin’ cool.” “Did you feel stronger, more powerful?” Echo asked. Hex nodded. “Well, then that’s a start. I mean, if you want to practice on people I could always stab myself.” Echo winked up at Onyx. “No!” Hex shouted. He bit his bottom lip, and a pink hue tinted his cheeks. “Um, no, no, that won’t be necessary. I think this is good enough.” “I’m cold. We’ll practice more later.” Echo dipped his head and chuckled. “You know I wouldn’t really stab myself for practice, right?” Onyx looked up at Hex, seeing the worry he knew must have shown on his own face. Maybe not in practice, but when it came down to the end, what would Echo do to protect them? Anything. And that answer scared the shit out of him. “So, are you guys ever going to tell me why I’m not supposed to go into town alone? I mean, considering everything that’s happened since then, I think you need to tell me.” Echo took a few steps back, rested his hands on his hips, and tilted his head to the side in question. “There really isn’t much that can surprise me at this point.” Onyx opened his mouth to tell his mate the truth, but Hex cleared his throat, cutting him off. “I’ll tell you later.” He didn’t argue, but Onyx didn’t understand what the big deal was, or why Hex was keeping it from their mate. The big alpha never did anything without a reason, though. Trusting in his lover and commander had kept Onyx alive for over three thousand years. He wasn’t about to start questioning the man now.

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Echo huffed and shook his head. “I had a feeling you were going to say that. What’s so bad about this town that you feel you need to protect me from the people here?” Hex took a step closer to Echo, cupped his cheek, and kissed the top of his head. “I’ll tell you later,” he repeated. “Let’s get inside.” **** Jinx and Syn were suspiciously absent around the house over the next week, though Echo saw plenty of Craze. More than he’d like if he was being honest. He understood why the big blond had to be there. He knew his mates didn’t desire the guy. Hell, Craze had mates of his own. He just didn’t like the asshole. “Are Syn and Jinx avoiding me?” he asked no one in particular as they lounged about the living room. “Yes,” Fiero answered bluntly. “Now, shut up. I’m trying to watch this.” Echo huffed and elbowed his lover in the ribs. “You have the charm of a fucking porcupine.” “I think they’re kind of cute,” Fiero countered. “So, I’ll take that as a compliment.” He would. Echo rolled his eyes and settled more comfortably against Fiero’s side. He tried to watch television, tried to keep from asking the question on the tip of his tongue, but he just couldn’t help himself. “Why are they avoiding me?” “Because they like breathing.” Okay, apparently, he was missing something important. “Can you just spell it out for me?” “They think you smell good,” Myst answered him before shoving a handful of popcorn into his mouth. “Like the main course on the menu good?”

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“Yep.” Fiero wound his arm around Echo’s shoulders and squeezed. “I know you like them, but it’s better for everyone this way. They’ve kind of grown on me, and I don’t want to have to kill them.” Several grunts of agreement went around the room. Gods, he was mated to a cheery group. “That doesn’t mean you need to lock them in the attic.” “We didn’t,” Hex said distractedly. “It was their idea.” Echo snorted. “Yes, and I’m sure you did nothing to influence that decision.” “We might have growled a little,” Eyce answered. “Nothing major, though.” “Oh, this is ridiculous. They’re not going to bite me.” Echo pushed away from Fiero, jumped up from the sofa, and marched over to the staircase. “I’m going to get them. Then you’re going to apologize, and everyone is going to be fucking happy. Clear?” His lovers only shrugged. “Whatever flicks your Bic, babe,” Myst called. Echo hurried up the stairs and marched straight to the attic. Taking a deep breath, he lifted his hand and pounded on the door. “Jinx! Syn! Open up.” The door eased open a moment later, and Jinx peered through the crack at him. “Hey, Echo. What’s up?” “Why are you hiding up here? Come downstairs. I know I smell all delicious and whatnot, but you’re not really going to bite me, are you?” Jinx blinked at him. “I’d really rather not chance it. Your mates were very clear on what would happen if there was a…mishap.” “Okay, well I’m going to trust that you have more self-control than that. If you feel the urge to snack on me, turn your attentions on Craze. I’m sure he’d love it.” “I’m sick of this stupid attic,” Syn whined as he appeared over Jinx’s shoulder. “Let’s go.”

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Jinx seemed less eager, but nodded and opened the door wider for Syn to slip past him. “I really wish I knew what you were now.” Echo laughed and clapped the vampire on the shoulder. “That makes two of us. Hex had a dream, and the Oracle says that we’ll all know when the time is right.” “Do you really trust the Oracle?” Jinx asked quietly as they descended the stairs into the living room. “She hasn’t given me reason not to, so I guess I do. Why? Do you know something?” Jinx shook his head. “No, just a feeling that she’s hiding something.” Echo bobbed his head. He’d had the same feeling, but without anything to base it on, he’d written it off as paranoia. “Well, she hasn’t steered us wrong yet, so I have to believe that she’s really trying to help.” Jinx shrugged, not looking convinced in the least. Echo didn’t know what to say to Jinx’s accusations, so he decided to let it go for the time being. He just wanted to have a quiet night, watch a little TV, and forget all their problems. Surely that wasn’t too much to ask. Apparently, it was. Mac screamed, the most unholy, ear-piercing sound. He stiffened in Gage’s arms then began to convulse, his body jerking and flopping around like a fish out of water. Gage pressed him into the floor, holding his shoulders firmly as Mac’s feet beat against the carpet. Sony scrambled to hold his legs still, and everyone stared in horror. “Mac! Mac!” Gage’s voice was frantic. “C’mon, baby, snap out of it!” Echo felt like an insensitive bastard, but he couldn’t take the screaming. It pierced his eardrums, drilled into his brain, and even made his eyes water. He pressed his palms over his ears, squeezing tightly to block out as much of the sound as possible.

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Pressure built inside his head. Warm wetness trickled from his nose and over his lips. Wiping at his mouth, Echo grimaced when his fingers came away bloody then smashed his palms back over his ears. Mac’s screams rose in volume and intensity until the sounds falling from his mouth were completely inhuman. Echo had never heard a more awful sound. Just when he thought it would go on forever, Mac cut off abruptly, his eyes rolled back in his head, and he sagged to the floor limply. “Mac?” Gage whispered. “Mac!” He grabbed the little man by the shoulders and began shaking him roughly. “Open your eyes, baby. C’mon, Mac.” “He’s okay,” Syx mumbled around a groan. “What the fuck was that?” “The hell if I know,” Hex answered as he rubbed his temples. “I think it needs to go on that board of yours, though. I thought my head was going to explode—literally.” Echo nodded, opening his mouth to agree, when a loud roar reverberated throughout the room, rattling the windows and shaking the floor. His attention went to the front door, his heart galloping inside his chest, and he froze in place, unable to move. Screeches, squawks, screams, and wails came together in a cacophony of morbid harmony. “Hex!” Ares’s voice boomed, filling the room as though he stood just beside Echo. A flash of light through the window illuminated trees beyond. Thunder cracked and rolled. The wind blew, whistling against the windows and rattling the door in its frame. Without moving any other part of his body, Echo focused his eyes on Hex, pleading without words for the man to remain inside. He didn’t know what they’d done to anger the bloodthirsty god, but no good could come from stepping outside those doors. “Echo,” Syx called softly to him. “He’s not a vampire, and this isn’t the movies. He is more than capable of entering this house if he chooses. It’s better if we prevent that.”

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Hex rose gracefully from the sofa, squared his shoulders, and took a deep breath. “Eyce, Syx, and Fiero, come with me. Everyone else stay put.” “Fuck that,” Vapre spat, launching to his feet and marching over to the door. “I’m not going to hide in the house like a coward.” Echo still couldn’t move. His mates seemed hell-bent on facing Ares, their pride causing them to act foolishly. Why couldn’t he have fallen in love with an accountant? Sure, his life would be a lot less exciting, but right then, Echo would embrace dull and boring like a long-lost friend. “Bring me the Watcher,” Ares yelled. “I only want the daemon.” Echo eyed the men gathered in the living room. Who was Ares talking about? What the hell was a Watcher? “Uh, which demon?” “Daemon, baby,” Eyce muttered. “Not demon.” “Is there a difference?” “I’ll explain later. Stay inside.” Eyce wouldn’t even look at him, and Echo had a sinking feeling in his gut that he was this daemon Ares wanted. “Me?” “Stay inside,” Eyce repeated. “Craze?” “I’ll keep him safe,” Craze swore. “Wait, wait, wait! What the hell is a daemon? What’s a Watcher?” “It’s like an angel,” Jinx answered him quietly. “It’s what you are.” “No.” Echo shook his head vehemently. “Angels do not drink blood. They have wings and halos and play the harp. I am not an angel!” Sprinting across the room, ducking and dodging his lovers, Echo wrenched open the front door and stepped out into the night. After all the noise he’d heard moments before, he was more than a little surprised to find Ares standing alone in the middle of their front yard. His chest was bare as always. His black, leather pants clung to his massive thighs. His long, dark hair swirled behind him in the wind. He looked just like what he was—a pissed off Greek god.

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“You’re wrong, Ares,” Echo called. He could feel the warmth of his lovers at his back as he slowly stepped down the stairs. “I’m not what you think I am.” “You were supposed to die.” Ares growled viciously, his eyes flashing in the dark. “But you couldn’t even do that right, could you?” The comment might have hurt Echo’s feelings if he knew what the hell it was supposed to mean. All he got out of it was that Ares had tried to kill him. “I thought you wanted me? How am I useful to you if I’m dead?” “I don’t want you!” Uh, okay. Echo was becoming more confused by the minute. “Then why are you here?” Strong fingers curled over Echo’s shoulder, preventing him from going any closer to the irate god. “You made a deal, Ares. You are bound by your covenants to see it through.” Hex stepped in front of Echo, blocking his view of the half-naked man on their lawn. “Rules are made to be broken,” Ares answered snidely. “Ares!” a feminine voice called. “You are behaving as a child. You have made your case before the gods of Olympus and have been granted your right to battle on the autumnal equinox.” Echo peeked around Hex’s arm, his mouth falling open as a tall, voluptuous, and amazingly beautiful woman stepped between them and Ares. He’d never seen anything like her. Long legs, flowing, dark brown hair, and flawless skin stretched over softly defined muscles— she could only be a goddess. Clothed in a short dress of soft leather, the woman held herself proudly. She held a bow in one hand, hanging loosely and nonthreateningly by her side. A quiver of arrows settled against her back, held in place by a strap across her bare shoulder. “Sister,” Ares sneered. “You have a nasty habit of sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. Tell me”—Ares waved a hand toward Echo—“is this your doing?”

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The woman turned slowly, gracing Echo with a soft smile. “You took what did not belong to you, Ares. I simply returned him.” “It was not your place!” Ares roared. The goddess spun around with an angry hiss. “No, brother. You have overstepped your boundaries, and now must pay the consequences. I’ve been sent to return you to Olympus to face Father.” “Zeus,” Hex whispered for Echo’s benefit. “And that one?” Ares demanded, pointing at Onyx. The woman shrugged. “He is a strong warrior. Not even your pack of beasts could bring him down.” “I sent seven of my best wolves for him,” Ares argued. “You lie. This is your doing as well.” She shrugged again. “Father wishes to see you.” “Father does not control me.” The goddess laughed softly. “We shall see.” She looked over her shoulder and dipped her head. “Do not forsake your gift.” Then her hand landed on Ares’s shoulder, and they both disappeared in a flash of blindingly white light. “That explains a lot,” Fiero grumbled. “What the hell was she doing here?” “Was that…” Echo looked around the small circle at his lovers. “Athena,” they chorused at the same time Echo said, “the Oracle?”

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Chapter Thirteen Onyx was just as confused as Echo. Athena was the Oracle? Why would Ares’s sister be trying to help them? Athena brought Echo over as a daemon? The thought made his blood run cold. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Echo whispered. Shaking his head, Onyx pulled his mate to him and kissed the top of his head. “I’m just glad that you’re okay.” They filed back into the living room, no one speaking as they found their original seats on the sofa, love seat, or floor. “What happened?” Jet asked immediately. “Is everyone okay?” “Everyone is fine,” Hex answered. “Just a little confused, I think.” “So, what happened?” “We’ll get to that later.” Hex shifted on the couch cushion until he could face Echo. Onyx looped his arm around the small man, holding him tightly to his chest and offering comfort the only way he knew how. “Echo do you understand what just happened?” Echo shook his head slowly. “What did she mean that Ares took me away? And what is a daemon or a Watcher?” “I believe Ares is the one who abducted you after the party.” Hex took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he shoved both hands through his long hair. “Baby, I don’t know how to say this…” “He killed you,” Onyx finished when Hex didn’t continue. “A daemon is like a spirit. Benevolent and good, they’re usually the ghosts of heroes.” Echo’s hand patted at his chest hastily. “I’m not a ghost. I can feel me. You can feel me, right? I’m not a ghost!”

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“No, sweetheart.” Eyce moved to kneel at Echo’s feet. “You’re not a ghost. To give a daemon a corporeal form requires sacrifice. Our blood, not to put too fine a point on it.” “So, if I don’t drink from you then I’ll what? Fade away? Die? What?” Eyce nodded reluctantly. “You will not die, but yes, you will fade away from your body.” Onyx smoothed his hand up and down Echo’s chest, petting his mate’s hair with the other. Echo trembled in his arms, his chest heaving, and his heart kicking against Onyx’s palm. “No, no, no,” Echo chanted in a pathetic whimper. “You were okay with being a vampire,” Onyx teased, “but this is too much?” A sharp elbow caught him in the ribs. “Shut up.” Onyx chuckled and pressed his lips to Echo’s temple. “It doesn’t mean anything, sweetheart. You were always ours. You always will be. You just have a new kink now, and to be honest, I think it’s pretty hot.” “Really?” So much hope dripped from the word that Onyx smiled. “Do you think it matters to us? It doesn’t matter what package you come in, Echo. We’re not letting you go.” “He really killed me?” “Yes, and I’m so sorry.” Onyx’s chest tightened with the realization that he could have lost everything. He would always be indebted to Athena. “I died,” Echo whispered. “Wow, what a prick.” The words were so unexpected that it drew a quiet laugh from Onyx. “You are amazing,” he breathed into Echo’s hair. “I’ll remind you of that next time you complain about doing the laundry.” He kissed Onyx’s cheek and turned his attention to Mac. “Are you okay?” Mac tried to smile, but it fell short. “Yeah, I feel tired and a little dizzy, but I’ll be fine.”

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“Did you see something?” Hex asked. “Not really. It was more like something stabbing me in the brain. I think the other residents are in danger.” “Mac, you’re not one of them anymore.” Gage brushed his mate’s hair back from his face. “You’re never going back there.” Mac waved him away. “Oh, I know. That doesn’t change the fact that they’re in trouble.” “You saw this?” Hex asked. “Just flashes. Things are not coming as clearly as they usually do. It feels kind of like a tug-of-war inside my head. As though something is trying to block the visions, while something else is forcing them through.” “We need to help them.” Onyx closed his eyes and groaned at Echo’s words. While he felt sorry for the men trapped inside that facility, hated what they were forced to endure at Ares’s hands, it wasn’t their problem. They didn’t have the time or the resources to execute a rescue mission of that magnitude. “They can help,” Echo said quickly, anticipating the argument. “We can’t just leave them there. It’s not right!” “We don’t even know where they are,” Eyce said reasonably. “The new moon is in less than a week. I think we have enough on our plate without adding to it.” “You’d come for me.” Eyce sighed. “That’s different, and you know it. I’m sorry, Echo, but the answer is no.” “I know the kind of power they have. Wouldn’t it be better to have that on our side instead of Ares’s?” Onyx started to argue, but Hex cleared his throat and stood, commanding their attention. “We’ll talk about it more tomorrow. I’m not saying yes,” he told Echo directly, “but I’m not saying no, either. I need to think about this, weigh the advantages against the trouble it will bring us.” Echo dipped his head and smiled. “I can work with that.”

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**** He’d died. He’d actually fucking died! And no one seemed to have a problem with this besides him. Echo dropped his chin to his chest and breathed deeply as the hot water from the shower beat against his shoulders, working the tension out of his muscles. When he’d thought he was a vampire, he’d accepted that. Jinx and Syn were vampires, and they were his friends. He’d had someone to turn to, ask questions, help him navigate the murky waters of his new existence. He didn’t know anyone that had ever died—well, no one he could talk to now. He was a ghost, but not a ghost. Gods, he was so confused. Washing and rinsing quickly, Echo shut off the water and climbed out of the shower. Hex stood there waiting for him, gloriously naked and holding a fluffy towel. Without a word, he stepped forward and began rubbing the cotton over Echo’s body, patting his skin dry before moving on to his hair. Echo sighed and soaked up the attention. He needed this. Needed to know he was still wanted, still desired. Things had changed so much in such a short span of time, he’d been worried his men would reject him. And that would be more painful than death. Though, come to think of it, he didn’t remember his death being painful. Hell, he didn’t remember it all. After the blow to the head from that massive boot, he’d checked out of consciousness, not waking up until he was safe at home once more. “Bed,” Hex whispered. He lifted Echo into his arms and kissed his forehead. “I know things are scary right now, but we love you. Just focus on that, and everything else will take care of itself.” Hex carried him into the bedroom and lowered him gently to the mattress before sliding in beside him. Once Hex was settled, Echo

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immediately moved into his embrace, wrapping an arm around his mate’s chest and clinging for dear life. If he let go of Hex, everything would fall apart, and he’d be left alone once again. He needed the grounding, the calm and peace that only his men could give him. Interpreting his distress, Hex clutched him tighter, stroked his hair, and whispered words to him in a beautiful language Echo had never heard before. Though he didn’t understand the words, the meaning was clear. Hex spoke of love, honor, devotion, and acceptance. He laid his heart bare, placing it in Echo’s hands. The words were enchanting, spellbinding, and Echo felt himself relaxing. His fear and uncertainty began to ebb as Hex’s voice soothed him and mended what he’d thought was broken. His mind floated on a cloud of serenity, his mate’s words making him calm and sleepy. Gods, he loved his man, loved his strength and commitment. He loved the hypnotic healing power of his mate’s lovingly murmured words. Hex was his rock, his anchor, and he’d see them all through the storms to come. “Need you, Hex.” “You always have me.” Hex’s fingers continued to stroke lazily through Echo’s hair. “Come here.” Echo crawled up his lover’s chest, straddling Hex’s lean waist, and bent forward until their lips met in a kiss that stole his breath. The overwhelming need to dominate this big man—claim him, mark him, and possess him—roared inside Echo, making him dizzy with it. He needed to take back some of the control in his life, and he couldn’t think of a better way than to make love to his mate. “I want to fuck you, Hex, and I want you to beg me for it.” More than just a turn-on, Echo needed to know how much his lover still craved him. He was falling apart by the seams, holding on by a frayed thread. Hex didn’t even blink. “How do you want me?”

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“Just like this. I want to look into your eyes and know that you want this as much as I do.” Echo snagged the lube from the nightstand as he spoke and wiggled down Hex’s body to kneel between his splayed thighs. “I want to see the desire in your eyes when you stare back at me. Then I want to watch them glaze over when I make you fly.” Hex groaned and pulled his knees back to his chest, linking his arms around his thighs to hold them in place. “You’ve been spending too much time with Syx.” Coating his fingers quickly, Echo tossed the lube aside and began rimming his mate’s clenching hole, swirling his fingers around the muscles and nudging against his entrance. “You’re not begging me, Hex.” Echo pushed with just the tip of one finger and used his other hand to fist Hex’s thick cock. “I want to hear you, love.” Hex groaned loudly, and Echo rewarded him by leaning down and swirling his tongue around his mate’s hairless sac. “More,” he whispered. “Fuck me,” Hex demanded raggedly. Well, that was quick. Echo thought he’d have to do a lot more teasing to get his mate to beg so prettily. “It’s not nice to tease, baby. I’ve been hard all damn day, and my ass is hungry for you.” With a quiet growl, Echo pushed two fingers into Hex’s velvety channel and began pumping them in and out. Hex wasn’t supposed to turn the tables on him like that. It wasn’t fair. Just this once, Echo wouldn’t complain, though. “Enough,” Hex growled. “I like the burn. Just fuck me before my dick falls off.” Echo extracted his fingers, found the lube, and slicked his aching cock, lingering for a moment and snapping his hips into his light grip. “Stop playing with it and use it already.” Opening his eyes, Echo lifted one eyebrow at his mate and smacked his hip. “No topping from the bottom. Now shut up and love it.” And with that, he lined up the head of his swollen dick and thrust inside Hex’s clenching hole. “Oh, hell, you’re fucking tight.”

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“Move,” Hex whispered, staring straight into his eyes. Something wild and primal rose up inside Echo, and a feral cry escaped his panting lips. His skin tingled, his heart pounded, and lightning bolts of pleasure raced up his spine. His fingers dug into the back of Hex’s thighs in a bruising hold as he drove into his lover’s heated passage with abandon. Again and again, he plunged and retreated, growling and grunting like a wild animal. Sweat beaded across his body, his balls burned, and his dick swelled even further inside Hex’s tight grasp. No matter how much he wanted to close his eyes and lose himself in the bliss, he didn’t. He stared into his alpha’s eyes, watching as they began to glaze over just as he’d wanted. “Touch yourself. Stroke that beautiful cock and come for me.” Hex obeyed instantly, palming his flexing length, and jerking it in rhythm to Echo’s demanding thrusts. The man was so gorgeous Echo still had trouble believing the warrior belonged to him. His belly tightened, his heartbeat stuttered, and Echo couldn’t wait any longer. “Come for me.” One final snap of his hips, and his entire world centered on the place where his body joined with his lover’s. His cock pulsed and jerked, and Echo cried out Hex’s name as his mate’s tunnel massaged him and milked him of every drop of cream. Long, thick ropes of cum burst from Hex’s slit, shooting into the air before succumbing to gravity and splashing against his chest and abs. The warrior rumbled, his body shuddered, and he gave one final stroke to his softening cock before slumping back to the pillows with a sigh. Easing out of Hex’s twitching hole, Echo climbed off the bed and padded into the bathroom to clean himself up. He’d just reached for a washcloth when Hex’s hard body pressed against his back, mashing him into the counter. “My turn,” Hex purred. A slick finger slipped between Echo’s butt cheeks, zeroed in on his hole, and pushed in to the second

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knuckle. Hex stretched him quickly, adding a second finger, and then a third, sawing in and out until Echo moaned and whimpered. His dick filled again, throbbing painfully as he gripped the counter in a white-knuckled grip. “Please,” he pleaded. As much as he liked the feel of Hex’s tight body wrapped around him, his ass begged to be stretched and filled. Hex’s fingers disappeared, and a muscled arm locked around his waist, lifting and turning him. Echo scrambled for purchase, locking his ankles behind Hex’s back, and his arms around the warrior’s thick neck. His back pressed against the cool wall, his mate’s body warming him from the front and anchoring him in place. Hex unwound Echo’s legs from around his hips, looped his forearms under Echo’s knees, and tilted his hips up. The engorged head of his cock pressed against Echo’s needy hole, pushing inside before retreating until the tip brushed the outside of his pucker once more. He did it again. Thrusting just the head of his dick inside Echo’s ass then pulling out completely. On and on, Hex teased until Echo thought he’d implode. “Fuck me,” he snarled. Hex stared into his eyes, jerked his hips forward, and plunged in to the base. He didn’t pause, didn’t wait for Echo to adjust. Hex pounded him into the wall, driving into him with a punishing tempo. Keeping one hand around his lover’s neck, Echo used the other to palm his heavy erection, stroking his cock roughly as he screamed his mate’s name over and over. When Hex pulled on Echo’s hips again, changing the angle and nailing his sweet spot, stars exploded in Echo’s vision, and his entire body seized. Hex dropped his forehead to Echo’s shoulder and growled as his hips gave a few jerky thrusts before he froze completely. Molten lava filled Echo’s convulsing channel just as his own release slammed into him, and he filled the space between them with his seed.

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“Gods, I needed that,” he breathed a moment later when they’d finally disengaged, and he stood on trembling legs. His muscles felt like putty, and he figured he could sleep for a week. “Love you, big guy.” Hex bent over him, nuzzling his nose against the side of Echo’s neck. “And I love you,” he whispered. “You, my warriors, all of you are my life. I’m nothing without you.” Leave it to Hex to go and ruin a perfectly good down-and-dirty fuck by saying something so heartbreakingly beautiful. Echo sniffled, but he refused to let the tears fall that prickled at the corner of his eyes. “Shut up and kiss me.”

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Chapter Fourteen The next week seemed to drag by, but when the night of the new moon finally arrived, Echo was confident that they’d done all they could to prepare for the battle. He’d worked ceaselessly with Hex until he felt sure the man would throttle him. Hopefully, it would all pay off, though. He held one of Onyx’s hands and one of Hex’s as they made their way down to the kappas’ pond. Echo felt bad for neglecting the little guys. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d brought them cucumbers. He’d have to see what he could do to remedy that. “Now, why are we here again?” Fiero asked. “Trouble seems to find us no matter where we go,” Echo explained. “This seems as good a place as any. Besides, it’s open, so we can see what’s coming, and it’s a good distance from the house. I don’t want trouble in our home.” “It’s our sanctuary,” Myst added, and Echo beamed at him. Even if the others didn’t, at least Myst got it. “We have about two minutes until sunset,” Hex announced just as they pushed through the last of the trees and the pond came into view. Hex stopped, released Echo’s hand, and turned to face everyone. “If it looks like I might lose, I want you to take Echo and run. I don’t care where you go, just run.” “You’re not going to lose,” Echo scoffed. “I put way too much effort into you for that. Make me proud, baby.” Hex snorted and rolled his eyes. “I adore your enthusiasm, but I’m serious. I don’t want any of you hurt because I screwed up. Ares does not get his hands on Echo no matter what. Am I clear?”

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“Crystal,” Eyce growled. “Not going to happen.” “Can we do anything?” Jinx asked quietly. Echo looked over his shoulder and smiled. “Not really. You guys are more like cheerleaders. If things go wrong, I expect you to protect my men, though.” “On my honor,” Jinx replied solemnly and gave Echo a small bow. The sun disappeared beyond the horizon, darkness swallowed up the land, and Echo took a deep breath to steady his nerves. “This is it.” “Yeah, but what exactly is it?” Hex scanned the small clearing, looking out over the pond and even searching the skies. “It’s quiet,” he muttered. A vicious snarl sent shivers up Echo’s spine, and he turned slowly to see Jinx and Syn prowling toward him. Their eyes flashed with a crazed light, their fangs elongated, and they actually licked their lips as they stalked him. Gage’s head fell back on his shoulders, and he howled out to the shadowed moon as his body began to contort and transform before their eyes. Echo took several hasty steps in retreat, shaking his head as he went. The sound of ripping fabric drew his attention, and he watched two enormous wolves push to their feet where Jet and Pax had been only seconds before. “What the hell?” Myst breathed, hurrying over to stand in front of Echo and block him from the vampires’ advances. “Their minds are all scrambled,” Syx answered. “I can’t get a lock on any of them.” Craze tried to pull his mates back, but they swatted him away like a gnat. Mac and Sony stroked Gage’s arms and chest as they cooed to him, but the werewolf paid no attention to them. Saliva dripped from Jet’s mouth, Pax’s upper lip curled over his wickedly sharp teeth, and all eyes were focused on Echo.

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“They’ve lost their minds,” he whispered. “I thought the prophecy meant rabies or something, but this is so much worse.” “Pull it together,” Hex ordered. “If I can make freakin’ grass grow, I can heal their minds. I’m going to need help, though, so don’t fall apart on me now.” Echo straightened his spine, pulled his shoulders back, and nodded curtly. Sidestepping toward the alpha, he motioned for Syx to join them. Syx took one step, two, then all hell broke loose. The vampires launched themselves forward, plowing into Myst in their determination to get to Echo. Myst held them back, Craze yelling at him the entire time to not hurt his mates. Sony shifted, locking his arms around Gage and struggling to keep him in place. Fiero and Eyce rolled around on the ground, both in demon form as they fought the gigantic wolves. Vapre jumped into the fray, and Onyx rushed over to help with Gage. “Hurry,” Echo shouted to Syx. His men were losing, and if they didn’t do something fast, someone was going to get hurt…or worse. Damn, they were so overwhelmed they couldn’t even use their powers to fight back. “C’mon, c’mon,” Echo chanted, taking Hex’s hand and shifting from foot to foot. Syx came up beside him and took his other hand, nodding firmly and looking out over the battle zone. “Okay, baby. Do your thing.” “Sorry about this,” Echo mumbled. He didn’t have time to ease into it, though. Dropping all his shields, he sucked in as much as his lovers’ powers as fast as he could, let it cycle through him, then forced it all toward Hex. “Motherfucker!” the alpha roared, but he didn’t let go of Echo’s hand. “Do you need to touch them?” Echo asked through gritted teeth. “Yes,” Hex answered just as tightly. “Okay. We’ll distract them, but hurry. Get Gage first. He’s the most dangerous, and he looks like he’s going to rip Mac’s head off.” ****

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Hex sprinted over to the werewolf, cocked his fist back, and punched Gage square in the face. Once he had the beast dazed, he gripped the malformed muzzle in both hands, closed his eyes, and let the power flow from him and into Gage. Shit! He hoped this worked. It took only a few heartbeats for Gage to stop struggling against him. The furry skin beneath his hand began to shift and change, and Hex opened his eyes to find Gage in all his human glory staring back at him. “Welcome back.” “Thanks,” Gage said shakily. He surveyed the scene and shook his head like a dog shaking off water. “I’ll help with the shifters.” He kissed Sony and Mac then hurried over to jump onto one of the wolves’ backs. It was four against two, and still the shifters were kicking everyone’s ass. Hex needed to get to them next. “Myst! Freeze them!” “What the fuck do you think I’ve been trying to do?” Myst called back. “It’s not working!” He grunted when Jinx’s elbow slammed into his ribs. “I’m going to rip your fangs out and shove them in your eye sockets,” he snarled at the vampire. Fan-fucking-tabulous. With a heavy sigh, Hex narrowed his eyes at the biggest wolf, took a running start, and leapt onto the monster’s back. Clamping his knees against the beast’s sides to hold himself in place, he linked his fingers together, lifted his hands over his head, and brought them crashing down on the back of the wolf’s head. There was a high-pitched yelp, but the animal didn’t fall. Giving up on it being easy, Hex wound one hand in the thick fur, pressed the other flat to the wolf’s skull, and let his power roll through him. He had to start over several times as the animal thrashed beneath him, bucking and turning, trying to dislodge him. Finally, the struggle seemed to die out of him, and the beast dropped to the ground with a heavy thud. Hex scrambled off of him, and stood watching until he was sure the job was done. A few seconds later, Jet knelt on all fours in front of

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him, naked as the day he was born, panting for breath, and rubbing the back of his head. Hex winced, but quickly refocused his attention to the next wolf. Now that he knew what to do, he had no problems propelling himself onto the animal’s back and wrapping both arms around the wolf’s head. It took a lot less effort to bring Pax down, and Hex was grateful. Already he could feel his energy draining, and he still had two vampires to deal with. Just as he jumped from Pax’s back, he heard Echo scream. Myst, Syx, and Craze all lay heaped on the ground around him, limp and unconscious. Jinx and Syn advanced on Echo, flying toward him with a move too fast to follow and taking him down easily. Hex watched in horror as both vampires sank their fangs into either side of Echo’s neck and began to drink from him in great, urgent pulls. “Fuck, fuck, fuck!” Hex roared, flying across the distance between them and dropping to his knees, ready to wrench Jinx away from his mate. “Hex, stop!” Eyce yelled. “He’ll rip Echo’s throat out if you do that.” With a great effort, Hex resisted. Instead, he drudged up the last of his waning power, placed his hands on the back of the vampires’ heads, and sent a blast of energy toward them with such force it vibrated the ground beneath them. At this point, he wouldn’t be sorry if it killed them. Both men cried out, opening their mouths and releasing their hold on Echo’s bleeding neck. Orientation came to them slowly, and they looked around them, then down at Echo, and their eyes went wide as saucers. “Oh, no,” Jinx breathed. “Echo! Echo! Are you okay? I didn’t mean to…oh, shit, please be okay.” Echo groaned, his eyelids fluttering open slowly. “I’ll live,” he mumbled groggily. “That was so not cool, though.”

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“We couldn’t stop. I didn’t know…I couldn’t…I’m so sorry!” Syn wailed. Hex tried not to hold it against the vampires. No one was seriously injured, and they’d been out of their minds. Still, a small growl rumbled in his chest as he pushed past them and gathered Echo up in his arms. He brushed the hair back from his mate’s forehead and kissed his lips gently. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Echo smiled lazily and nodded. “I’m fine. Just sleepy.” He bit his lip and wrinkled his nose. “And thirsty. They took a lot.” Without a word, Hex lifted Echo higher up in his arms, turned his head to the side, and urged Echo’s mouth to his neck. He flinched a bit when Echo’s sharp teeth popped through his skin, but sighed in deep satisfaction when he felt the gentle sucking. It made his heart sing and his dick hard to know he could provide for his mate in such a way. When Echo was finished, he licked the wound and placed a soft kiss over it. “Thank you.” Rubbing his cheek over the top of Echo’s head, Hex smiled. He’d done it. They’d won, and his lovers were unharmed. His eyes fell to Myst and Syx where they were still unconscious on the ground. Well, mostly unharmed. He nodded at Eyce and Fiero then down to Syx and Myst. “Can you carry them?” “I’ll get Craze,” Gage offered. Everyone worked together, lifting the men in the most comfortable positions possible. Hex cradled Echo to his chest and dipped his head. “Let’s go home.” **** “Echo, can you come up here, please?” Onyx waited until Echo appeared at the bottom of the stairs. “What’s up?” his mate asked as he began climbing the steps. “We have a surprise for you.”

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Echo growled. “You know I don’t like surprises. Can’t you just tell me what it is?” Onyx shook his head and twirled his hand for Echo to hurry. “I think you’re going to like this one. Now, move that sexy ass.” Chuckling under his breath, Echo jogged up the remainder of the stairs and fisted his hands on his hips. “Okay, so where is my surprise?” “This way.” Onyx grabbed the smaller man’s hand and dragged him down the hall to Hex’s room. He eased the door open, blocking Echo’s view with his body, then stepped to the side when he was sure everything was ready. Echo was still laughing when he stepped into the room. The sound died away immediately when he saw his surprise, however, and Onyx was afraid the man was going to choke. “Uh, surprise,” he said hesitantly. “For me?” “Do you like it?” Onyx looked around the room, his dick straining and aching behind his zipper at the sight that met his eyes. Hex and Eyce stood side by side, a steel spreader holding their legs wide. Their wrists were bound together, their arms stretched over their heads where the ropes were connected to hooks in the ceiling. Vapre was stretched out on his back in the center of the mattress, ankles and wrists bound to the bedposts with silk scarves. Syx knelt at the foot of the bed, his wrists tied behind him and a ball gag in his mouth. Myst knelt in front of a wooden chair, his chest pressed flat to the seat, and his wrists secured through the slats in the back. He wiggled his hips, showing off the bright blue butt plug lodged in his ass. Fiero sauntered over to them with a wicked grin. “We”—he nodded to include Onyx—“know that you still have hang ups about being restrained. We just wanted to show you that it’s not scary, and it can be a lot of fun. You’ll be in complete control of everything that happens. Everyone is completely at your mercy.”

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“What about you two?” Echo asked. “If you want,” Onyx agreed. “We really just want to watch.” “It turns you on?” Onyx groaned and pressed the heel of his palm against his aching groin. “Yeah, it does.” “So, what do you think?” Fiero asked. Echo smiled impishly. “I think I could learn to love surprises.”

THE END WWW.GABRIELLEEVANS.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gabrielle Evans grew up in a small town in southern Oklahoma. We are talking one red light that may or may not work depending on the day of the week. She married her high school sweetheart and the rest is pretty much history. They have two very active boys and one high-strung wiener dog that keeps her constantly on the go. For now, she parks her car in north-central Texas, but who knows what tomorrow will bring. Gabrielle believes in love at first sight, falling hard and fast, taking chances, and grabbing your happy-ever-after with both hands. She also believes that a great cup of coffee can cure anything.

Also by Gabrielle Evans Siren Classic ManLove: Gods of Chaos 1: Devil Did Grin Siren Classic: Salem Nights 1: Life Out Loud Ménage Amour: Wicked River 1: Keeper of the Light Siren Classic ManLove: Lawful Disorder 1: Lipstick and Handguns Siren Classic ManLove: Midnight Matings: Fire and Ash Siren Classic ManLove: The Moonlight Breed 1: Leap of Faith Siren Classic ManLove: The Moonlight Breed 2: By the Light of the Moon Siren Classic ManLove: The Moonlight Breed 3: Whispers in the Night Ménage Amour ManLove: The Moonlight Breed 4: Softly Spoken Lies Siren LoveXtreme Forever ManLove: Fatefully Yours 1: Dark Devotion Siren LoveXtreme Forever ManLove: Fatefully Yours 2: Upon Crimson Waters Siren LoveXtreme Forever ManLove: Fatefully Yours 3: Firestorm Siren LoveXtreme Forever ManLove: Fatefully Yours 4: Hell’s Tempest Siren LoveXtreme Forever ManLove: Fatefully Yours 5: Shades of Black

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