Evolution

Evolution Refuge Shifters Book Three

By Carol Lynne

Resplendence Publishing, LLC http://www.resplendencepublishing.com

Resplendence Publishing, LLC P.O. Box 992 Edgewater, Florida, 32132 Evolution Copyright © 2009, Carol Lynne Edited by Tiffany Mason Cover art by Rika Singh Electronic format ISBN: 978-1-60735-093-4 Warning: All rights reserved. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Electronic release: November 2009 This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and occurrences are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places or occurrences, is purely coincidental.

Dedicated to my beta reader, Drew Hunt and my best girl Friday, Theresa Angelosanto.

Ev·o·lu·tion (ev o-liü śhən; ĕv o-lü shon) n.

The ongoing development of a person or species into a better, more complex form.

Table of Contents

Chapter One.................................................................................................................................... 7 Chapter Two.................................................................................................................................. 19 Chapter Three ............................................................................................................................... 28 Chapter Four ................................................................................................................................ 39 Chapter Five ................................................................................................................................. 54 Chapter Six.................................................................................................................................... 63 Chapter Seven ............................................................................................................................... 74 Epilogue ........................................................................................................................................ 86 About the Author ........................................................................................................................... 94

Chapter One

Despite the healing burns on his back, Jarek was almost giddy. Refuge. He’d heard so much about the place, he couldn’t believe he’d actually see it with his own eyes in a matter of minutes. “The first thing I’m going to do is shift into my cougar skin and take a run,” he informed Grant, the guard sitting next to him. Grant glanced at Jarek before looking away again. Jarek tried not to take the brush-off personally, but it had been a long, boring trip. He wished Daniel were making the trek across country with him. After hearing from Mica that Daniel was healthy again, Jarek thought of nothing else but sitting and talking with his new friend. He couldn’t explain the bond he felt toward the small coyote shifter, but he knew it would last a lifetime. Jarek once again adjusted himself in the seat. Although his back was healing nicely, it was still too tender to lean against the backrest. With his forearms resting on his thighs, his gaze once again wandered to Mica. The heavily muscled guard was breathtakingly beautiful, and Jarek had found himself fantasizing about him on several occasions during the trip. He’d even tried to get a seat next to the bald, ebony-skinned man, but Mica had set his weaponry down in the available seat, making it clear he’d rather be alone. In the end, Jarek had been forced to take a seat next to Mr. Sourpuss. “So how much longer, do ya think?” he asked Grant. Grant glanced out the side window of the mini-bus Ryker had purchased. “About fifteen minutes or so.” Grant went back to reading a magazine about guns, leaving Jarek to twiddle his thumbs once again. He closed his eyes and tried to imagine the home that Ryker said he could have. He wanted a big front porch, maybe even wrapping around the sides. White, he decided, with dark

green shutters. Jarek could picture himself sitting on the porch in the evening, watching the sunset from a swing that matched the green of the shutters. He’d have to make sure the front of his house faced west. Flowers could be planted all along the front of the house and inside the white fence he wanted to build. Shaking his head, Jarek couldn’t help but chuckle at himself. For someone who’d never even lived in a house, he sure had specific ideas of what he wanted it to look like. He wondered if the other shifters dreamed of such things. It was a vast departure from the caves he’d called home for over a hundred years. Grant elbowed him in the side, surprising Jarek. “We’re here,” Grant mumbled without even glancing at Jarek. Jarek sat up straighter and peered out the window. A tall, menacing fence came into view along with what looked like some kind of guardhouse. Big men holding weapons were stationed around the perimeter of the fence. Jarek’s heart sank. He’d built Refuge up as a sort of Utopia in his mind, but it looked more like a prison. The sting of tears assaulted him and he was forced to look away. What was supposed to be the happiest day of his long life had turned out disappointing. It was his own damn fault, and he knew it. He felt a pair of eyes on him and quickly glanced around. Mica was standing in the aisle staring at him. Jarek looked away, ashamed the guard had seen his tears. The bus pulled to a stop beside in front of the gate, and Mica held a large hand out. “Come with me,” he ordered Jarek. Jarek took a deep breath and stood, ignoring Mica’s hand. In borrowed clothing, he followed Refuge’s chief of security off the mini-bus. Mica waived to one of the guards and the security gate opened, allowing the bus to pull through. Jarek suddenly worried that his reaction had somehow ruined his chances of being invited in. “What about me?” he asked. “I have orders to drive you to Ryker’s house upon arrival.” Mica disappeared into the guard building and came back with a set of keys. He gestured to a small black truck with the word Security written on the side in bright yellow letters. Jarek climbed into the vehicle and waited while Mica spoke to one of the guards. Once

again, he wondered if he’d done something to upset the beautiful man. After his initial rescue, Mica had been the one to tend to Jarek’s burns. Despite being almost twice Jarek’s size, Mica’s touch was surprisingly gentle. Although he tried to hide it from Mica, Jarek’s body reacted predictably to the man’s touch. Maybe he hadn’t hid his attraction at all and that was the reason Mica had not only pulled away, but seemed to erect a wall between them. The driver’s door opened and Mica got behind the wheel without a word. Despite his earlier resolve to allow Mica his space, Jarek couldn’t handle the silence for another moment. “Are you mad at me for something?” Mica started the small truck and pulled through the open gate. “No.” Jarek waited for more, but nothing came. The wind blowing in from the open windows had his long hair whipping across his face as the vehicle’s speed increased. Jarek gathered the long tawny strands at the nape of his neck and leaned an elbow on the passenger door. “Can I ask you something?” “Sure.” “If this place is supposed to be so ideal, why do they have the fences to keep us in? Will we ever be allowed to travel outside the gate?” Mica slowed the truck and pulled to the side of the road. “The fence is there to protect you, not hold you prisoner.” “But The Hunters are dead, so why the armed guards?” “Because you’re special. And there are people on the outside who don’t want you to be.” “What about you? You’re special.” God, he couldn’t believe he’d just said that. Mica shook his head and put the truck in gear. “There’s nothing special about me.” Jarek wanted to argue that point, but Mica’s closed expression kept him silent. Instead, he turned his attention to the view out the passenger window. Everything was so incredibly green and lush. They passed several houses under construction, and Jarek sighed. “Do they tell you where you can build, or can you just pick out a spot of your own?” Mica shook his head. “I don’t know. You’ll have to talk to Ryker about that.” “He said I could have a bungalow,” Jarek informed him with a bit of pride in his voice. Mica turned off the main road and headed up a rather steep incline. “I don’t know what that is,” the big man admitted.

The subject of houses always got Jarek excited. He reached out and laid a hand on Mica’s strong forearm. “Oh, they’re beautiful houses. Nothing fancy, or big, but they have these great front porches. I want mine to wrap around the side of the house. Do you think Ryker will have them do that?” Mica didn’t react right away, instead he was staring at the hold Jarek still had on his arm. Jarek dropped his hand and shrugged. “Sorry. I tend to get a little excited sometimes.” “I noticed,” Mica chuckled. It was the first time Jarek had heard the stoic man laugh, and the sound warmed him to the bone. He inwardly sighed. “So we’re going to see The Guardians?” “Yes,” Mica answered and pointed toward a large house peeking through the trees. “Damn.” Jarek had never seen such a big house. “I don’t want anything that big. I figure two bedrooms will be plenty. Hey, have you ever slept in a bed?” “Yep.” “What’s it like?” A brief thought of sharing a bed with Mica flitted through his mind. Yeah. He was horny, but for Jarek, that was a pretty natural state of being. “I don’t know. It’s a bed. Softer than the ground, but it doesn’t smell as good as sleeping on a nice bed of grass in the shade.” Jarek smiled at the image. “You like that? Sleeping outside in the shade?” He was almost positive he witnessed a brief rosy glow under Mica’s beautiful skin tone. It made him want the chief of security even more. “Yeah. It’s probably one of my favorite things to do when I’m not working.” Mica pulled the truck behind the other vehicles in the drive and turned off the engine. Before the spell between them was broken, Jarek took the opportunity to lean over and plant a kiss on Mica’s cheek. “Thanks for talking to me.” Mica looked shocked at the gesture. “You’re welcome.” Jarek started to open his door. “Are you coming?” Mica shook his head. “They only asked that I drive you up here, not that I come in.” Jarek rolled his eyes. “Don’t be so literal. Come on. I’m sure they’ll want to see you.” He tugged at Mica’s arm for several moments until the big man chuckled and opened his door. “If you get me into trouble…” “I won’t,” Jarek said with a wink.

Before they could reach the front steps, the big double doors opened and Daniel, Ryker and Hakan stood before them. “Jarek!” Daniel squealed and wrapped his arms around Jarek. The contact to his back made Jarek flinch. Mica stepped forward just as Daniel pulled back. “Shit. I’m sorry. I was so excited to see you, I forgot. How’re the burns?” Daniel asked. “Healing,” Jarek informed his friend. Daniel glanced over his shoulder at Ryker and Hakan. “Why don’t you keep Mica company while I take Jarek to the spring?” Both men nodded and Daniel held out his hand. “Come on. I’ve got something special to show you.” Jarek took Daniel’s hand and was led off the porch and down a dirt path. “I’m glad to see you’re feeling better.” Daniel grinned. “Amazing, isn’t it?” Daniel stopped and pointed toward a pool of white water. “Milk?” Jarek asked. Daniel shook his head. “Healing waters.” Daniel started to disrobe before gesturing to Jarek. “Off with them. We’re taking a soak together.” Jarek was surprised, to say the least, but he followed Daniel’s lead and soon stood before the Coyote King completely naked. “You are a beautiful man,” Daniel commented as he stepped over the mossy rocks to lower himself into the water. Jarek stood, completely dumbfounded by Daniel’s appraisal. “It’s okay,” Daniel chuckled. “I may look, but I won’t touch.” He splashed his hand in the water. “In with you.” Jarek followed the impression Daniel’s feet had made on the shore and submerged his lower half into the white liquid. Daniel walked around behind him and began dripping water over Jarek’s back. With every drop, he could actually feel the burns fading. “So, tell me about you and Mica?” Daniel asked. The question startled him. Was his attraction to the big man that noticeable? Damn. He’d need to be more careful. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Daniel giggled and reached around Jarek to take hold of his erection. “This tells me that you do. You’ve been in a constant state of arousal since you arrived.” Jarek felt self-conscious about his condition and brushed Daniel’s hand away. “He’s a good-looking man,” he admitted. “And?” Daniel prompted, going back to washing Jarek’s back. “And nothing.” “Bullshit. I saw the way he lurched for me when he saw you flinch earlier.” Jarek had noticed Mica’s reaction, but didn’t think anything about it at the time. “What’re you saying? You think he likes me?” Jarek shook his head. “He barely speaks to me.” Daniel gripped Jarek’s shoulders and turned him around. “Mica’s special.” “He told me he wasn’t special. I thought that meant he wasn’t a shifter.” “He’s not. Well, not really. Earth Mother made him and the other guards out of the stones that have been on this piece of land for thousands of years.” “I didn’t know she could do that.” Daniel chuckled. “You’d be surprised at what Mother can do when she sets her mind to something. Anyway, although Mica and his men have been transformed, they don’t have the ability to shift.” “So they’ll always be men,” Jarek surmised. “Yes. And with their newfound life, comes problems. They’re experiencing emotions for the first time. My guess is Mica doesn’t really know what to think about you.” “So what should I do?” “Give him time and space. We’ve got a behavioral psychologist coming in. Jon will be able to help all the shifters adjust to their new lives, but most especially, he’ll be able to help Mica and his men deal with their emotions.” Jarek followed Daniel’s lead and sat on one of the rocks in the shallow end of the pool. The water was serving to not only heal him, but if he wasn’t mistaken, it was doing odd things to the rest of his anatomy as well. “So what’s with this water?” Daniel grinned. “A gift from my men and me.” Jarek didn’t understand. Daniel must’ve seen his confusion. The smaller man reached out and ruffled Jarek’s long hair. “Doesn’t matter. Just enjoy it.” Jarek stood and dove into the deeper water, completely submerging himself. As the silken

water caressed his skin, he began to feel rejuvenated. He came up out of the water harder than he’d ever been. He looked around for a place to jerk off. Although he’d done it in front of Daniel many times, it had always been dark. In the light of day, he suddenly felt shy. “I’m gonna go…” he mumbled, climbing out of the water and heading for the dense forest beyond the pool. Daniel’s laughter followed him. “I’m gonna head back. Come up to the house when you’re finished.” Jarek shouted back, “Don’t worry, this won’t take long.” **** Mica sat, uncomfortable on the small chair offered, while Hakan and Ryker sat on the porch swing several feet away. “So the trip was uneventful?” Ryker asked. “Yeah. Did all the new shifters get settled?” Mica glanced off toward the trees where Jarek and Daniel had disappeared. “For the most part. We’re housing most of them in the old hotel at the other end of the property until we can get proper housing constructed.” That reminded Mica. “Jarek asked on the way up who determined where the houses would be located. I told him to talk to you.” Ryker nodded, idly running his fingers through Hakan’s long, black hair. “Does Jarek want something specific besides the bungalow he asked me about?” Mica shrugged. “Not sure, but he seems to have some pretty definite ideas on what he wants.” Mica couldn’t hide his grin. “He’s very enthusiastic, isn’t he?” Ryker laughed. “You could say that. Although I don’t know him as well as Daniel does, he strikes me as the kind of guy who enjoys talking. Probably because he lived alone for so many years.” Daniel appeared out of nowhere and insinuated himself between Ryker and Hakan. “Who’re we talking about?” “Jarek,” Ryker confessed. Daniel bit his bottom lip before he addressed Mica. “Would you do me a favor and keep an eye on him?”

“You think he’ll be trouble?” Mica didn’t really know much about Jarek, but he didn’t seem the type who would make waves with the other shifters. “No. But I’m not sure how well he’ll get along with the others. Unlike most of the cat shifters who tend to keep to themselves, Jarek seems to have the gift of gab. His zest for life is admirable, but some may find him annoying. He saved my life while we were held by The Hunters. For him to be hurt in any way is unacceptable. Do you understand?” Before Mica could agree, a loud whistle-like sound emitted from the trees. Mica stood, ready to defend his Guardians. “It’s okay. It’s just Jarek,” Daniel said in a calm tone. “I imagine he was itching to shift since they wouldn’t let us during our captivity.” Although uneasy, Mica sat back down. It wasn’t that he was afraid of the shifters; he just didn’t understand them. When Mother had granted him the gift of life as a human, he never had the desire to turn into anything else but the man he’d become. A large, tan, mountain lion ambled slowly up the stairs and right for Mica. He tensed, not sure how aware Jarek was while in his cougar skin. Jarek lowered his head and butted it playfully against Mica’s hand. Mica looked at Daniel. “What does he want?” Daniel giggled. “Ummm, I think he wants you to pet him.” “Is that natural?” “Perfectly,” Daniel said with a nod. Mica opened his hand and rested it on top of Jarek’s head. The fur was surprisingly soft under his fingers. Jarek moved his head so Mica was scratching him behind the ears. Mica realized how much he was enjoying himself. The simple action of giving the big cat pleasure brought him pleasure as well. It made him remember the way Jarek had touched his arm when they were driving up the mountain. Did Jarek feel the same kind of pleasure as he was experiencing at the moment? “Jarek, honey, why don’t you go get dressed and the two of you can join us for supper.” “Dressed? I thought your clothes shifted with you?” Mica asked. “They do, if you’re wearing them in the first place. I’m sure Jarek was still naked when he shifted,” Daniel informed him. Mica wasn’t the only one uneasy about Daniel’s admission. Both Hakan and Ryker

stiffened. “The two of you were naked together?” “It’s not the first time. You forget we spent many hours naked and trapped in cages side by side,” Daniel reminded his men. “Not the same,” Hakan spat. “You’re right it wasn’t. I never really got a good look at Jarek in the cage, but I sure did in the healing spring. And damn!” Hakan and Ryker tackled Daniel at the same time, smashing his much smaller body between them. “You’re ours,” both Guardians said in unison. Daniel giggled and glanced at Mica. “I don’t know why they’re making such a big deal. They knew when I took Jarek to the spring we’d have to disrobe.” “Didn’t think about it at the time,” Hakan growled. Mica gave Jarek one last scratch behind the ear. “You’d better go shift and dress.” Jarek’s tongue laved Mica’s hand before slinking from the porch and disappearing into the trees. Mica stared at his hand. He’d learned enough about animals to know what Jarek had just done was sort of a kiss. It was the second one he’d received from the small shifter if the one on the cheek in the truck was included. A cougar broke out of the trees and straight for the porch, surprising Mica. “I thought Daniel told you to shift.” Daniel stood and walked to the top of the steps. “It’s not Jarek, it’s Maquay.” Mica’s skin prickled. He’d only met the self-proclaimed cougar Alpha on a few occasions and didn’t care for him. He jumped out of his chair and went to stand beside Daniel in case he was needed. At the foot of the steps, Maquay shifted. “Excuse the intrusion, Daniel, but I’ve been told one of my charges is here.” Daniel nodded. “Yes. Jarek’s here. He’ll be staying for dinner.” Maquay dipped his head slightly. “With your permission, I’d like to take him back with me. We have some rules we need to go over before he’s allowed to settle in.” Mica could tell the cougar shifter had offended Daniel by the stiffening of the coyote shifter’s spine. “Jarek is allowed to settle in however he sees fit. If he wants to stay for dinner, that’s his choice, not yours.” Daniel punctuated his statement by traveling down two steps until he was eye

to eye with Maquay. Maquay dismissed Jarek with a flick of his hand and regarded Hakan and Ryker. “Does this coyote shifter also rule over the cougars?” Ryker stood and moved forward. “Daniel was chosen to bridge the shifters of earth and sky. You will show him the same respect you show me or Hakan.” Maquay’s eyes narrowed. “Very well. Have Jarek come by my house after his dinner.” Mica could tell by the growl in Maquay’s voice that the shifter was beyond angry. He hoped the cougar Alpha didn’t take it out on Jarek. If Maquay even attempted such an act, he’d have Mica to deal with. **** Jarek stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His new Alpha hadn’t asked him to sit, so he stood just inside the door as Maquay paced the small living room, running down a list of rules. “And last but not least, you should refrain from interaction with shifters outside our species.” “What?” Jarek butted in. “Why can’t I talk to the friends I’ve already made?” “Because cougars and coyotes are not friends in nature.” “But we’re not in nature. This is Refuge…” “Silence.” Maquay rushed forward, wrapping a hand around Jarek’s neck. “You will not question me, unless you believe you are strong enough to fight for my position.” Jarek swallowed. He had no desire to become Alpha, but he didn’t want to live the life Maquay was laying out for him. “If you attempt to go to your friends on the hill, you will be sorry. Accidents happen even at Refuge. Am I understood?” Maquay asked. Jarek nodded, lowering his head. His dreams had been foolish. How many years had he yearned of living a non-solitary life? Now it seemed he was allowed friends, as long as they were of his species. “Can I go?” “You will be housed in the dorm with the rest of the cat shifters. Bly will show you to your room.” A handsome man with long blond hair stepped forward and opened the door. Jarek turned and walked out of the Alpha’s house. He followed Bly across the field toward the large building

he would have to stay in until his home was built. “Don’t let the rules get to you.” Jarek glanced at the tall man walking beside him. “I don’t understand them. Why did Maquay come to Refuge if he doesn’t want to live with the other shifter species?” Bly said nothing for several moments. “His pain and anger fills him to the point of madness at times. It’s impossible for Maquay to openly be with the one he truly loves. “I’m sorry, but he needs to get over it.” “Easy for you to say, you’ve never had to hide the one you loved.” “You’re right. I’ve never loved at all. Have you?” Bly made a sound in his throat and picked up his pace. “I’m not allowed to talk about it.” Jarek felt a world of hurt in the shifter’s voice. He didn’t ask any more questions, afraid of making Bly feel worse. He continued to follow the cougar shifter to the third floor of the hotel-turned-dorm. Bly handed Jarek the key after unlocking the door. “You’ll have the room to yourself for now, but that may change if more shifters arrive.” “Oh, I won’t be here long. Ryker has promised to build me a house.” It appeared Bly wanted to say something, but he shook his head. “I’ll take you shopping at the supply barn after breakfast to get you more clothes.” With a deep breath, Jarek turned the handle and opened the door. His first impression was the same as his second, depressing. The room had been stripped of any decoration. There was a small bed, desk and chair. This is it? His heart plummeted as he entered the room. Jarek ran a hand over the heavy wool blanket on the bed. It wasn’t quite what he’d been hoping for in his first human home, but at least he had a real bed. He turned and sat down. He was surprised it didn’t have as much give as he’d have thought, but figured, like everything else, his dreams had romanticized living as a human. He stood and walked toward the large window. At least he’d be able to see outside. From his position on the third floor, Jarek felt he was once again on his mountain. He rested his forehead against the glass, suddenly homesick. Movement below caught his attention. Jarek was surprised to see Mica step out of the shadows to stare up at him. Jarek held up his hand in acknowledgement and smiled. The words his Alpha spoke came back to him. He dropped both his hand and his smile. It didn’t matter how

much he wanted the stone man, Jarek knew it was forbidden. He continued to look down at Mica for several moments before turning away. He undressed quickly and switched off the light before crawling under the covers. Jarek sighed as he rolled to his side. For as many years as he could remember, he’d jerked off before falling to sleep, but the coldness to his new home left him without an ounce of motivation. Maybe things would be better once he got to know some of the other cougar shifters.

Chapter Two

Mica knocked on the door and waited. He knew he was overstepping his position by showing up at The Guardians’ home unannounced, but he was worried. He tapped his fingers against his thigh, his nerves threatening to overwhelm him. Six separate times in the previous month, he’d had to see Dr. Whitehall in emergency sessions in addition to his regularly scheduled appointments. The front door opened and Daniel smiled up at him. “Mica. To what do I owe the pleasure of your unexpected visit?” “I’m sorry. I know I’m supposed to call first, but I need to talk to you.” Daniel waved away Mica’s apology and led him inside. The weather was turning colder, and sitting on the porch was no longer an option. “Have a seat.” Mica settled his large frame on the deep sofa. “I’m worried about Jarek.” “Jarek? Why, what’s happened.” “I don’t know, but he’s different than he was when he first came. I catch him crying sometimes, and I’ve seen him sleeping outside in his shifted form.” Daniel’s expression turned serious. “Have you been keeping an eye out for him like I asked?” Mica nodded. “As much as I can.” He felt his chest tighten. “I’ve seen him with the others, and I think you were right to be worried. They don’t seem to like him much.” He felt his eyes sting and fisted his hands. Damn. His emotions were all over the place lately. No matter how hard he tried, the sadness threatened to overwhelm him most days. “One time, I heard some of the shifters teasing him. I could tell he was really upset, but when I tried to

step in to stop it, he got angry and ran away.” Daniel shook his head. “I’m glad you came to me. The thought of Jarek being unhappy breaks my heart. He was so excited to come here.” “Maybe things will get better once he moves out of that awful place he’s living in and into his new house.” “He told me he’d changed his mind about the house. He said he was happy in the dorm.” Mica knew that wasn’t true. He didn’t know why he’d changed his mind about the house, unless he wasn’t planning on staying long enough to see it finished. “Do you think he’ll run away?” “What?” Mica shrugged. “Maybe he’s changed his mind and has decided he likes living in his cougar skin better. If that’s the case, I wouldn’t put it past him to move up to the mountains.” Daniel stood and began pacing the room. “None of this makes sense. It’s like we’re talking about a different person than the one I spent time with.” Daniel stopped and put his hands on his hips. “If you see him, can you ask him to come here for dinner? I don’t know that it’ll do any good, but we have to try something.” Mica stood. “I’ll tell him.” “I’m going to invite Jon, and I’d appreciate it if you’d come as well.” “Me?” “Yes.” As much as the prospect thrilled him, Mica was afraid. Jarek had acted like he no longer wanted him around. What would Jarek say if he knew Mica had also been invited? “I’ll tell him.” “Good.” Daniel reached up and put a hand on Mica’s arm. “No matter what is going on with Jarek, I want you to know he likes you.” Mica had thought maybe he had to, but now he knew differently. He covered Daniel’s hand with his own. “Thanks, but either he’s changed his mind, or he’s discovered I’m not good enough because I can’t even get him to talk to me anymore.” Daniel shook his head. “No. He hasn’t changed his mind. You don’t just up and change what’s in your heart, and believe me, I saw his feelings clearly. He really does like you. Whatever it is that’s troubling him, must be responsible for the changes in him.” “I hope you’re right,” Mica mumbled. That was as far as he’d let himself go in declaring

his own interest in the cougar shifter. “So go find him, and I’ll call Dr. Whitehall, Hakan and Ryker.” “Okay.” Mica felt better as he left the house and climbed into the security truck he’d been assigned. The drive down the hill was much easier than the one up. He couldn’t wipe the smile from his face at the thought of the handsome shifter liking him. Over the past few weeks, he’d convinced himself he’d read Jarek wrong in the beginning. It just didn’t make sense how fast the man’s attitude towards Refuge had changed. One minute they were laughing and eating dinner with Daniel, Hakan and Ryker, and the next morning…nothing. Although it wasn’t his place, he’d thought of talking to Daniel about Maquay. Since the afternoon on Daniel’s porch, he’d noticed the Alpha shifter watching him with malice in his gaze. It was also after his meeting with Maquay that Jarek started to change. The news about Jarek no longer wanting a house was the final straw. Jarek had talked about nothing else. No way would he prefer the cougar floor in the dorm to his own place. Mica had seen what Maquay had done to the once attractive rooms. They were no more than prison cells since the Alpha’s makeover. Mica drove to the supply barn where Jarek had been given a job unpacking boxes for the store. He parked in the small lot next to one of the community trucks. Unlike the vehicles available for anyone to use, Mica took the keys out of the security truck and stuck them in his pocket. He entered the barn through the side door, hoping to avoid as many people as possible. Although it was getting better, many of the shifters still treated Mica and his guards like they were freaks, always staring. In his present mood, Mica knew it was best to maintain a low profile. Jarek wasn’t hard to find, he seemed to be the only one working. Mica glanced at his watch. He hadn’t realized it was lunchtime. He wondered why Jarek wasn’t eating. “Hey.” With a stack of toilet paper in his arms, Jarek glanced over his shoulder. “Hi.” He loaded the stack onto a cart before turning to fully face Mica. “What’re you doing here?” Mica took several steps forward. He noticed the dark smudges under Jarek’s eyes. “Daniel asked me to invite you up to his house for dinner later.”

A spark lit in Jarek’s amber eyes before quickly disappearing. “Oh. Uh, I can’t. Will you tell him?” Mica knew from Jarek’s body language it was hurting him to turn down the invitation. So why was he? “Sorry. Unless you can give me a good reason to give Daniel, you can do your own dirty work. He misses you.” Mica’s gaze dropped to the floor. “We all do.” “I miss you guys, too,” Jarek whispered. “But I just can’t.” “Can’t or won’t.” Jarek’s gaze quickly scanned their surroundings. “Can’t. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Mica watched Jarek’s back as the shifter pushed the cart toward the front of the building. Can’t? That implied someone wouldn’t let him. “Maquay,” Mica spat out. **** Although the dorm was almost three miles from the supply barn, Jarek chose to walk home instead of riding with the other shifters. He flipped the collar of his coat up against the chill and cut through the woods. He’d learned the hard way what could happen if you walked along the road. He was an easy target for the passing shifters. Not that any of them had tried to run him down, but they seemed to enjoy shouting hurtful things at him. The previous week, he’d even been hit in the head by a half-full beer can as a group had driven by. He hated his new life. With every passing day, he hated it more and more. There were times he wished he’d have died at the hands of The Hunters. At least then, the other shifters would have thought of him as a hero. Instead, Maquay had made his feelings toward Jarek known to the rest of the cougar shifters. He’d made the mistake of being seen with Mica the third day he’d lived at Refuge. Since then, he’d been treated like shit by the shifters, and since they were the only ones, he was allowed to socialize with, it made for a lonely existence. He rubbed his side where Maquay had branded him with the letter T, for traitor. Although his shifting abilities had gone a long way in healing the burn, Maquay had sprinkled the tortured skin with gold dust from the mountains of his ancestors. Like all shifters, cougars had a weakness, and theirs was the gold the prospectors wanted access to. According to his Alpha, he’d receive another for every time he was spotted socializing with another species. After five brands, he’d be killed. The more he thought about it, the less he cared.

Out of his peripheral vision, he spotted a small brown coyote running toward him. Jarek stopped and squeezed his eyes shut. As deep in the trees as they were, it was unlikely Maquay or one of his men would catch Jarek talking to Daniel. Jarek just had to make sure Daniel didn’t touch him. The last thing he needed was to come away from the meeting smelling like coyote. He waited for Daniel to shift before greeting his old friend. “Hi.” “Hey.” Daniel held out his arms, but Jarek stepped back. “What’s going on, Jarek?” Jarek shook his head. “I’ve just come from work. I’m filthy.” Daniel’s head tilted to the side. “You know that doesn’t matter to me. Now tell me the real reason.” Instead of answering Daniel’s question, Jarek switched gears. “I’m sorry I can’t come to dinner. I have other plans.” “Really? What? Because I hope they include eating. It looks like you’ve lost a lot of weight since you got here.” Jarek shrugged. “What can I say? I’m used to spending the majority of my days sleeping. Now I’ve got a job. I was bound to lose weight with all the extra calories I’m burning.” “That’s bullshit and we both know it. What’s going on?” “I told you, nothing. I’m just trying to settle in. It’s not easy for me, ya know? I’m used to being alone. All these people around constantly are a little harder to get used to than I thought.” “Why aren’t you talking to Mica?” “Did he tell you that? I barely see Mica and when I do, he’s normally trying to stir up shit with my friends.” “Your friends? So you have some?” “Yeah. What, you think I’m so pathetic I can’t get a friend?” Daniel flinched like he’d been struck. “I know you can get friends. I was your friend. I guess what I don’t know is whether or not you know how to keep them.” Jarek rubbed his hands before cupping them in front of his mouth. He blew air into his palms in hopes of warming them. “Is there anything else? Because I’ve got to get back to the dorm.” “I don’t know what’s going on with you, but I wish you trusted me enough to come to me. You know there’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for you.”

Jarek felt the sting of tears as he swallowed around the lump in his throat. How long had he waited to hear those words from someone? “I’m sorry, Daniel, but I need to go.” Instead of walking, Jarek shifted and ran in his cougar skin back toward the dorm. He shifted back before entering the building and made his way quickly to his room. Once inside, he locked the door and threw himself on his bed. He glanced over at the hotplate on his desk and the small pyramid of soup cans. God, he was tired of eating soup every night. He could only imagine what Daniel had planned for dinner. The last time he’d eaten at the house on the hill, they’d had steak. Jarek sighed. Maybe another brand was worth spending a night with the people he loved. He glanced at the small clock beside his bed. The rest of the shifters would be going down to dinner soon. If he waited until they were busy and then spent the night outside, they may not realize he wasn’t in his room. Getting to his feet, he opened the door and looked up and down the hallway. Once the coast was clear, he hurried to the wall phone and called Daniel. It would be pointless to risk Maquay’s wrath if he was no longer welcome. **** Jarek wiped his hands on his jeans before knocking on the door. He’d promised himself he would treat the evening like it was his last. Before the door opened, a deep voice from behind him had him smiling. “I’m glad you came,” Mica said, stepping up onto the porch. Jarek turned. “So am I.” The door opened and Hakan’s warm eyes welcomed them both. “It’s nice to see you here.” Without giving Jarek time to step away, Hakan embraced him. Jarek stiffened, knowing he would carry The Guardian’s scent even after he bathed. His eyes began to burn as he finally accepted the hug and the punishment that would surely follow. Hakan released him and Jarek lead the way into the house. “I’ll get us some beers,” Hakan said and disappeared through the doorway that led to the kitchen. He hadn’t realized the first time he visited, but after a month in the colorless atmosphere of his dorm room, Jarek noticed the small touches that made the house a home. It was in the

shine of the wood floors, and the throw pillows on the brown leather sofa. The snapshots on the mantle of Hakan, Ryker and Daniel added the heart that his room would never have. He hated Maquay had refused to allow him the house Ryker had promised, but what he hated even more was the knowledge that he’d never be allowed to love a man of his choosing. He felt a large hand against the small of his back and glanced over his shoulder. “Are you okay?” Mica asked. Jarek started to automatically answer yes, but stopped himself. He shook his head and swallowed around the lump lodged in his throat. “I hate it here.” Mica grunted and pulled Jarek into his arms. “It’ll be okay. We’ll figure out what’s wrong and fix it.” Jarek buried his face against Mica’s broad chest. He knew the only way to fix what his life had become was to challenge Maquay, and there was no way Jarek could beat the man in a fight. He thought of Bly. How many times had he wondered why Bly sat back and let Maquay get away with the way he treated the shifters? It was obvious the second in command was stronger than the Alpha. “Hey. What’s going on?” Daniel’s gentle voice asked. Jarek sat up and stared into Mica’s eyes, pleading with the larger man not to share his confession. “Nothing. Just happy to see you guys.” He turned away from Mica and allowed Daniel to hug him. “I’m glad you changed your mind. Come on into the dining room. Jon and Ryker will join us in a few minutes.” When Jarek started to follow Daniel out of the room, Mica grabbed his hand and pulled him to a stop. “We’ll talk about this later,” Mica whispered in Jarek’s ear. Jarek nodded, but he knew he’d need to do a lot of backpedaling. As much as he wanted to lean on Mica and ask for help, he knew he couldn’t. Ryker had made it clear each animal family would police their own by way of their Alpha. If Jarek went to The Guardians for help, they would be caught in the middle, possibly threatening everything they’d created in Refuge. The only sensible way to change his situation was to either find someone who’d be willing to take on Maquay, or do it himself. “Sit here next to me,” Daniel said, pulling out a chair. Jarek nodded and did as asked. He wasn’t surprised when Mica chose the seat next to his.

Glancing over at the gorgeous man, Jarek knew how easy it would be to fall in love. It gave him another incentive to find a way to depose their current Alpha. “So, how’s your new job going?” Hakan asked as he handed Jarek a beer. “I like it. I was so afraid I wouldn’t find something I was good at, but I think I’m doing a good job.” Jarek sipped his beer. He could do this. As long as everyone stayed on easy questions, he could bluff his way through the evening. Ryker and Dr. Whitehall walked into the room. Jarek stood to shake Jon’s hand before being enveloped in a hug from Ryker. Ryker released his hold and regarded Jarek with a questioning look. “Now that we finally got you here, mind telling me why you don’t want the house you were so excited about?” Jarek knew if he told Ryker he no longer wanted the house, The Guardian would know he was lying. “It was brought to my attention how many mated couples and families don’t yet have one. Since I’m single, a room is all I need.” Ryker narrowed his eyes. “I suppose Maquay is the one who brought it to your attention?” With such close scrutiny, Jarek knew he couldn’t lie. “Yes.” “Dammit.” Ryker shook his head as he stalked to the head of the table. “He’s the wrong man to be Alpha over the cougar shifters. I still can’t understand why none of you see it.” Jarek bit the inside of his cheek. “He’s very strong.” “In body, yes, but in mind and heart, he’s weak. An Alpha should be strong in all three,” Hakan interjected. Jarek shrugged. “Strength in mind and heart can’t win a challenge if you don’t have the physical strength to back it up. The only cougar I know who’d even have a chance is Bly and, for some reason, he won’t even discuss challenging Maquay.” “They’re brothers,” Ryker stated. “And you’re right. Bly will never challenge Maquay. But there is a shifter who is far superior to Maquay in strength and character.” Jarek was still reeling from the information about Bly. Suddenly the other half of Ryker’s statement sunk in. “Who?” “His name is Suni. While he accepted the invitation to live on Refuge, he’s refused to live among us. He rarely ventures from his cave.” Ryker leaned forward. “He has the true-blue eyes of the chosen.”

Jarek sat up straighter. “Where’s he at? Do you think he would talk to me?” Ryker shook his head. “I doubt it. Even if he did, you won’t change his mind. The last time I tried, I could see the anger in his eyes. I’m afraid my status and my powers of Guardian were the only things that saved me from an attack.” I can try. Jarek felt Mica’s hand land on his thigh. “Stay away from him,” Mica grumbled. Jarek knew in that moment it was worth the risk. The chance at a life with Mica was worth everything to him. He gave a noncommittal nod and took another drink of his beer.

Chapter Three

Mica walked down the steps beside Jarek. “Where’s your truck?” Jarek bit his bottom lip and shook his head. How could he tell Mica he’d had to sneak out of the dorm in order to come? “I didn’t bring one.” Mica physically steered Jarek toward his security truck with an arm around his waist. “Get in.” Jarek dug in his heels. If anyone saw him get out of Mica’s truck, the punishment would come a lot sooner than he’d planned. “That’s okay. I can shift and run back.” Mica spun Jarek around to face him. “What’s going on? You keep sending me mixed signals. One minute I start to think you like me, but the next you’re pushing me away.” The hurt in Mica’s eyes was too much for Jarek. He wrapped his arms around the big man and rested his cheek against the heavily muscled chest. “I do like you, but I’m not allowed to be with you.” Mica tilted Jarek’s chin up. “Not allowed? Is it because I’m not a shifter?” “Because you’re not cougar.” Jarek reached up and pulled Mica’s head down. He pressed his lips against Mica’s, mimicking what he’d seen Daniel do with his men. He lapped at Mica’s full lips, needing to taste the man. An image of falling to his knees to get a real taste of Mica sprang to mind. What would it feel like to make love to such a large man? With a grunt, Mica picked Jarek up and pressed him against the side of the truck. “Hold on.” Jarek wrapped his legs around Mica and kissed him again. Mica’s mouth opened and he sucked Jarek’s tongue into its warm depths. As he fully tasted Mica for the first time, he began

grinding his arousal against the heavily muscled man. Mica’s hand pushed between them and cupped Jarek’s erection. Jarek broke the kiss and thrust against Mica’s hand. “Yes.” The front porch light went out, startling both of them. Although Jarek was sure the threesome was trying to give them privacy, the thought of making love for the first time in front of his friends’ home didn’t sit well with him. Mica must’ve been thinking the same thing. He lowered Jarek to the ground, but kept his hand on Jarek’s cock. “Come home with me.” God, Jarek wanted to so badly. “I can’t.” “My house is secluded. They won’t know you’re there.” Jarek knew differently. Shifters had a keen sense of smell. Not only would Maquay know he’d touched others, but he would smell Mica’s seed if they were to make love. While Jarek weighed the price he’d have to pay verses the joy he’d receive, Mica managed to unzip his jeans. The first touch of Mica’s hand on his cock nearly sent him over the edge. “Okay,” he moaned. Mica broke away. “Are you sure?” Jarek nodded, and Mica opened the passenger door. Jarek started to zip his jeans, but Mica reached out and put his hand over Jarek’s. “Leave them open.” Jarek knew he could do better than that. He got into the truck and pushed his jeans and underwear down to mid-thigh as Mica watched. If one night is all they would have, Jarek planned to make enough memories to last a lifetime. He began stroking his cock as he smiled up at Mica. He’d jacked himself off thousands of times, but never had it felt as good as it did with Mica watching him. Instead of getting into the truck, Mica unzipped his own jeans and pushed them down. “I can’t wait. I need you now.” In complete agreement, Jarek rid himself of his shoes and pushed his clothes down and off. He noticed Mica struggling with his boots and turned to face him. Jarek patted the seat between his spread thighs. “Put your foot up here.” Mica pulled his jeans up enough to lift his foot onto the seat. As Jarek tried to work the laces loose, Mica’s hand was busy playing with Jarek’s cock. With one boot thrown to the ground, Mica lifted the next foot.

Mica’s hand left Jarek’s cock to cup and squeeze his balls. By the time Jarek got Mica’s other boot off and his jeans and underwear pushed down, he was once again on the verge of erupting. He leaned forward and engulfed the dark head of Mica’s more than generous shaft. Mica’s deep moan vibrated Jarek’s chest. “Yes. It feels so good.” Jarek grinned around the fat cock, swallowing the streams of pre-cum as they dripped from the wide slit in the crown. He pulled off long enough to spit into his hand before sucking on the head once more. He did his best to wrap his hand around the base of Mica’s cock as he started to jack his lover off. “I’m gonna shoot,” Mica warned. Jarek scraped the tender flesh of Mica’s dick with his teeth and opened his throat for the gift he was soon to receive. The first burst of seed coated his tongue with a flavor similar to his own. He couldn’t help but hum his approval as the warmth coated his throat. Once the last of Mica’s cum had been milked from his body, Jarek cleaned his new lover’s cock. He released the softening member and smiled up at Mica. “Yum.” Jarek couldn’t read the expression on Mica’s face. At first, he thought the man was in pain, but when Mica pushed Jarek back against the seat and climbed over the top of him, he knew it was wonder he saw in Mica’s eyes. “Is this what love feels like?” Mica asked, rubbing his lips over Jarek’s face. “I don’t know. I’ve never been in love. I think it usually takes longer though.” Jarek wrapped his legs around Mica’s waist. “Kiss me.” Mica thrust his tongue inside Jarek’s mouth as he began to move his hips. Jarek was surprised by the hardening cock he felt riding against his thigh. Damn, Mica has a faster recovery time than I do. As the kiss continued, Jarek could feel Mica doing something off to his side. He heard the click of the glove box opening, moments before he felt something cold and slippery against his puckered hole. He opened his eyes and broke the kiss. “Are you going to fuck me?” Mica nodded. “If it’s okay. I’ve never done it before.” “Me either. I’ve used my own fingers, but even I know it’s nothing like the real thing.” Jarek felt one of Mica’s fingers slowly push its way into his ass. “Wow.” One of Mica’s fingers felt like two of Jarek’s. He hoped he’d be able to take the man’s cock when the time

came. He did his best to breathe through the pain as Mica continued to loosen his ring. It was obvious by the intense concentration on Mica’s face he was worried about hurting Jarek. “Feels good.” Some of the tension in Mica’s forehead relaxed as he leaned down to kiss Jarek once more. He was close to release, when a voice behind Mica drew his attention. “Jarek.” Jarek pushed Mica’s hand away and pulled himself together as Maquay and Bly emerged from out of the trees. “Shit.” Nude, Mica immediately stepped in front of Jarek. “Come with us, Jarek,” Maquay commanded as if Mica wasn’t even there. After taking a deep breath, Jarek sat up and slid out of the truck. His hands were shaking as he tried to find his jeans and shoes. “Leave them. They smell of the stone man.” Jarek walked around Mica, biting his bottom lip. He glanced over his shoulder and gave Mica the most reassuring smile he could muster. “I’ll be okay.” “If anything happens to him, you’ll have to deal with me.” Mica’s warning was met by a sneer from Maquay. “This is cougar business, Stone Man. You’ve got no jurisdiction.” Mica took a step toward Maquay. “If you hurt him, there’s nothing that will stop me from killing you.” Maquay laughed. “You could try. But you see, I know how to kill Jarek in the most painful way possible.” Maquay narrowed his eyes. “Don’t fuck with me, queer.” When Mica started to go after Maquay, Jarek stepped in front of him and put a hand to the center of Mica’s chest. “Please don’t make it worse for me.” Mica stopped and gazed down at Jarek. He was so angry he’d begun to shake as if it was taking all his will not to strike out at Maquay. Jarek stroked Mica’s chest several times. “It’ll be okay. Go home, Mica.” With those words, Jarek turned and followed the shifters into the trees, knowing his night had just begun. **** With three fresh brands on his side, Jarek struggled to shift into his cougar skin. The pain

was so horrible he’d already thrown up the entire dinner he’d consumed earlier in the evening. He’d realized after the second burn was administered, Maquay would kill him if he ever spoke to Mica again. Finally managing to shift, Jarek slowly made his way toward the mountain where Suni’s cave was supposed to be. His only chance at love and survival could be found a day’s walk from Maquay’s house. Jarek prayed he’d make it. The gold dust had already begun to absorb through the fresh burns. With three separate applications, Jarek didn’t know if his body, even in cougar form, would survive. **** After searching for hours, Mica barged his way into Maquay’s home office. He didn’t give the cougar Alpha time to speak before he wrapped his hands around the man’s throat. “You bastard, what’d you do to him?” One moment Mica was holding a man by the throat and the next a cougar’s sharp claws were slicing at Mica’s face, arms and chest. The pain was unbearable as he tried to get away from the fighting cat. “Maquay!” Bly yelled, rushing into the office. With Bly’s help, Mica managed to free himself from the insane shifter. He staggered back and slumped to the floor. Despite his superior strength, he was no match for Maquay’s claws. The blood ran from his wounds in rivers as he struggled to stay conscious. “What have you done?” Bly screamed at his brother as he picked up the phone. “I need a doctor at the cougar house right away.” Bly ran out of the room as Mica tried to drag himself from the office, his blood easing the way on the hardwood floor. “Lie still.” Bly was back with a stack of towels, trying his best to wrap the worst of Mica’s wounds. He glanced up as Maquay stormed from the room yelling about being attacked first. Bly looked into Mica’s eyes. “I’m so sorry.” “Where’s Jarek?” Mica managed to ask. Bly shook his head. “I don’t know. He wasn’t in good shape by the time Maquay finished with him, but he was alive.” “I’m sorry, but your brother had better hope I die.” Mica knew his anger was keeping him

alive. The need to avenge not only himself, but Jarek surged through him. “Don’t talk. You need to save your strength.” Mica wanted to argue, but he was having trouble keeping his eyes open. “Tell them…tell them to look for Jarek.” “I will.” As Mica gave in to the dark fog that was enveloping him, he knew he’d never forget the sorrow and guilt in Bly’s expression. **** Out hunting, Suni noticed a smell in the air that had nothing to do with the local wildlife. He’d marked his territory well, warning other shifters away. The thought that someone had not heeded his warning didn’t bode well for them. He stalked toward the intruder intent on teaching the shifter a lesson he wouldn’t soon forget. As he closed in on his enemy, he realized the scent was off; illness permeated the air. No longer attempting to sneak up on the shifter, Suni ran over rocks and fallen logs to reach the sick cougar. Had it not been for his nose, he would’ve completely missed the thin body lying in a pile of brush. Suni shifted and knelt beside the unconscious cat. His fingers brushed over the cougars pelt looking for injuries, before carefully turning the animal over. Suni jumped back as he stared at the four marks on the cougar’s side. He knew exactly what they were and who had inflicted them. “Maquay.” His anger toward the new Alpha grew stronger by the second. Leaving the injured shifter was no longer an option. He had to know what Maquay was up to. With his feet under him, Suni hoisted the heavy cougar into his arms and carried him toward the mountain stream. Nude, Suni shivered as he picked his way over the rocks to the cold water. The birds overhead squawked. Suni’s face rose toward the sun as he acknowledged his fellow shifters. “Tell them he’s safe.” He lowered the unconscious cougar onto the bank and began washing the wounds. As angry as he was with Maquay, he was equally mad at himself. It was his fault the Alpha knew of the damaging effects gold dust had on cougars. That kind of knowledge in the hands of a sadistic leader would be the demise of the cougar shifters. Suni scooped water into his hand and began trickling it down the cougar’s throat. “Wake

up.” As much as he wanted to help the shifter, he knew the climb up the steepest section of the mountain would be impossible in the injured man’s present skin. It took another twenty minutes of slowly trying to rehydrate the cougar before Suni spotted signs of life. The cry of pain came before the cougar even opened its eyes. Suni ran a soothing hand over the shifter’s coat. “I know it hurts, but I need you to shift before you pass out again.” Although the cougar eventually opened its eyes, the gaze was unfocused and heavylidded. Suni knew the injured man was on the cusp of passing out once again. “Please. I want to help you, but you need to shift.” The process was much slower than normal, but eventually a man began to form in his arms. Suni brushed the hair out of the man’s eyes as he stared down at the developing beauty. Still clinging to life, the man opened his eyes. “Suni?” Startled, Suni almost released his hold on the man. “How do you know my name?” The man swallowed several times before answering. “Ryker.” Suni’s eyes narrowed. Had The Guardian sent this man? “What is your name?” “Jarek,” he said in a whisper. Suni reached down and brought more water to the man’s lips. “Drink. We need to get the gold out of your system.” Instead of drinking from Suni’s cupped hand, Jarek rolled to his non-injured side and sipped the water directly from the stream. “Hurts.” “I know,” Suni acknowledged. “It will take time, but you will survive.” “Maquay,” Jarek informed Suni between drinks. “I know that, too. I need to get you up to my cave where I can keep you safe while you heal. I can carry you most of the way, but eventually you’ll have to climb on your own. Do you think you can do that?” “I can try.” Once Jarek had his fill of water, Suni once again lifted him into his arms. It was much easier carrying the conscious man. Jarek wrapped his arms around Suni’s neck as he slowly made his way uphill. Suni glanced down at the naked, young shifter snuggled against his chest. He had so many questions for Jarek, starting with why he felt such a strong connection to him. Suni knew

there would be time to understand what was happening inside him, but he knew Jarek would need all his strength to make the climb that was to come. **** A crackling sound woke Jarek. He blinked several times before he realized the sound was coming from a nice fire beside him. He tried to sit up, but a warm hand pressed against the center of his chest held him down. “You’re weak. Rest.” Jarek turned his head toward the voice. Once again, he laid eyes on the gorgeous face of the man who had rescued him. Unlike most cougar shifters, Suni’s coloring was completely different with coal black hair and bright blue eyes. “How long have I been here?” Jarek asked, glancing around the large cave. “Not long, ten hours maybe. The poison is working its way out of your body, but it will take time before the effects have left you completely.” Suni repositioned himself before propping Jarek up against his chest. He handed Jarek a gourd filled with water. “Drink.” Jarek lifted his shaking hand to cover Suni’s. He directed the gourd to his mouth as he sipped the water. When he’d had enough, he released Suni’s hand. “Thank you.” “I have some cooked rabbit if you think you’re well enough to eat,” Suni offered. Jarek shook his head. “Not yet, but thanks.” A cool wet cloth was pressed against Jarek’s forehead. “You have a fever. Your body is trying to fight the gold.” The cold rag felt good against his heated skin. Suni went on to dab Jarek’s cheeks and neck before moving down to wipe the sweat from his chest. It was then Jarek noticed he was naked. “Where are my clothes?” “I don’t know. You weren’t wearing any when you shifted.” The previous night came back in full force. He’d been making love to Mica when they’d been stopped by Maquay. Jarek had gone back to the Alpha’s house to accept his punishment. He remembered being tied to a bed. He was sure Maquay would bring out the branding iron, but the Alpha surprised him by ordering Bly from the room. “He touched me,” Jarek remembered. Suni’s body stiffened against Jarek’s back. “Maquay or Bly?”

Jarek shook his head, memories of the fondling. “Bly wasn’t in the room.” He felt some of Suni’s tension dissipate. “Did he…rape you?” “I don’t think so. Mostly I remember him touching me, pinching, biting, but he didn’t fuck me if that’s what you’re asking.” Suni ran his hand down Jarek’s side and over the burns. Jarek flinched at the reminder of the pain that had followed Maquay’s rough groping. “Shhh,” Suni soothed against Jarek’s ear. He lifted Jarek’s hand to place against his hip. “I also bear the marks of cruelty.” Jarek fingered the healed scars. There were more of them than what he had. He sat up enough to study the raised skin on Suni’s hip. EXILED Jarek gasped at the word burned into Suni’s flesh. He turned to face the handsome man. “How can someone do that? You’re the true leader of our kind.” Suni’s blue eyes took on a faraway gaze. “It’s a long story. It’s okay, though. I’m better off here.” Had Jarek ever seen such pain on a man’s face? He lifted his arm and cupped Suni’s cheek. “No one deserves what happened to us.” Suni rubbed his face against Jarek’s palm. “It’s been a long time since I’ve felt the touch of another.” Jarek understood Suni’s need. How many years had he craved the touch of a lover? Before he’d met Mica, his own hand was the only thing to bring him pleasure. Jarek touched his fingertips to Suni’s lips, outlining their incredible definition. “Why am I feeling this way? My heart already belongs to Mica.” Suni opened his mouth and licked the tips of Jarek’s fingers. “You don’t know?” Jarek shook his head. Suni lay back on a bed of fur pelts, bringing Jarek with him. “You have a mark on your inner thigh.” Jarek thought of the strawberry colored birthmark on his leg. “You looked at my inner thigh?” Suni chuckled. “I felt the pull towards you. I had to know.” “Know what?” “If you were my chosen mate.”

Jarek’s heart skipped a beat. “So what does my birthmark have to do with that?” “My mother told me my mate would have a mark identical to mine only on the opposite leg. To be honest, I never believed her, until I saw it for myself. Jarek shook his head. “That can’t be right. Jack was Toby’s chosen mate because he was so much stronger.” He studied the broad expanse of Suni’s muscles. “There’s no way you need me for that.” “I’m not real sure who Toby and Jack are, but mates are only meant to compliment their partner. Evidently you’re meant to compliment me in an area other than battle.” Jarek rested his head against Suni’s chest. He couldn’t wrap his mind around what was happening. “What about Mica? I already feel things for him.” “I don’t know.” Jarek began rubbing his thumb across Suni’s pebbled nipple. Something suddenly occurred to him. He rose and stared at Suni. “Maybe we’re like Hakan, Ryker and Daniel. What if the three of us are meant to be together?” Jarek yawned, and Suni settled him back against his chest. “Threesome’s aren’t common in nature.” “I can’t just forget about Mica. He needs me, and I need him. But I’m not allowed to love him because he’s not a cougar.” Suni idly trailed his hand over Jarek’s back, drawing circles against the skin. “No one can tell you who you can love.” Jarek realized his mistake. “You’re right. I guess I should’ve said I’m not allowed to be with Mica and still live in Refuge.” Suni tilted Jarek’s chin up and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “Is that another of Maquay’s rules?” Jarek scooted further up Suni’s body and kissed him back, deeper than before. He swirled his tongue against Suni’s before breaking the kiss. “Yes. I’m not even allowed to speak with anyone outside my species.” Suni sighed, gazing over Jarek’s shoulder at the cave wall. “That’s my fault, I’m afraid.” Jarek leaned up on his elbow. “Your fault? Bly told me it was because the woman Maquay loved left him for a bobcat shifter.” Suni snorted. “Maquay’s never loved anyone but Bly in his life.”

Jarek’s brows shot up. “Maquay and Bly?” Suni nodded. “It’s the reason for my exile. I made the mistake of making love to Bly. Maquay found out and threatened to kill us both if I didn’t leave.” “And you let him brand you before you left?” Jarek yawned. Suni’s arms tightened around Jarek. “You need your rest.” “I need to tell Mica I’m okay. I bet he’s worried.” Suni kissed Jarek’s temple. “I’m sure he is. I told the bird shifters earlier to tell them you were okay. With any luck, they’ll let Ryker know.” Jarek let his eyes close as he snuggled against Suni’s side. He still wasn’t sure he believed he could love Mica but be Suni’s chosen mate. “I need to talk to Daniel,” he mumbled.

Chapter Four

Mica opened his eyes to see the same sterile room he’d been in for almost two days. “Is anyone here?” He heard a chair scrape against the floor, and Ryker came into view. “I’m here. Daniel stepped out to get us some coffee. How’re you feeling?” Good question. When he’d been brought into the clinic, he’d been barely alive, but the need to find his lover gave him power over his wounds. He glanced down at his body, now covered in bandages. “Any word?” Ryker nodded. “Enapay spoke to Hakan. Suni found Jarek unconscious and is nursing him back to health.” “Unconscious? Why, what did Maquay do to him?” Ryker shook his head. “I don’t know. We have him under watch for what he did to you, but according to him, you attacked first. Is that right?” Mica nodded. “Jarek was afraid of him. Maquay told Jarek he wasn’t allowed to associate with anyone but other cougar shifters. That’s why he’s been so distant with us.” Ryker ran his hands over his face. “I wish Jarek would’ve come to me.” “No. That’s not the kind of person Jarek is. The rules of Refuge are clear. Alphas police their own. I think Jarek felt he’d be using his friendship with you to get Maquay in trouble.” “So why do you think Maquay hurt Jarek?” Ryker asked. “Because he caught the two of us together.” Remembering the way he’d stood by and watched Maquay lead Jarek away shamed Mica. His hands fisted at his sides as he began to shake with pure rage.

“Calm down, Mica.” “I’m going to find Jarek.” Mica tried to sit up, but the pain as the hundreds of sutures pulled at his flesh was too great for even him to bear. Feeling more helpless than he ever had before, Mica began to weep uncontrollably. “Help me, please.” “Daniel can help you. I’ll go see where he is. Stay calm.” Ryker left the room and Mica was left with his warring emotions. He heard shuffling outside his room a second before Daniel’s smiling face gazed down on him. “Hold still.” Daniel tilted his head back for several moments, whispering to himself or talking to Mother Earth, Mica didn’t know which. When Daniel’s head tipped back down, the man’s eyes had gone milky white. He stretched out his hands and slowly began to rub them over the bandages. Mica cried out as fire seemed to race through his body, burning its way to his very soul. Daniel blinked and his eyes returned to normal. “You will carry the scars, but your wounds have been healed.” Mica gently lifted his arm, surprised there was no pain. “How…?” “It’s a gift from Mother to you.” Mica once again began to cry. “I don’t deserve Mother’s gift. She already gave me one when she allowed a wonderful man like Jarek to notice me. I didn’t do a very good job of keeping him safe.” Daniel shook his head and covered Mica’s lips with his fingers. “You didn’t hurt Jarek, remember that. No matter what happens, or what you think you know, Jarek loves you.” “He loves me? Isn’t it too soon?” He remembered asking Jarek that same question only a few nights earlier. “It’s never too soon for love. Besides, he loved you the day he arrived on Refuge. What do you think the two of us were talking about in the spring?” Was he worthy of Jarek’s love? There were too many emotions fighting for dominance inside of him. Mica lifted his hands to hold his head. “I need him.” “I know, but I need you to do something for me first,” Daniel told him. “What?” “Come home with me. Sit in the healing spring with me and let me talk to you. The

spring will calm you.” “Then can I go after Jarek?” Daniel nodded. “If you still want to after our talk, yes. I’ll even go with you if you need me to.” Mica was confused. What could Daniel possibly say that would change his mind about the man he loved? “Okay.” **** For Jarek’s sake, Suni put on an old pair of pants that he’d had since his years living in the city. He carried fresh water into the cave, happy to see Jarek eating for the first time since he’d brought him to his home. Although the mating pull was strong between the two of them, Jarek wouldn’t let things go any further than kissing and gentle touches. Suni knew it was the stone man who weighed heavily on his soon-to-be mate’s heart. “You must be feeling better,” Suni commented as he set the water down. Jarek gazed up at Suni, life returning to his gorgeous amber eyes. “I am. Good deer, by the way.” Suni sat next to Jarek and leaned in for a quick kiss. “I figured you’d get tired of rabbit. I don’t usually bring down deer, but then again, I’m not used to a houseguest.” He smiled and kissed Jarek again. Jarek broke the kiss and stared into Suni’s eyes. “What’re we going to do?” “About what, sweetheart?” “Everything. Us, Mica, you being the true Alpha, Maquay’s cruelty, all of it. I’m healed enough to go back. I need to go back.” Suni pulled Jarek into his arms. “I don’t know. I’m not ready to go back yet, but I don’t want you to leave me.” Jarek readjusted to straddle Suni’s lap. It was a position they’d spent hours talking in. The more time they spent together, the more Suni realized how much he needed the smaller shifter. He’d vowed long ago to never let anyone close enough to hurt him, but Jarek was quickly breaking down Suni’s resolve. He couldn’t imagine Jarek not being in his life or his bed. The need to make love to Jarek was overwhelming, burning his insides. Suni knew how important Mica was to his chosen mate, but he was afraid of opening

himself to a stranger. “Can you tell me more about Mica?” Jarek smiled and licked a path up Suni’s neck to his lips. Suni accepted Jarek’s tongue immediately and the two of them spent the next several minutes kissing. Suni struggled to contain his lust as he squeezed the twin globes of Jarek’s ass. Gods, he wanted to bury his cock in the man. Jarek gave Suni’s lip a playful nip before breaking the kiss. “Everything’s new to Mica. In some ways, he’s like a child discovering the world for the first time, but it’s also hard on him. He’s this big tough warrior on the outside, but fragile on the inside.” Suni could see Jarek’s love for the man in his eyes as he spoke of him. Maybe the reason Jarek had been chosen for Suni was his ability to love? Jarek seemed to accept the best and worst in the people he loved unconditionally. Whatever Jarek’s special gift, he was definitely melting the ice around Suni’s heart. “Do you think he’d come here?” Jarek’s eyes lit up. “Mica? Yeah, I think so. If I asked him. Are you ready to meet him?” The pressure of Jarek’s weight against Suni’s hard cock made him moan. He couldn’t resist running his fingers down the crack of Jarek’s ass to settle against his puckered hole. “We need to figure this out before this body of yours drives me insane.” Jarek’s breathing picked up as he squirmed against Suni’s positioned finger until it pressed inside. The Jarek that began to ride Suni’s finger was not the happy shifter of a few moments earlier. This was a man filled with passion. “I need to fuck you,” Suni admitted. Jarek’s movements slowed. “I need that, too, but it wouldn’t be right. Not yet. I need to talk to Mica. I owe him that.” Suni nodded. He couldn’t say he was happy about Jarek’s decision, but he had expected it. “If I get you back to town, promise you’ll return to me.” Jarek threaded his fingers through Suni’s hair. “How could I stay away? You’re part of me. I can feel it. I still don’t know why Mother chose me for a man as special as you, but even though it’s only been a few days, I can’t imagine a life without you in it.” Suni knew if Jarek continued to look at him with such love in his eyes, there was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for his mate. If it meant welcoming another into their bed, so be it. “Go find your stone man and bring him here.”

**** Mica settled into the milky water across from Daniel. After the bandages had come off, he’d been disgusted at what he saw in the mirror. He was a monster. “Are you comfortable?” Daniel asked. Mica felt completely numb on the inside, his dream of one day being with Jarek over. “I’m fine.” Daniel swam forward and stood in front of Mica. “These,” he reached out and ran a wet finger over one of the scars on Mica’s face, “don’t matter,” Daniel whispered before moving his hand to rest against Mica’s chest, “as long as this remains intact.” Mica felt the sting of tears. “How can you say that? Look at me!” Daniel moved back to his original spot. Mica could tell the Coyote King wanted to say something, but was struggling. “There’s nothing you can tell me that will make me feel worse than I already do,” Mica informed him. Daniel sighed. “Promise me you’ll hear me out before you get upset?” Mica nodded. The pain in Daniel’s eyes was starting to worry him. “Is Jarek okay?” “Yes.” Ryker joined them, staying in the shallow end of the spring. “That’s the most important thing.” “Yes, it is,” Daniel agreed. “But there’s something I need to tell you about the man who saved him.” Mica stood, hands fisted at his sides. “Did Suni hurt him?” “No! Suni would never do that because he’s Jarek’s…chosen mate.” Mica fell back into the water, sinking to the bottom. Death would be a welcome release for him. He always knew Jarek deserved better, seemed he’d been right. The man he loved was so special even Mother Earth thought he deserved a king for a mate. Strong arms lifted Mica out of the water. “None of that,” Ryker said, setting Mica on the bank. Mica rolled over and curled into a ball. He knew he could ask Mother to turn him back into stone, maybe existing was better than living after all. Warmth pressed against his back. He knew it was one of his friends, but he didn’t have the strength to acknowledge them. “Remember what I told you in the clinic? Jarek loves you, nothing will change that.”

Daniel wrapped his arm around Mica and kissed his shoulder. “You need to have faith.” “Mica? Oh my Gods, Mica what’s wrong?” Mica tensed as he heard Jarek’s voice. Although he wanted to throw himself into the shifter’s arms, he knew he no longer had the right. He curled into himself even more, squeezing his eyes shut to block out the hurt. Mica felt Jarek’s touch against his cheek. “What happened?” When no one responded to him, Jarek’s voice rose. “Dammit, what happened to him?” “Maquay,” Daniel said. “Why? Because of me?” Jarek asked. The tears in Jarek’s voice threatened to break Mica’s resolve to let his lover go. “When Mica couldn’t find you, he went to Maquay,” Ryker informed Jarek. “I hope to hell someone killed that sonofabitch,” Jarek spat. Jarek’s hand continued to pet Mica’s face. “Come on. Open your eyes for me. Tell me you’re going to be okay.” Mica knew he couldn’t resist the man he loved. He opened his watery eyes and stared at Jarek. “I’m glad you’re okay. I was so worried.” Jarek shook his head and leaned in to kiss Mica. Giving in to his love wasn’t an option any longer. Mica pulled back slightly and shook his head. “Don’t. You don’t belong to me anymore.” Jarek’s gaze shot to Daniel and Ryker. “What’s he talking about?” Ryker cleared his throat. “He knows about Suni.” Jarek gasped and looked back down at Mica. “Is that it? You think because I’m meant to be with Suni, I can’t be with you, too?” Jarek shook his head. “It’s why I came back. Suni wants to meet you.” Mica could easily allow himself to believe what Jarek was saying, but he knew things had changed since the last time Jarek had seen him. “Do you honestly think a king would be with someone who looks like I do?” Mica closed his eyes. “I love you, Jarek, but you need to go.” “Fuck that.” Jarek’s hand slapped against Mica’s chest. “Get your ass up.” Mica opened his eyes. He wasn’t used to anyone speaking to him in such a tone, especially Jarek. “Come on. You’re too damn big for me to carry. On your feet.” “Why are you doing this?” He felt bad enough without having the man he love talk to

him like that. “Because I’m pissed.” “You’re pissed? I’m the one who’s just been told the man I love has a chosen mate. Look at me. How can I possibly compete with Suni for your attention?” Jarek stood and crossed his arms. “Since the moment I found out that Suni was my chosen, I’ve made my feelings for you clear to him. He knows we come as a package deal. If he’s willing to meet you, you owe him the same respect.” Mica stood and spread his arms, allowing Jarek to see each and every scar on his body. “Sexy, isn’t it? What do you suppose Suni will think?” Jarek surprised him by stepping forward. He ran his hands over Mica’s body, touching the individual jagged scars. “He’ll think you’re a man who loves me so much you almost died for me. The only one who’ll see these scars as disgusting and shameful is you.” Mica broke eye contact. The sincerity in Jarek’s words was too much for him. No matter what Jarek said, Mica knew he’d always be second in the man’s eyes, but what was the alternative? When Jarek wrapped his arms around Mica’s waist, he couldn’t hold out any longer. On a sob, he returned the embrace. He would take every scrap of love Jarek had for him. Daniel stepped forward and kissed them both on the cheek. “Once the reunion is over, come up to the house. We need to figure out what to do about Maquay.” Jarek rubbed his cheek against Mica’s chest as Daniel and Ryker left them alone. “I’ve missed you.” Mica pulled Jarek down into the soft grass. “Tell me what happened the night you disappeared.” Biting his lip, Jarek sat back and lifted the bottom of the oversized shirt. “Maquay gave me the first one right after I came to Refuge. The other three were given to me after the night he caught us together.” “I don’t understand. You’re shifter. These should’ve healed.” Mica listened as Jarek went into the story of the night he’d gone in search of Suni. The more he heard, the angrier he became. “He touched you?” Jarek nodded. “It wasn’t sexual. I think he was trying to humiliate me more than anything.”

Still angry at the thought of Maquay daring to touch Jarek, Mica had more questions. “Do The Guardians know about the gold dust that Maquay is using against his own people?” “I don’t know, but Suni has the word EXILED burned on his hip. It’s one of the reasons he’s been living by himself for so long.” Mica shook his head. “No. Maquay doesn’t have the power to exile the king. Doesn’t Suni know that?” “I think he does, but whatever happened between Maquay, Bly and Suni left him empty.” “What does Bly have to do with any of it?” Jarek sighed. “I guess Suni and Bly were lovers once. Suni didn’t know it at the time, but apparently Bly and Maquay are also lovers.” “And their brothers, too?” Jarek nodded. “Before he found out the truth, Suni lived in Denver. He’d travel to the country to see Bly, but afterwards he gave up everything he had and exiled himself to the mountains.” Mica brought Jarek closer to him. It seemed they’d all been through hell. Although he’d never met Suni, Mica admitted he assumed the man shunned society out of hatred for his fellow shifters, but now he wasn’t so sure. Perhaps it was the hatred of two shifters that had kept the king from leading his people. “Let’s go talk to Ryker about Maquay and Bly. They can’t be allowed to retain their position with everything we know about them.” Mica had thought Bly was the good brother. It was Bly who’d helped him get away from Maquay’s damaging claws and tended him until the doctor had arrived. After listening to Jarek, Mica knew Bly was as guilty as his brother. He may not have been the one inflicting pain, but he had to know what his brother was doing and did absolutely nothing to stop it. **** Suni watched from the mouth of the cave as Jarek and Mica made their way up the mountain. At first, he’d wondered why Jarek hadn’t shifted, but then he realized Mica wasn’t able to. With his keen eyesight, Suni studied the large dark-skinned man as he helped Jarek scale the rocks. Why hadn’t Jarek mentioned the scars on the stone man? Although Mica was still incredibly handsome, the scars weren’t something someone wouldn’t mention.

His heart squeezed as Mica lurched forward, catching Jarek mid-slide. It was obvious by the gentle way Mica handled the small man that he loved him. How could Suni compete with that? His connection with Jarek was pre-designed by Mother. Would Jarek ever love him as much as he loved Mica? As they neared the cave, Suni wiped his hands on his pants. Had he ever been so nervous? He reached out and grasped Jarek’s hand, helping him over the final ledge. Despite the questioning expression on Mica’s face, Suni couldn’t help but to pull Jarek into his arms. “I’ve missed you.” Jarek chuckled. “I haven’t even been gone for twenty-four hours.” “Doesn’t matter.” Suni tucked Jarek under his arm and turned to lend a hand to Mica. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Mica wiped the sweat from his forehead and avoided eye contact as he dropped his hold on Suni’s hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you, as well.” Suni turned with his arm still wrapped tightly around his mate and walked into the cave. “It’s not much, but welcome to my home.” He led Jarek over to the pallet of furs and sat down. “Please, have a seat.” Jarek grinned up at Mica and patted the space beside him. “Come on. Sit with us.” Mica folded his larger-than-life frame and sat cross-legged next to Jarek. “I need to apologize for the way I look. I’m sure you didn’t expect it.” Jarek launched himself into Mica’s arms and kissed him. “You’ve got absolutely nothing to apologize for, so stop it.” Still clinging to Mica, Jarek turned his head to regard Suni. “When Mica went to Maquay to find out where I was, Maquay attacked him.” Suni’s eyes narrowed as he studied the visible scars. “He shifted.” Mica nodded. “Although Ryker was able to heal the wounds, I’m not shifter, so he couldn’t take away the scars.” Suni reached out and, with a shaking hand, ran his fingers over the scars on Mica’s face. In each raised line of flesh was further evidence of Mica’s love for Jarek. “Jarek’s right. You have no reason to apologize. You have the skin of a warrior who’s gone to battle for the man you love.” Mica’s eyes rounded. “You’re right. I do love Jarek.”

“As do I. So where does that leave us?” “That’s what the three of us need to figure out. There’s going to be a trial for Maquay in seven days. We have until then to explore a new kind of love.” “What kind of trial?” Suni’s hand went from Mica’s face to Jarek’s back. It was hard to admit, but there was a certain amount of jealousy he’d have to get over if he was going to give Mica a fair shot at joining them. Jarek turned sideways on Mica’s lap and pulled Suni closer. “After a long discussion with Mother Earth, Ryker determined the cougars were the only ones who could rightfully judge their Alpha. We need to be there to tell the others what Maquay has done to us. And you need to come forward as Alpha and King.” Suni shook his head. “I can’t.” “What? Why? It’s what you were born for.” How did he tell his mate he was the one who told Bly what gold dust did to cougar shifters? It was because of him that Jarek would forever carry Maquay’s marks. “I don’t want to talk about it. Please?” Jarek’s face took on the worried expression Suni was beginning to get used to. Suni really didn’t feel like getting into the discussion of Maquay or the gold dust, especially when he had his mate so close. He knew things with Mica would be uncomfortable at first, but there was no time like the present to ease their way into it. Suni reached out and pulled the shirt he’d loaned Jarek over his head. “I think we can dispense with clothes for now.” Jarek grinned and nodded. He glanced at Mica. “I know you’re embarrassed by your scars, but Suni’s going to see them sooner or later. Unless, of course, you’ve figured out a way to fuck me with your clothes still on.” Suni chuckled at Mica’s shocked expression. “I can make love to you?” Mica looked from Jarek to Suni. “Is that allowed?” “Allowed by whom, us? We’re the only ones in this. We don’t need anyone’s permission to do what feels right.” Mica shook his head. “I meant is it okay with you? I know Jarek’s your chosen mate.” Suni had given it a lot of thought while Jarek had been away. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. Mother Earth may have chosen Jarek to be my mate, but Jarek chose you with no outside

influence. I’m the one who should be asking you the same question. Will you share Jarek with me?” Giggling, Jarek held up his hands. “Hey, guys? There’s enough of me to go around. The only problem we have is that Mica and I haven’t done this before, but I brought something.” Jarek stood and walked over to the mouth of the cave where Mica had dropped a large backpack. Suni had assumed it was full of clothes or food, but Jarek came back brandishing a large bottle of lube. “Daniel gave it to me.” Before Jarek could sit back down, Suni stopped him. He began unfastening the oldfashioned jeans and slowly peeled them down Jarek’s thighs, exposing his mate’s hardening cock. Although he’d felt Jarek’s pretty cock, he’d yet to taste it. Suni held Jarek by the back of the thighs and nuzzled the soft wrinkled sac, inhaling the earthy scent of his mate. He licked a path from Jarek’s balls, up the length of his cock to swallow the head. “Oh, fuck.” Suni wasn’t sure if the words had come from Jarek or Mica. He swallowed Jarek’s shaft as far into his throat as he could before pulling off and sitting back on his heels. “Why don’t you lay down, baby?” Jarek steadied himself with a hand to Suni’s shoulder as he kicked out of his shoes and jeans. Suni glanced over to Mica. “Let’s all get naked.” Mica gazed into Suni’s eyes for several moments before giving a hesitant nod. Suni knew the big man was self-conscious about his body, but Suni planned to show Mica how pleasurable a body could be, scars or no scars. After settling Jarek down on the pile of furs, he stood and began taking off the restrictive clothing. He much preferred life either completely naked or in his cougar skin. As he dropped his pants to the floor, Suni noticed Mica’s gaze go to his hip. Suni reached down and ran a hand over the word. “We all have our scars.” He knelt beside Jarek and together they watched Mica undress. As Mica slowly peeled away the layers of clothing, Suni couldn’t help but run loving hands over Jarek’s body. Jarek reached down and wrapped his hand around Suni’s cock as Mica’s shaft was exposed. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Beautiful couldn’t begin to describe the biggest cock Suni had ever seen. He glanced

down at Jarek’s small body. “It might take a little practice before you’re ready to take him.” Jarek ran his hand up Mica’s leg. “Come down here.” Mica knelt and leaned over to kiss Jarek. “I don’t want to hurt you.” Jarek shook his head and touched the bulbous head of Mica’s cock, coming away with a dollop of pre-cum. Suni watched in awe as Jarek began sucking the juice from his fingers. “Damn, that’s hot.” Jarek smiled and glanced at Suni. “Try it.” Suni looked at Mica for permission. The stone man seemed turned on and embarrassed at the same time. Time to break some ice. Suni decided to go straight to the source. He leaned over Jarek’s body and licked the dripping crown of Mica’s shaft. One lick became two, and, before he knew it, he was suckling the bulbous head. Mica moaned. Suni wished he could gaze up into the eyes of the man he was pleasuring, but in his current position, it was impossible. When Jarek began to squirm under him, Suni released the cock in his mouth and sat back. “Nice.” Suni would have sworn he saw Mica blush at the compliment. He stretched out on his side and once again ran a hand over Jarek’s body, working his way from his mate’s cheek down to cup the heavy sac. Glancing at Mica, Suni pointed toward the lube. “Do you know how to stretch his hole?” Mica nodded. He started to say something but stopped and bit his bottom lip. Afraid Mica was withdrawing once again, Suni reached out and threaded his fingers through the stone man’s. “Talk to me. This can work beautifully for all of us, but we have to learn to communicate.” Mica’s eyebrows drew together. He glanced at Jarek before making eye contact with Suni. “I was wondering if I could kiss you? I guess I’m not really sure how this works.” Suni reached out and wrapped his hand around the back of Mica’s neck, pulling him in for a kiss. He swiped his tongue across Mica’s lips before pushing inside. After the initial shock of Suni’s probing tongue, Mica moaned and gave back as good as he got. The kiss was sloppy, but erotic as fuck. He broke the kiss and smiled. “You’re going to be one hell of a lover.” “What about me?” Jarek piped up.

Suni and Mica both began to chuckle as they turned their heads to regard the smaller man. Suni watched as Mica dove in for the first round of kisses with Jarek. When it didn’t appear the two planned to break anytime soon, Suni opened the bottle of lube. He lifted Mica’s hand from Jarek’s chest and squirted a large amount of the slick stuff onto Mica’s fingers. “Reach down and start preparing Jarek for our cocks,” he whispered in Mica’s ear. Blindly, Mica reached down. Suni helped spread Jarek’s legs and guided Mica’s hand to Jarek’s ass. With Mica and Jarek fully engaged, Suni crawled over Jarek’s body and positioned himself in front of Mica’s cock. Mica grunted and turned onto his side a little more, giving Suni room to play. Gods help him, but he was already becoming addicted to the large cock. Before getting his mouth into the action, Suni studied the heavily veined appendage with his eyes and hands. He traced each ridge with the tip of his finger, searching out Mica’s sweet spots. Mica bucked when Suni pressed against the area just below the head. Suni smiled and leaned in to tickle it with his tongue. “More,” Mica moaned. Suni took the crown into his mouth and used the flat of his tongue to rub against the sensitive area. With his free hand, he reached between his own legs and began jacking himself, readying his cock for his mate’s hole. “Oh, shit!” Jarek yelled. Suni smiled around Mica’s cock. Evidently, the stone man had found Jarek’s prostate. Jarek began begging to be fucked, and Suni knew his lover was ready. He released Mica’s cock and sat up. “Straddle Jarek’s chest and let him suck you while I fuck his pretty ass,” Suni instructed Mica. Mica nodded and removed his fingers from Jarek’s hole. Suni waited until the big man was in position before he moved between Jarek’s spread thighs. He ran his fingers over the stretched hole, applying more lube. With Mica leaning over Jarek’s head feeding the shifter his cock, the stone man’s ass was within Suni’s reach. He hooked Jarek’s legs over his shoulders and scooted closer, lining his cock up with his mate’s hole. “You’ll feel some pain, but it won’t last long. I’ll try to go slow.” He received a grunt in

reply as he carefully pushed in. Jarek started to tense, and Suni ran his hand over his lover’s erection. “Relax, baby.” Once Jarek’s body started to cooperate, Suni rocked back and forth in small increments until he was fully seated. Suni wiped the sweat from his forehead as he gave Jarek time to adjust to the invasion. While he waited, he reached out and ran a hand over the brown globes of Mica’s ass. He wondered if Mica would ever let him in that sweet ass. Suni leaned forward and nipped the muscled flesh. “Oh, fuck.” Mica’s hips thrust, burying his cock deeper in Jarek’s mouth. Suni heard Jarek gag a split second before the smaller man slapped Mica’s ass in warning. With one hand under Jarek’s lower back, Suni withdrew his shaft before sliding back in. Satisfied that Jarek was no longer in pain, he began a steady rhythm while allowing his free hand to continue touching Mica’s ass. When he ran his fingers down the crevice and brushed against the tightly puckered hole, Mica groaned. “You like that?” “Fuck yeah,” Mica said on a moan as Suni did it again. “If you ever want a big cock inside you, let me know.” Mica’s body bucked and shivered as he exploded into Jarek’s mouth. Suni grinned at the sounds of the small shifter trying to swallow all of Mica’s seed. Once Mica had been milked dry, he scooted down as much as he could and kissed Jarek, putting his ass even closer to Suni. Suni’s lust went into overdrive as the pretty pucker of Mica’s ass seemed to wink at him. His speed picked up along with the intensity of his thrusts in and out of Jarek’s ass. He leaned forward once again and swiped his tongue over Mica’s hole. The combination of Jarek’s body surrounding him and Mica’s taste sent Suni over the edge. He thrust as deeply as he could and came, nipping the tender skin of Mica’s pucker as he erupted. One moment his face was in Mica’s ass, and the next Mica had moved to swallow Jarek’s cock. Suni pulled out and scooted down between Jarek’s thighs, sinking his teeth into the skin surrounding the strawberry birthmark.

As the mating bond began to form, Jarek’s cries of pleasure sent chills up Suni’s spine. He never wanted to live another day without that sound.

Chapter Five

Jarek stretched before opening his eyes. Still gloriously nude, Mica was adding fresh wood to the fire. “Were you cold?” Mica settled the small logs and walked back over to snuggle against Jarek’s back. “No. Suni went out hunting. I figured I’d get the fire ready to cook dinner.” Jarek lay in Mica’s comforting embrace and wondered how he’d gotten so lucky. For years, he’d begged Mother for a lover, and now he had two sexy men who wanted him. “What do you think of Suni?” Mica moved Jarek’s hair out of the way and began kissing his neck. “I like him.” “Good.” Jarek swung his leg up and back to hook over Mica’s thigh. He wanted to be touched. He knew the moment Suni filled him earlier, that he would never get enough sex from his men. Jarek couldn’t help but chuckle at himself. Right on cue, Mica playfully began to fondle Jarek’s cock and balls. “What’s so funny?” “Me. I used to masturbate at least two to three times a day, but now I realize it was just basic training compared to what I’m in for in the future.” Mica’s hand traveled up to tweak Jarek’s nipple. “Think you can keep up with me and Suni?” “I know I’ll love to try.” The two of them settled into companionable silence for several minutes. Jarek felt Mica’s lips once again return to his neck. “May I ask you something?” Jarek nodded his head, wiggling his ass against Mica’s cock.

“When Suni bit you, that was part of the mating thing, right?” “Yes.” “Did you feel differently toward him after that?” Jarek could hear the unspoken question loud and clear. He turned over to face Mica. “If you’re asking if I’ve changed my mind about you being with us, the answer is no.” “But the two of you have some sort of special connection now, right?” Jarek rubbed his nose across Mica’s. “Yes, but it doesn’t make the connection I have with you any less important.” “Promise you’ll tell me if you change your mind?” “Hey, I thought we had this all worked out. Why are you questioning my feelings again?” Mica shrugged. “I don’t know, just worried I guess.” “Are you worried about me or Suni?” Jarek probed. Once again, Mica shrugged. “Will you do me a favor?” “Anything.” “Spend some time with him. It’s important the two of you build a relationship with each other. Although I’m crazy about you both, I may not always be around. I need to know the two of you can keep each other company.” Mica increased his hold on Jarek. “Are you planning to leave us?” “No, but it would be nice to know the two of you could go on without me. You know, that you could bring each other comfort?” Mica ran his fingers through Jarek’s hair. “I’ll die before I let anything else happen to you. I’ll never forgive myself for letting you go with Maquay and Bly that night.” Jarek shook his head. He couldn’t bear the guilt in his lover’s eyes. “If it hadn’t been for Maquay, I probably wouldn’t have tried to find Suni. Everything happens for a reason. We have to all believe that.” He leaned in and gave Mica a deep kiss. “Why don’t you go out and find our wayward lover while I recharge.” Mica’s brows drew together once again. “Are you feeling sick?” “No. But I could definitely use some more rest.” Jarek knew he probably wouldn’t sleep, but something told him it was important for the bond to form between his men.

Mica nodded and reached for his pants. “What’re you doing?” Jarek questioned. “You know Suni’s out there naked. Just be careful you don’t scrape your bits. I’m kinda fond of them.” Mica grinned and dropped his jeans. “If I do, will you kiss it and make it better?” Jarek licked his lips. “I’ll do more than kiss it.” **** Mica made his way down the rocks to the first plateau. “Suni!” “Down here.” He looked down at the ledge below him and spotted him skinning a large rabbit. “Dinner?” Suni smiled up at him. “Come down, and I’ll show you how to butcher fresh kill.” The thought of cutting up and gutting one of Mother’s creatures turned his stomach, but he knew it was the way of nature. He’d been spoiled since being turned to man. Food had been taken for granted, and the animals who’d sacrificed their lives had been unnoticed. “I’ll be down.” Slowly, Mica descended the rocky expanse. “Couldn’t you have found a safer place to do this?” Suni grinned. “Actually, it’s the safest spot. You’d be surprised what will come around at the smell of fresh kill.” Mica watched as Suni skillfully prepared the rabbit. When he was finished, he tossed the debris over the side of the ledge. “Up for a dip in the creek?” Suni asked, holding up his bloodied hands. “You asked me to come all the way down here just so I could turn around and scale back up?” Suni leaned in and kissed Mica, thrusting his tongue inside. “Maybe I wanted to be near you.” Mica followed Suni’s lips and kissed his lover again. “I can live with that.” Suni gestured toward the ledge with the dead rabbit meat still in his hand. “After you.” On the climb back up to the plateau, Mica felt Suni’s gaze on his ass. He smiled to himself. Never would he have believed a king would want him. Mica glanced over his shoulder. “Are you looking at my butt?” Suni nodded. “I’m trying to figure out how long you’re going to make me wait.”

“Without lube? You’re not.” “And if I get lube?” Mica grinned and pulled himself onto the plateau. “Depends on how fast you can get the lube. I’ll wait here.” With a shake of his head, Suni shifted into his cougar skin. He cradled the rabbit in his jaws as he ran up the side of the mountain to the cave. After Suni was out of sight, Mica made his way toward the creek. When he was within sight, he stopped and admired the beauty of Suni’s chosen home. “It’s breathtaking.” “Yes, it is.” Suni came up behind Mica, brandishing the lube. “Got it.” Mica turned and wrapped his arms around Suni. Although they were nearly the same height, Suni was smaller in girth. Mica took great pleasure in the feel of his lover’s body against his. He felt his cock begin to rise at the thought of being penetrated by the man. “Let me wash myself.” Suni leaned in and playfully nipped the skin of Mica’s collarbone, handing Mica the bottle of lube. Mica followed Suni to the edge of the creek. “Looks cold.” Suni stepped into the water up to mid-thigh. “It is. Just make sure you don’t get in any deeper than this.” Suni bent and scrubbed his bloody hands in the water. Mica found a grassy spot and lay down, leaning up on his elbows to face his lover. “What will they do to Maquay if they find him guilty?” Suni climbed out of the water and collapsed beside Mica. “I don’t know. Before Refuge, he would’ve been killed in a challenge.” “Do you think Ryker, Hakan and Daniel will allow that?” Mica had always found The Guardians and their mate fair to all. Instead of answering, Suni picked up the lube and slicked his fingers. “Are you trying to get out of the fucking you’ve agreed to?” Mica chuckled and spread his thighs the way he’d seen Jarek do earlier. “Will it hurt?” “If it does for long, I’m not doing something right.” Suni bent down and took Mica’s cock in his mouth. “Oh,” Mica sighed, grabbing a handful of Suni’s long black hair. Just when he thought he’d die of pleasure, Suni entered him with a slick finger. Mica’s breath began to come in quick pants as Suni skillfully manipulated his hole.

Suni’s tongue dipped into the slit on the head of Mica’s shaft as another finger joined the two already inside. “Tell me when you think you’re ready.” “I don’t know that I can get any more ready than I already am without sucking your entire arm inside my body.” Mica pulled large handfuls of grass from the soil as he fought to hold on. “Please.” Suni withdrew his fingers and began to prepare his cock with more lube. He looked down at Mica. “The position is your choice. Face to face is reserved for people you care about.” Mica understood what Suni was asking. “I do care about you.” Suni nodded and positioned his cock at Mica’s stretched hole. “Wrap your legs around my waist as high as you can.” Mica did as instructed and Suni’s cock slowly pushed inside of him. He took several deep breaths as the pain threatened to overwhelm him. “Breathe…relax,” Suni whispered. “Kiss me?” Emotion flickered in Suni’s eyes as he leaned forward, his lips brushing Mica’s. “Forever until I die.” **** After adding a few more logs to the fire, Jarek decided to do a little housecleaning. He smiled at the thought of him keeping house for his two warriors. Like he’d done every day that week, Suni was once again out teaching Mica to hunt. A noise at the mouth of the cave caught his attention. “It’s about time you…” Standing at the entrance was a man he’d never seen before. Jarek’s initial reaction was to back up. “Who are you?” The stranger took several steps forward. “I’m Enapay. Hakan sent me to speak to Mica.” “He’s not here.” Jarek was suddenly aware of his nudity. He walked over and pulled a long t-shirt out of a pile of clothes, then slipped it on. “I know where he is, but he’s busy. I thought I’d speak to you while I wait for him and Suni to finish.” Jarek grinned. “Is that a polite way of telling me they’re fucking?” The expression on Enapay’s face said it was. He grinned at the bird shifter. “They’ve been doing that a lot lately. I think they’re falling in love.”

Enapay’s head tilted to the side. “And you don’t mind?” “Why would I? I already love them both. The closer they become, the stronger our bond.” Jarek loved to watch Suni fuck Mica. “What did you want to talk to me about?” “The trial is in two days. Hakan thinks Mica will be needed to keep order. Instead of this being strictly a cougar matter, all shifters are taking an interest.” “Okay. So why talk to me?” Jarek knew the bird shifters didn’t care for taking their human form. If Enapay was visiting him, it had to be important. “Ryker and Daniel want you to stay behind with Suni. They don’t think it’s safe for you there, at least until after the trial begins.” “Are the shifters becoming combative?” “Not yet.” “Well then, the answer is no. Where Mica goes, Suni and I go. Together we’re strong.” Enapay held up his hands. “I was just told to deliver the message.” “What’s going on in here?” Suni asked, charging into the cave with Mica right behind him. Jarek held up his hands to stop his lovers from attacking the bird shifter. “This is Enapay. Hakan sent him after Mica. They think things might get heated before the trial and they need their Chief-of-Security back.” Enapay acknowledged Suni and Mica with a nod. “Now that the message has been given, I’ll leave you all.” Suni stepped forward and held out his hand. Enapay seemed surprised, but eventually took Suni’s hand. “Thank you, brother,” Suni said. The hardness of Enapay’s expression softened. “You’re welcome.” While Suni walked Enapay to the entrance, Mica approached Jarek and wrapped an arm around him. “You okay?” “Sure,” Jarek answered. He glanced up at his big man. “You smell like Suni.” Mica chuckled. “I should. I still got his cum dripping down my legs. He’d barely finished when he sensed something was wrong up here.” Jarek caught sight of Suni walking toward them. “You could? How?” Suni stopped in front of Jarek and leaned in to kiss him. Jarek’s arms twined around his Alpha’s neck and took the kiss deeper, tasting Mica on Suni’s tongue.

Suni broke the kiss and stared down at Jarek while reaching under the t-shirt to fondle Jarek’s hardening cock. “You’re my mate. I’ll always be able to tell when you’re distressed.” “Will I be able to do that?” Jarek asked. He could feel Mica behind him, pressing against his back. “Yes. If you opened yourself enough, you’d also be able to tell when I’m in a heightened state of any kind of emotion.” Mica reached down and pulled the t-shirt over Jarek’s head as Suni knelt. Jarek looked down as Suni swiped his tongue over the crown of his cock. Jarek had come to love this time of day. After their daily hunts, Mica and Suni always came back to the cave to pleasure him. Jarek thought it was the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Mica’s hands began pinching Jarek’s nipples as Suni took Jarek’s cock deep into his mouth. Despite his desire, Jarek still wasn’t able to deep-throat either of his men. It didn’t take long for Jarek to erupt, his body jerking with the intensity of his release. Suni pulled off and licked Jarek clean before leading him over to the pallet of furs. “We need to talk about going back.” It was a discussion they’d been putting off. He knew Suni didn’t want to live with the others, but Jarek had spent the majority of his life living in caves. Even though he’d be with the men he loved, his real dream involved being with them in a house with a wrap-around porch and dark green shutters. Jarek sat on the bed and waited for his men to settle beside him. Suni sat behind him, pulling Jarek between his legs. Jarek leaned back against the strong chest. “You’re coming with us, right?” “For the trial? Yes. But you need to understand that I still have no desire to be Alpha. Telling others how they can or can’t live isn’t something I’m comfortable with.” Jarek ran his fingertips up and down Suni’s legs. “I don’t think being Alpha means you have to do that. It’s more about settling disputes when they come up.” Suni ran his lips over Jarek’s cheek, kissing and licking the skin. “I can’t live in town, baby. I’m sorry.” Jarek felt his heart squeeze in his chest. He looked to Mica for help in convincing his mate. Mica gave Jarek an understanding smile, but shook his head. His feelings hurt, Jarek stood and picked the t-shirt up from the floor. “I’m going to burn

my stew if I’m not careful.” “Jarek…” Suni started. Jarek shook his head. “I’ll be okay. Why don’t the two of you get another bucket of water? We’ll need to clean the dishes before we leave.” He heard movement behind him, but didn’t turn around. It wasn’t that he was angry with his lovers, but giving up his dream to live in a real house hurt. He knew he’d eventually get over it, but in the meantime, he needed some time alone. Bucket in hand, Suni stepped in front of Jarek. He reached out and cupped Jarek’s cheek before leaning in for a soft kiss. “Please don’t be upset.” “I told you I would be fine.” With a sigh, Suni turned and walked out of the cave. Mica stepped up and also gave Jarek a kiss. “He loves you more than anything, you know that, right?” “I know he loves me. I’m not so sure about the more than anything part, though.” **** Mica watched as Suni dipped the bucket into the clear creek water. He wanted to say something about what had happened earlier, but he wasn’t sure if it was his place. Suni set the bucket down and collapsed on the grass next to where Mica was sitting. “I’ve really messed things up.” Mica lay back and turned toward Suni, propping himself up on his elbow to face his lover. “His feelings are hurt, but he’ll get over it eventually.” Suni rubbed the heel of his hands against his eyes. “It’s not that I don’t want to give him the things he wants, it’s that I don’t think I can. I don’t know what it is, but the thought of living among so many shifters makes me feel sick. Even now, at the prospect of returning to town for the trial, my hands are wet with sweat.” “There’s a very nice psychiatrist in town. His name is Jon Whitehall. I’ve been seeing him for a while now, and he’s really helped me. Maybe you could talk to him about this?” Suni curled himself against Mica’s chest. It was the first time the man had shown any kind of vulnerability. Mica wrapped his arm around Suni and kissed his forehead. “We’ll figure it out, but I think you owe it to Jarek to tell him what you’ve just told me.” Suni snorted. “I’m supposed to be this big Alpha, King of the Cougars, yet the thought of

being around my own people scares the shit out of me.” Mica rubbed the bronzed skin of Suni’s back. “You weren’t afraid of me, and I know my size can make me pretty damn intimidating to most.” “It’s not the one on one I have trouble with, it’s groups. I can’t explain it, but I feel like I’m trapped. Like everyone is watching me, and I can’t get away from the disapproving looks.” Suni shook his head. “I wasn’t always like this. Hell, I used to live in the city.” “When did it start?” “The night I was exiled. I ran to the mountains to heal. It took a long time, but eventually I regained my strength. But somewhere in that time, I lost my faith in people. I remember screaming, begging for someone to help me as I was tied up and branded with the hot piece of iron and gold dust. I knew others could hear my pleas, but no one tried to help.” “Maybe they were too afraid? I’m not excusing their actions, but it’s instinct to protect yourself.” Suni nodded. “I guess I decided it was easier to be alone, to only count on myself.” “But now you have two people who love you and want to be with you.” Suni gazed into Mica’s eyes. “You love me?” “I do.” One corner of Suni’s mouth tilted up. “Thank you. I love you, too.” “Come on. Let’s go up and explain things to Jarek. I promise you, he’ll understand.” “I hope so, because if it comes down to living in town or losing him, I’ll live in town. I can’t live without the two of you.” “You won’t.”

Chapter Six

Jarek followed Mica inside his small cabin. According to Mica, the cabin had once belonged to the forest service that patrolled the park. When the park was donated to the protection of the shifters, he’d been given the two-bedroom dwelling. “Like I told you, it’s nothing fancy.” Mica set down the backpack and strode through the small living room to the kitchen. “Anyone up for a beer?” “I’ll take one,” Jarek immediately said. Suni licked his lips. “I haven’t had a beer in almost ten years. I’d love one.” Jarek sat in the middle of the green and gold plaid sofa as Suni settled beside him. Mica came back into the room and handed a bottle each to Suni and Jarek. “Where’s yours?” Mica shook his head. “I’ve got to run and check in with the guard house.” “Now?” Mica nodded. “The sooner I find out what’s going on, the quicker I can get back to you two.” “Will you drop me off at the dorm? I’d really like to get my clothes.” Jarek looked down at the baggy pants he wore. He’d become so used to being nude, it felt strange. “You’re not going anywhere without me,” Suni declared. Although Jarek hadn’t told his partners about Ryker and Daniel’s warning for him to stay away, Suni seemed to pick up on Jarek’s anxiety since they’d entered town. “I’d like that. Besides, it’ll be nice for you to see how the other cougar shifters have been forced to live with Maquay in charge.” “I need to change. Be right back.” Mica disappeared into the bedroom.

Jarek snuggled against Suni’s side. “When are you going to tell Mica he’ll have to give up his job?” “What? Why would I tell him that? He seems to like his job.” “Yeah, he does, but it’s not like he’ll be able to commute from the cave to work every day.” He noticed the tensing of Suni’s jaws as the muscles began to move. Jarek ran his fingers over Suni’s face. “I didn’t mean to upset you.” “Do you think you could call that doctor Mica was telling me about? Maybe it would help if I could talk to him.” Suni shook his head. “I hate that the two of you will have to give up everything to be with me.” “I know you do, but the most important thing is that we stick together.” Mica came out dressed in his security uniform. “Gods you’re hot,” Jarek sighed, reaching out to run a hand over the front of the uniform pants. He felt Mica’s cock begin to swell under his palm and grinned. Mica playfully slapped Jarek’s hand away. “Be good, and I’ll let you ride it all night long once I get off shift.” Jarek giggled. “You know you’d let me ride it all night long regardless. You’re as big a slut as I am.” Mica leaned over and kissed Jarek, his tongue delving deep. “You’re right, I am. I wonder which two men made me the cockhound I seem to have turned into?” Suni reached past Jarek and took his turn pulling Mica down for a kiss. “It had better be the two in front of you.” Jarek couldn’t get over the changes in Mica. No longer was he the stiff, formal man he was when they’d first met. There were times when Mica was the silliest one of all three of them, and Jarek couldn’t have been happier. He slapped Mica’s ass, giving it a little squeeze before letting go. “Let’s go before the two of you get carried away.” **** With his hands fisted at his sides, Suni exited the stairwell to the cougar floor. He felt a warm hand close over his and tried to relax. “Sorry,” he mumbled. “I’m sorry for putting you through this. Once I get my stuff, we’ll never have to come back. I promise.”

As they made their way through the recreation room, the other cougar shifters stared at them. He felt the grip on his hand tighten. Confused, he glanced down at Jarek. His mate’s face had gone pale as several of the men narrowed their eyes at Jarek. Suni didn’t know exactly what was going on, but he felt the increase in his lover’s heartbeat. He spun around to regard one cougar in particular. “What’s your problem?” The shifter’s gaze switched from Jarek to Suni. The man’s expression changed as he stared into Suni’s blue eyes. The shifter’s jaw dropped. “You’re our king? I’d heard you’d been killed.” Suni broke eye contact and continued walking through the room with Jarek tucked under his arm. “Don’t believe everything you hear.” Once they were in Jarek’s room, it was Suni’s turn to be shocked. “This is it?” Jarek nodded. He walked over and began to gather the few personal items he owned. “They’re not all like this, only the cougar floor. Maquay had them redone. He said cougars weren’t meant for the luxuries humans required.” “Yet Maquay and Bly live in a house?” Suni snorted. He could see through Maquay in a heartbeat. It was all a power play. Give the cougars nothing and make them grateful for everything Maquay decided to toss their way. Jarek managed to gather everything he owned and stuff it into a single pillowcase. “I’m ready.” There was a knock on the door, making Jarek jump. “Yes?” “Phone,” an unidentified voice called through the door. Jarek turned and handed the pillowcase to Suni. “Stay here. I’ll be right back. It’s probably just Daniel or Toby. They’re both worrywarts.” “I’ve heard you speak of Toby before. Who is he?” “King of the Wolves, and a friend.” Jarek gave Suni a quick kiss before walking out of the room. Suni sat on the small bed. His thoughts kept going back to the challenging looks given to Jarek when they’d entered the recreation room. He knew he needed to talk to Jarek about it, but he had a feeling something else had happened since Jarek had been gone. Suni couldn’t help but think Jarek’s sexuality had something to do with the apparent animosity toward him. He knew it was uncommon for two male animals to mate, but it did

happen and always had. Suni wondered how the other species looked upon the sexuality of their kings. Jarek came back into the room, his face as pale as the winter blanket that covered the mountains. Suni jumped up and went to his mate’s side. “What happened?” “Someone evidently told Maquay I was here. He’s ordered me to the house.” “That was him on the phone?” Rage swept through Suni at Jarek’s hesitant nod. His mate looked scared to death. “I’ll kill him.” He tried to step around Jarek, but his mate plastered himself to the door, blocking his exit. “Stop. I hung up on him. I’m not going to see him, and I don’t want you to either. Let’s just go back to Mica’s and forget about it.” As much as he hated the thought of stepping up to fulfill his obligation to his people, witnessing the absolute fear in Jarek’s face after merely talking to the current Alpha changed his mind. “Can you get me in to see Ryker?” Jarek nodded. “We don’t need an appointment or anything. They’re my friends.” Suni nodded. “We’ll walk back to Mica’s and store your stuff first.” “Okay.” Jarek started to move but stopped and narrowed his eyes. “You’re not going to try and get away from me, are you?” “No. You were right to stop me from finding Maquay. If you hadn’t, one of us would’ve ended up dead.” **** Running beside the sleek, black panther was exhilarating for Jarek. He still didn’t know why it was so important for Suni to speak with Ryker, but his mate was definitely intent on doing it as soon as possible. By the time they reached Daniel’s porch, Jarek was winded. He shifted and collapsed on the steps, panting. A nice bit of exercise was one thing, but running hell bent straight up the side of a mountain was a little more activity than he’d gotten used to. Suni shifted and stared down at Jarek. “You okay?” Jarek used Suni’s help to stand. “Yeah, I’m just getting soft, I guess.” Suni wrapped an arm around Jarek and helped him up the steps. “You’re sure they won’t get mad that we’re just showing up?”

Jarek chuckled. “We should ring the bell and then take a seat on the swing. If they’re busy fucking or something, they’ll get to us eventually.” Suni walked over and sat down as Jarek rang the bell several times in succession. He turned and climbed in Suni’s lap, perfectly content to wait as long as needed. Suni pulled Jarek into a kiss. Jarek was so lost in sucking his lover’s tongue, he didn’t even hear the door open. “Did you need something, or was this just a handy place to make-out?” Daniel asked. Jarek broke the kiss and stood to give his friend a hug. “How’ve you been?” Daniel hugged him back. “Good. Tense, but good.” Jarek turned and held out a hand for Suni to join them. “Suni, I’d like to introduce you to Daniel.” After shaking hands, Daniel grinned at Jarek. “Leave it to you to find two gorgeous men.” “He is gorgeous, isn’t he?” Daniel nodded. “If my guys weren’t so hot, I might be jealous.” Daniel gestured toward the house. “Let’s go inside where it’s warm.” “Suni needs to speak to Ryker if he’s not too busy.” Jarek followed Daniel, with Suni bringing up the rear. Daniel rubbed his chin. “Well, that depends on if he has the dishes done yet. I sent him and Hakan in to do them about fifteen minutes ago.” As they headed for the kitchen, laughter could be heard. Daniel glanced over his shoulder and rolled his eyes. He opened the swinging door and put his hands on his hips. Both men were covered in water and suds. “Do I need to separate you two?” Daniel asked in a mock authoritarian voice. Still laughing, Ryker turned to face Daniel. “Sorry. We’ll clean it up.” “I know you will.” Daniel gestured to Suni. “Do you have a minute to talk to Suni?” Ryker picked up a dishcloth and dried his hands. “Good to see you again.” Suni nodded. “And you as well.” “Why don’t we go into the office,” Ryker said, tossing the towel at Hakan’s head. Hakan caught the towel and pointed at Ryker. “I’ll get you for that.” “Promises, promises.” Ryker stopped long enough to give Hakan and then Daniel a brief kiss.

Suni gave Jarek a quick peck before following Ryker into the next room. “What’s up?” Daniel asked once Ryker and Suni were out of the room. “I don’t really know. We were at the dorm getting my things, and Maquay called me. He ordered me to his house. When I told Suni, he flipped. I calmed him down, but then he asked to speak to Ryker.” “Well, since you’re in town in the first place, I take it Enapay found you.” Hakan dried his face before kneeling down to clean up the mess on the floor. “Yeah. Mica’s already at work. What’s been going on?” Hakan shook his head. “I’m not real sure. I think the cougars know Maquay will be ousted. There have been many small squabbles between them, sizing each other up. If you ask me, I think they’re trying to figure out who’ll be the next Alpha.” “Has anyone been hurt?” Jarek asked, taking a seat at the kitchen table. “Not enough to knock some sense into them. Although Jack has instructed the guards to carry guns with them at all times. As we saw with Mica, the stone men aren’t equipped to deal with a pissed off animal. We’ve supplied them all with tranquilizer darts in case something like that happens again.” Hakan let the water out of the sink and sat next to Daniel. “Someone had to have called Maquay earlier. I’d only been in the dorm for maybe ten minutes at most. Why do you think he wanted me to come over?” Daniel shook his head. “He had to have known you wouldn’t go. My guess is he was just reminding you that he’s keeping tabs and his spies are still at work.” “Well there was no need to remind me of that. You should’ve seen the looks I got when I went back to the dorm to get my stuff. I think if it hadn’t been for Suni, I wouldn’t have made it out of there alive.” Hakan nodded. “You could be right. That’s the reason we warned you to stay away. Word is, a lot of the cougars think Ryker will put you in charge of the cougars since we’re friends. We’ve tried to dispel those rumors, but you know how word spreads.” Jarek chuckled. “Look at me. Do I look like Alpha material?” Daniel rested his arms on the table and leaned toward Jarek. “You’ve been hanging out with giants. It’s warped your sense of self. You’re the same size as eighty percent of the male shifters.” Jarek glanced down at himself. “Damn. You’re right. I’ve gotten so used to being carried

around by Suni and Mica I did forget that I’m not the freak.” “Are you calling me a freak?” Suni asked, coming into the room. Jarek tilted his chin up for a kiss. “Yes. A big, strong, gorgeous macho freak, but a freak nonetheless.” Suni grabbed Jarek under the arms and lifted him from the chair, setting him back down in his lap. Jarek grinned. His mate seemed to be in a better mood than when he’d gone into Ryker’s study. “Finish your business?” “Not quite. We thought it would be best to finish it out here.” Suni ended the sentence with a squeeze to Jarek’s mid-section. Uh oh. “What’s going on?” “If Maquay isn’t found guilty and ousted as Alpha, I’m going to challenge him.” Jarek looked over his shoulder at his mate. “What? I thought you said you didn’t want to be Alpha?” “I don’t, but I can’t sit by and do nothing while Maquay treats his people like he has been.” Jarek turned to sit sideways on Suni’s lap. “They’re not his people. They’re your people.” He couldn’t help but notice the small tick in Suni’s jaw. “You and Mica are my people. But if I have to do this to protect the two of you, it’s worth it.” “What exactly will Maquay be on trial for, and how will it work?” Jarek asked Ryker. “Well, as you know, Refuge doesn’t have a set charter of laws. I’ve actually got Toby and Jack working on that as we speak, but in the meantime, I’ve charged Maquay with cruelty and gross misconduct. He’ll be judged by all cougars, not just a selected few. If found guilty, he’ll have the choice of staying on the Refuge preservation, but living outside of town, or leaving Refuge for life on his own.” “And Bly? What will happen to him?” Jarek asked. “Bly hasn’t been charged with anything, so he’ll be free to do what he wants.” As Ryker spoke, Jarek noticed Suni’s arms tighten around Jarek’s waist to the point of pain. “Ow,” he cried, pushing at Suni. Suni kissed Jarek’s neck. “I’m sorry, baby. Are you okay?” “Yeah. Are you? What was that about?”

“Nothing.” “You almost broke me in half for nothing?” He knew his mate wasn’t being truthful. Suni sighed. “I know the use of gold is going to come up during the trial.” “And?” Jarek prompted. “And I’m the one responsible for discovering how harmful it can be to cougars.” Jarek could feel his lover’s heart racing. “How?” Suni gave Jarek an apologetic look. “I gave Bly an old gold wedding band I’d found in an antique shop in Denver. I had no idea I’d ever meet you, and at the time, I loved Bly. But when I put the ring on his finger, it seared itself to his skin. By the time we managed to cut it off, the flesh had been burned away nearly to the bone. He became really sick, and I was forced to go and find Maquay. Evidently Maquay didn’t know the two of us had even been seeing each other.” Jarek brushed Suni’s hip with his hand. “Is that when he branded you?” Suni shook his head. “Not right away.” Suni glanced at the others at the table. “And it wasn’t Maquay that did it. It was Bly.” Jarek gasped. “Bly?” Suni nodded. “Several weeks after he recovered, I went to see him. He gave me something to drink that knocked me out. When I woke up, I was chained to a bed. They were both there, but it was Bly who was in the process of running the wedding band over my hip, spelling out the word Maquay had provided. I began screaming for help. Others lived in the area, I know they did, but no one came to help me.” “So Bly did that to you to get back at you? Didn’t he know it had been a mistake? That you gave him the ring out of love?” No wonder Suni had tensed when Ryker told them Bly hadn’t been charged. “At the time, he seemed to understand, but evidently in my absence over the following weeks, Maquay had managed to convince him otherwise. He truly is his brother’s puppet. If you allow him to stay, you might as well allow Maquay to remain in Refuge.” **** Mica woke to the ringing phone on his bedside table. He removed his hand from Suni’s hip to reach blindly for the offensive intrusion. “Hello?” “It’s Jack. Maquay’s missing. We think he ran up into the mountains.”

Mica sat up and nudged Suni. “Maquay’s run off.” Suni tossed back the covers and was on his feet before Mica finished the sentence. “I’ll find him.” “I want to go, too,” Jarek said, crawling out of bed. “Did you hear that?” Mica asked Jack. “Yeah. I’d say Suni would be a good guide since he knows the mountains so well, but I don’t think it’s safe for Jarek.” “I agree. I’ll handle it and meet you at your place in about thirty minutes.” “Sounds good. I’ve got a few others to call.” Mica hung up and held his hand out to Jarek. “Come here.” Jarek glanced at Suni before sitting on the bed beside Mica. “You’re not gonna let me go, are you?” “Jack thinks it’s too dangerous, and I agree.” “So do I,” Suni added, joining them on the bed. “But I can take care of myself,” Jarek tried to argue. “With most things, that’s true, but you’ve seen what Maquay did to me. I’m not saying you’re weaker than I am, but he doesn’t fight fair.” The thought of Jarek going up against Maquay sickened Mica. He cupped Jarek’s face and kissed him. “I love you. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you.” Jarek rubbed his face against Mica’s hand. “Okay. I’ll stay here.” Although Jarek sounded resigned to not going, Mica needed to make sure. “You’ll stay inside with the doors locked, right?” Jarek nodded. Mica pulled back and waited for Suni to whisper words of love in Jarek’s ear. The two of them kissed for several moments before they broke apart. Mica got out of bed and began to dress. He glanced at Suni and smiled. “You might want to put on more than a pair of sweats.” Suni shook his head. “I plan on tracking him in shifted form, no clothes needed.” After strapping on his shoulder harness and checking his gun, Mica gestured to the living room. “I’ll get my boots on and then I’ll be ready.” Suni nodded, pulling Jarek to his feet and into his arms. Mica found his boots and sat on the couch to put them on. He wondered if Ryker would

let them use deadly force if necessary. He made a mental note to ask Jack before they set out. “Ready?” Suni asked, coming into the room with Jarek at his side. “Yeah, let me grab a jacket.” He shrugged into his coat and turned to face Jarek. “There’s a radio in the kitchen. You can turn it to channel thirty-six and listen to everything that’s going on with the search.” “I’ll be fine. Just find him.” Jarek gave Mica another kiss. Mica squeezed Jarek’s ass before backing away. “Be back before you know it.” Getting in the truck, Mica turned to Suni. “Can you beat Maquay in a fight?” Suni nodded. He squirmed in his seat, his body refusing to remain still. “I need to shift.” Mica pulled out of the dirt driveway and onto the road leading to town. “I know, but we need to talk to Jack first. I want to get permission to use deadly force if we have to.” Suni snorted. “I guarantee if the two of us meet up, it won’t be a question of getting permission.” Mica turned into Jack’s driveway. He cut the engine and leaned across the seat to kiss Suni. “All the same, I’d rather have permission. You getting into trouble for dealing with that bastard isn’t an option.” Mica opened his door. Jack had a small group of guards gathered on the front porch. Mica shook his boss’s hand and gestured to Suni. “Jack, this is Suni, King of the Cougars.” Jack bowed his head in respect before reaching out to shake Suni’s hand. “Thanks for helping us.” “Maquay is someone that should’ve been taken care of a long time ago.” Mica wasn’t surprised by the vehemence in his lover’s voice. He knew Suni felt guilty for hiding himself in the mountains while Maquay mistreated the cougar shifters at Refuge. Although Mica and Jarek had talked to Suni long into the night about the need for him to step up to his rightful position, Suni had yet to agree. “Am I mistaken or are we using real guns for this?” Mica asked, nodding toward the side arm strapped to one of his guards. “Maquay had his chance to do this in a peaceful manner, and he chose not to take it. Try to capture him alive, but don’t risk your own skin to do it,” Jack informed them. Mica reached out and put his hand on the small of Suni’s back. “Suni wants to go in shifted form.”

Jack nodded. “I figured that would be the case. Just be careful.” “I’ll be following him as close as possible. I can’t move nearly as fast, but I’ll try my best.” Suni’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Mica. “Don’t follow too close. Maquay can be a sneaky shit, I wouldn’t put it passed him to double back and get to you.” “Agreed.” Mica wanted to lean in and kiss Suni, but knew it wasn’t the time or place. Gods, I’m a lovesick fool. **** Jarek sat glued to the radio. The last transmission had been from Mica, telling Jack and the others that Suni had picked up Maquay’s scent entering Mullin’s Gorge. Mica had warned they probably wouldn’t have radio reception until they were out of the gorge, but Jarek kept hoping. “Was that a gunshot I just heard?” Jack asked over the radio. Jarek’s chest tightened. He leaned closer to the radio like he could force someone to answer Jack’s question. “Affirmative. Rifle fired. Not one of ours,” someone answered. “Shit!” Jarek jumped off the kitchen stool. All he could think about was one of his men bleeding to death at the bottom of the gorge. He ran out of the house, intent on finding out what was happening and ran right into Bly. Before he could shift, a cloth covered his mouth. The last thing he remembered was slumping to the porch.

Chapter Seven

Mica was trailing Suni as fast as he could down the steep wall of the gorge when he was knocked off his feet when something slammed into his shoulder. A split second later, he heard the unmistakable sound of a rifle firing. Moving as fast as he could, he rolled and scooted his way behind a large fallen log. One glance down and he knew he was in trouble. Blood was already soaking through his thick coat. He tried to get out of the coat for a better look at his wound, but the pain was unbearable. He cried out as he attempted to push past his agony. After struggling for several moments, he managed to free one arm. He peeled the coat back as far as he could without disturbing his injured shoulder, and began assessing the injury. Although he wasn’t a doctor, it wasn’t hard to see he’d either need to find a way to slow the bleeding, or die before help could reach him. Through clenched jaws, he pulled at the bottom of his uniform shirt until he was rewarded with a ripping sound. He was in the process of trying to stuff the piece of material into the wound when he heard something running towards him. Mica managed to hide himself further behind the log as he blindly reached for his gun. “Mica!” Mica peered over the log as Suni burst around the bend. “Over here.” Suni jumped over the fallen tree and knelt beside Mica. “Fuck!” Suni’s hands began to shake as he began shredding Mica’s shirt. “I need to get you out of here.” Mica shook his head. “If you can help me slow the bleeding, I can get out on my own. Go after Maquay.”

“I’m not leaving you here like this.” Mica reached out and wrapped his hand around the back of Suni’s neck, pulling him in for a deep, but brief, kiss. “We need to make sure Maquay gets rid of the rifle. If he doesn’t, you don’t stand a chance. Call him out. Challenge him!” Suni stared into Mica’s eyes for several moments. “I’ll lead him away first.” “Good idea because I won’t be moving very fast once I get going.” “If I don’t make it back…” “Then we’re both likely to be dead. Remember that when you’re fighting Maquay. You may well be the only thing standing between him and Jarek.” Suni leaned in for one last kiss. “I love you, Stone Man.” “Love you, King.” Suni shifted into the powerful black panther Mica loved and disappeared in the blink of an eye. Mica panted through the pain as he waited to hear Suni’s challenge. “Maquay! This is your King. Come out and challenge me like the Alpha you pretend to be. Rifles are a coward’s way to fight.” Keeping his arm plastered against his body, Mica stood and slowly began to work his way up the steep incline. He was halfway up when he heard the unmistakable sounds of two cougars locked in battle. Mica stopped and closed his eyes. “Please protect my love, Mother,” he prayed. By the time he crawled his way out of the gorge, he was barely conscious. He unclipped the radio from his belt. “Jack?” He heard a crackling sound as he struggled to stay awake, the forest around him going in and out of focus. “Where are you?” Jack asked. Shivering, Mica gave him a rough idea of his location. He knew if Jarek were listening in, he’d be beside himself with worry. “Jarek? I hope you can hear me. I want you to know I’ll be fine. It’s just a shoulder wound.” Mica struggled to stay awake. He heard Jack and the others coming his way. “I love you, Jarek, and I’ll see you soon.” The radio dropped from Mica’s hand as he lost consciousness. ****

On his side, Suni was aware of approaching footsteps, but he still hadn’t healed enough to do anything about it. “Suni!” Although they’d only met briefly, Suni recognized Jack’s voice. “Here!” Jack and a guard broke through the tree line and stopped. “Fuck.” Suni could only imagine what he must look like to Jack. “He put up one hell of a fight.” “I can see that.” Jack crouched down beside Suni. “You gonna make it?” Suni nodded. “Just giving the old body time to heal. Is Mica okay?” “Yeah. They loaded him onto a truck and took him back to town. He should be fine. The bullet went all the way through.” Staring up into Jack’s eyes, Suni could tell there was something the man was withholding. He couldn’t see Maquay, and an uneasy feeling came over him. The fighting between the two of them had been unlike anything Suni had ever witnessed. By the end of the battle, they were both insane with blood lust, ripping and tearing whatever they could sink their teeth into. “Please don’t tell me Maquay got away.” Jack shook his head. “Not a chance. The wounds you inflicted aren’t recoverable.” “Good.” Suni closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on healing his injuries. “There is something though.” Suni opened his eyes. This time, the expression on Jack’s face was easier to read. “Jarek.” “Yeah. Toby called me on the radio. When he heard about Mica, he drove over to the cabin to pick Jarek up and take him to the clinic, but there was no one there.” Fear like he’d never known crawled its way up Suni’s spine. “Where’s Bly?” Jack shook his head, refusing to make eye contact with Suni. “We can’t find him either.” “Shit!” Suni held out his hand. “Help me up.” Jack put a hand on Suni’s shoulder. “Give yourself more time. You won’t do Jarek any good going up against Bly with anything short of one hundred percent.” Suni’s head knew Jack was right, but his heart screamed to run after his mate. He’d looked into the mad eyes of Bly before, and didn’t wish the same on anyone, especially not the man he loved.

Suni lay back and closed his eyes, taking himself deep into a healing trance. He concentrated on each muscle, each tear, feeling the tingling burn as they began to heal. When he felt his breathing returning to normal, he opened his eyes and sat up. “I’m ready.” **** “Wake up!” Jarek opened his eyes and turned his head to the side as the contents of his stomach emptied onto the familiar dirt floor beside the pallet of furs. When everything that could come up had, he studied the shackles on his wrists. “They’re stronger than you are, believe me.” Jarek lifted his gaze as he readied himself to shift. He may not be the biggest cougar, but he sure as hell had a better chance than he did in his man skin. Bly surprised him by lifting his arm away from his side, a large handgun aimed at Jarek’s head. “Don’t even think about it. You’ll have a bullet between your eyes before the first claw breaks through the skin.” “Afraid to challenge me?” Bly laughed. “You’re kidding, right?” “Then why are you afraid of a fair fight.” “Because I’ve absolutely no interest in proving myself to you. My goal is to burn every inch of your skin to the point of death. I want to watch Suni cry before I kill him. And what better place than Suni’s own bed to do it?” Jarek blinked. How had he missed the utter madness in the shifters eyes? The few times he’d been in Bly’s presence, the man had refused to make eye contact. Jarek had taken it for a sign of weakness; he’d been mistaken. “He loved you,” Jarek told Bly, hoping to stall for time. “He tried to kill me!” “No, he didn’t. He gave you a sign of his devotion, that’s all he was guilty of. Maquay’s the one who twisted the truth into something ugly.” Bly’s eyes narrowed as he stalked toward Jarek. “Don’t you dare say that about him. Maquay’s always been there for me, even after I strayed.” “You’re as crazy as he is.”

Bly chuckled. “Maybe.” He pulled a hot iron out of the fire. “He’s dead, you know.” Jarek’s heart lurched. “Who?” “Maquay. Happened about thirty minutes ago. I felt our connection break.” Bly glanced from the fire red tip of the iron to Jarek before placing the poker back into the hot coals. “He was my mate. Something unheard of in nature, but the Gods saw fit to ridicule my brother and me by giving us a love so taboo we’ve spent a lifetime hiding it.” Jarek bit the inside of his cheek. He refused to feel an ounce of pity for Bly or Maquay, but maybe he could use Bly’s feelings for his brother against him. “I’m sorry. And for what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re planning to kill Suni after I’m dead. I can’t imagine the kind of torture he’d go through living every day without his true mate.” Bly blinked, showing the first crack in his armor. “I mean sure, he’ll feel pain when you kill him, but that’s nothing compared to a lifetime of that kind of torture. I know if something happened to him, I’d want to die in the quickest way possible. Although I doubt I’d have the inner strength to kill myself. That would take a much stronger person than I’ll ever hope to be.” Bly glanced down at the gun in his hand. Yes! Jarek knew his plan was working. Bly was starting to think of his life after vengeance. “I know if someone killed my mate, I’d probably make that person’s life a living hell for them. No way would I give them the easy way out. I’d make them suffer to the point of madness, but I can see you must still have feelings for Suni. Otherwise, you wouldn’t give him the easy way out. Thanks.” “If I let him live, he’d still have Mica,” Bly spat. Jarek shrugged as much as the chains would allow. “Sure, but he really only has Mica because of me. Hell, I doubt Mica would even stick around for long. So you see, not only would he have lost his true mate, but his imaginary one as well. No, you’ll be doing the right thing by killing him.” Bly reached down and picked up the hot poker once again, then dipped the end into a small pile of gold dust on the floor. “You’ve given me a lot to think about, but unfortunately, either way you’re going to die.” Jarek closed his eyes as the glowing iron was thrust toward him. He felt the searing heat as it plunged into his abdomen. Jarek screamed as the poker was pulled out.

“Shhhh, you’ll attract attention,” Bly giggled. He carried the bloodied shaft back to the fire. “One isn’t nearly enough to kill you. Although, I bet your guts feel like their liquefying as the gold eats away at your insides. Am I right?” Yes! Jarek wanted to scream at the madman. The process was repeated three more times before the pain became too unbearable. Jarek felt himself slipping away. His eyes closed for, what Jarek knew, was the final time. As he welcomed death over the continuing torture, he heard Suni shout his name. He only hoped his plan had worked. Suni charged into the cave he’d once called home as Bly plunged a poker into Jarek’s shoulder. “Jarek!” Bly spun around and laughed. “You’re too late, it seems.” Bly glanced down at Jarek’s lifeless body. “I’ve dealt you the same fate you dealt me. Only I’m smarter.” Bly raised the gun to his mouth and fired. Before Bly’s brains had a chance to land on the floor, Suni was at Jarek’s side. He tried several times to break the chain shackling Jarek’s wrists together with no luck. Knowing time was of the essence, he looped the chain around his neck and scooped his bleeding mate into his arms. As he picked his way carefully down the side of the mountain, he prayed to Mother Earth. “Save him. I’ll be everything you’ve asked of me if you save him.” Suni was answered by a flock of birds overhead. He gazed up into the dark cloud. “Please, help me.” Two large golden eagles landed on a rock a few feet from Suni. In the blink of an eye, Hakan and Enapay appeared. “He’s dying,” Suni explained. Hakan nodded. “I know. Mother said to take him to the healing spring.” Suni shook his head. “He won’t make it that far.” “Have you forgotten what I am? Trust in your Gods, Suni.” Hakan stepped to a clearing and transformed into the biggest prehistoric-looking bird Suni had ever seen. Enapay stepped forward. “Lay your mate down and Hakan will take him to the spring.” Hakan’s words came back to Suni. Trust in your Gods. He did as the man asked and

carefully deposited Jarek onto a large bolder. Suni stepped back as the large bird took flight. “Where’s he going?” “Watch,” Enapay said, pulling Suni further away from Jarek. Hakan swooped down and snatched Jarek from the rock, cradling the lifeless body in his talons as he once again took to the sky. Knowing Jarek was on his way to the healing spring, Suni turned to Enapay. “Thank you for your help.” “You’re welcome.” Suni shifted and took off toward the spring he’d heard Jarek speak of. With the Gods on his side, he knew his mate had a chance. **** Daniel and Hakan were holding Jarek between them when Suni lowered himself into the milky-colored water. Hakan relinquished his spot when Suni placed a hand on his new friend’s shoulder. “He should be okay,” Hakan informed Suni. Using one arm to support Jarek’s back, Suni ran his hand down his lover’s cheek. “Baby? Can you open your eyes?” Daniel reached out and squeezed Suni’s arm. “He can’t. Not yet anyway. Ryker’s gone to get Mica. The love of all three of you will be required to wake him.” Suni looked down at Jarek. “But he’s alive. I can feel him breathing. I can hear his heartbeat.” Daniel nodded. “The water has kept his body alive, but it will be love that revives his soul.” Suni was relieved when Mica came barreling down the path toward the spring. Although Mica’s complexion appeared ashy, Daniel must’ve had laid his magic hands on his shoulder. He couldn’t help but smile as Mica walked into the spring fully clothed in an effort to get to Jarek as fast as possible. Still holding tight to Jarek, Suni leaned over his mate to kiss Mica. “I love you.” Mica chased Suni’s lips and kissed him again. “I love you, too.” Mica gazed down at Jarek before glancing up at Daniel. “What’re we supposed to do?” Daniel smiled and climbed out of the spring and into Ryker and Hakan’s arms. “Just love

him.” The threesome turned as one and walked away, leaving Suni, Mica and Jarek alone. “But we already love him,” Suni mumbled. “What happened?” Mica asked, running his hand over Jarek’s wounds. Suni had been so intent on getting Jarek help, he hadn’t had time to process earlier events. “Honestly? I don’t know. I was searching Bly and Maquay’s house for a clue as to where Bly would’ve taken him when I heard Jarek in my head. He told me he was at home. I shifted and raced back to your house, but came up empty. It was then that I realized he was talking about the cave.” Suni looked over his shoulder and gestured with his head. “Let’s take him to the shallow end.” Mica led the way to the grouping of smooth rocks and sat down, taking Jarek from Suni and settling the smaller man on his lap. “Go on.” “I ran into the cave as Bly was pulling an iron rod out of Jarek’s body.” Suni closed his eyes. He knew he’d never get the image out of his head. “Jarek was so still. I thought he was dead. I called his name, but he didn’t move. Bly turned and laughed. He said something about being smart. He put a gun in his mouth and blew his brains out.” Mica’s eyebrows drew together. “He killed himself?” Suni nodded. He bent and rubbed his cheek against Jarek’s. “Come back to us, baby. We need you.” Suni sat back up and gazed into Mica’s eyes. “Tell him. Let him know we’re both here for him.” Mica’s large hand smoothed the wet hair back from Jarek’s face. “Did you hear that, Jarek? Your King wants you to wake up. I want you to wake up.” Mica glanced at Suni. “We’re going to make sure you have the home you’ve always dreamt of, but that can only happen if you fight to come back to us.” “I can picture the three of us fighting over the porch swing you’ve talked about, green wasn’t it?” Suni asked. “Yep, green to match the shutters,” Mica added. “And we can build a swing big enough for all of us. Would you like that, Jarek?” With Jarek’s lifeless body between them, Suni realized how much others had helped him

and the men he loved in the previous few hours. The actions of his friends had gone a long way in healing him of the bitterness that had taken root in his own soul. “Yes, your king needs you by his side if he’s to take his rightful place.” Mica’s head jerked up to stare at Suni. “You’re going to step up as Alpha?” Suni nodded. “It’s time. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure something like this never happens in Refuge again.” Mica reached over Jarek and pulled Suni into a deep kiss. Suni opened for his lover, feeling his own fear and resentment dissolve away in the healing waters. He felt movement against his stomach and broke the kiss. Pulling back, he gazed into the heavy-lidded amber eyes of his mate. “Hey, baby.” Suni lowered his head and placed a soft kiss on Jarek’s lips before making way for Mica to do the same. Jarek looked around. “How’d I get here?” Suni chuckled. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. The important thing is you’re going to be okay.” Jarek wrapped his arm around Mica’s neck and pulled himself into a sitting position. “What happened to Bly and Maquay?” “They’re both dead. I killed Maquay and Bly killed himself.” Suni was surprised at the sadness in Jarek’s eyes as they filled with tears. “Hey.” He wiped away the trickle of tears as they began to roll down his mate’s face. “They really did love each other,” Jarek said. “Bly told me he was going to kill you after he killed me. I told him you would prefer that to living a life without your mate. I hoped it would convince him to spare your life to torture you. I knew Mica would take care of you.” “I would have,” Mica agreed. “I know.” “So why are you crying?” Suni asked, wiping away more tears. “Because Bly loved Maquay so much that dying was easier for him than living without him.” Suni felt his own eyes begin to burn. Not out of grief for Maquay and Bly, but at the unbelievable heart of his chosen mate. He knew the unending depths of Jarek’s kindness would go a long way in helping to heal the cougar shifters.

“Remember when we first met, and you asked what possible reason Mother could have to choose you for me?” “Yeah.” “Well, I think I’ve figured it out.” Suni placed his hand over Jarek’s heart. “This. Despite everything you’ve been through, your heart is still full of compassion, even for those as vile as Maquay and Bly. We’ll need that in the coming months. There are a lot of wrongs to be undone.” Jarek smiled. “I wouldn’t have been able to cry over love if you and Mica hadn’t shown me what it meant.” “See? We’re all perfect for each other, because I never thought I’d be good enough for someone to love, but here the two of you are.” Mica leaned in and kissed first Jarek and then Suni. “Uhhh, why are you wearing clothes?” Jarek asked, unbuttoning Mica’s wet shirt. “Because when I saw you in the water, all I wanted was to hold you.” “And now?” “Now?” Mica handed Jarek off to Suni. He reached up and pulled his shirt over his head, heedless of his earlier injury. Suni reached out and ran his fingers over the fresh round scar. “Does it hurt?” Mica shook his head. “Just one more to add to my already impressive collection.” “What happened?” Jarek asked, leaning forward to kiss the injury. “Maquay shot me, but it’s okay. We don’t have to worry about them anymore.” Mica stood and pushed the clinging uniform pants down and off before diving into the center of the spring. He came out of the water and smiled. “You guys coming?” “Not yet,” Jarek answered as Suni carried him into the deeper water. The three met in a frenzy of kisses and licks. At some point in the erotic exchange, Mica ended up with Jarek’s legs wrapped around his waist. Suni leaned in and sucked the lobe of Mica’s ear while probing Jarek’s hole with two fingers. Jarek didn’t even flinch as Suni buried his two middle digits as far as they would go. “This water’s amazing,” Suni said as he added a third. Jarek laughed. “According to Daniel, this spring is for more than healing. I didn’t really understand until now.” Suni ran his other hand over the firm mounds of Mica’s ass. “You gonna let me fuck you,

while you fill our mate?” Mica moaned as Suni rubbed against his hole. “You’d better believe it. Of course, if we try to do it here, someone’s likely to get a mouth full of water.” Suni knew the magical water was healing more than their wounds. It was bringing them together like never before. Suni knew he couldn’t explain it, but he felt something extraordinary was about to happen. He gazed into Mica’s big, beautiful eyes. “We need to be in the water.” Mica stared back and finally nodded. “Okay.” Suni removed his fingers from Jarek’s hole and guided Mica’s cock into position. Jarek wiggled his hips several times before his ass opened and swallowed Mica’s fat cock. With his foot, Suni felt around until he found the perfect rock resting on the bottom of the spring. He led Mica to it and propped his lover’s leg up enough to open his ass without hindering Mica’s rhythm with Jarek. He stepped up behind Mica and rested his foot on the same stone as he pressed the head of his cock against Mica’s hole. Mica’s moans joined Jarek’s as Suni inched his way into the root. Once the three of them were joined, the milky water began to swirl around them. At first Suni tried to tell himself it was waves created by his and Mica’s thrusting hips, but soon the entire spring appeared to be alive, dancing at their union. “What the hell…” Mica whispered, catching sight of the unnatural phenomenon. “What’s happening?” “I don’t know, but I think it wants us to finish.” Suni’s thrusts quickened as he held on to the two slick bodies. He ran his hand down Jarek’s back and entered his mate’s hole with a finger alongside Mica’s cock. Jarek was the first to groan his release, followed quickly by Mica. Between the ass squeezing his cock and the one trying to pinch off his fingers, Suni didn’t stand a chance. He came harder than he ever had before, vibrating with the force as his seed shot deep into his lover. Suni closed his eyes and slumped against Mica’s back. Something began to tickle his skin and he chuckled. “What’re you doing?” he asked Jarek. “What? I’m not doing anything. I thought you were doing that.” Suni opened his eyes and stared at Jarek. At the same time, the three of them looked from each other to the water. Small bubbles began popping up around them, like the water had

suddenly become carbonated. Mica jerked, dislodging Suni’s cock from his ass. “It feels like hundreds of fingers are touching me.” Jarek nodded. “I feel it, too.” Although Suni didn’t feel hundreds of fingers, he did notice the tickling at his hip increase in intensity. He reached under the water and ran his hand over the old brand. The once raised and puckered skin was gone. Amazed, he reached out and touched Mica’s lower stomach. It was as smooth as silk. “Submerge yourself,” he ordered Mica. “Huh?” Instead of taking the time to explain, Suni splashed Mica’s chest with the effervescent water. “Watch.” Within seconds, the scars that had been touched by the water disappeared. Fuck! Me! Suni chuckled. “I just did.” Mica’s eyebrows drew together. “What?” “You said, fuck me, and I said I just did,” Suni replied. Mica shook his head. “I didn’t say that out loud.” Pinch my nipple. Suni and Jarek both reached for Mica’s nipples at the same time. Suni stared into Jarek’s eyes. “You can hear him, too?” Jarek nodded. What does it mean? “That we’ve been given a gift.” Suni leaned in to kiss Mica. “You’re truly our mate.” Tears filled Mica’s eyes. How? It’s best not to question gifts from Mother. Now submerge yourself and let’s get out of here. Suni ended the thought with a smile. Mica was gorgeous even with the scars. He couldn’t imagine how devastating he would be without them, but he knew his new mate’s looks had nothing to do with the reason he loved him. Mica started to hand Jarek to Suni, but Jarek shook his head. “Despite your opinions, I can stand on my own two feet.” Suni laughed and picked Jarek up. “I know, but indulge my Alpha nature, please?”

Epilogue Two Years Later

Suni slipped his hammer into the tool belt on his waist and turned to Hakan. “Do you think it’ll work?” With his hands on his hips, Hakan shook his head. “I don’t know. But we’ve done all we can. The rest is up to them.” With the second phase of tree houses finished, Suni hoped some of their sky brothers would come home to roost. They’d built almost two hundred homes for the bird shifters. Not only had it been an important project for Hakan, but the entire community had put their backs and convictions behind the undertaking. Suni knew Hakan had an interest in seeing the shifters make a home at Refuge that went beyond his duty as Guardian. “You think Takoda will come?” “I hope so, but I won’t hold my breath.” “Do you still love him?” “I’ll always love him. He sacrificed himself so I could become what I was meant to be. I just wish he could get beyond the hurt to see the true love that’s staring him in the face.” In the two years Suni had been part of the community, he’d only met the small crow shifter once. He’d learned it was Takoda who had helped him get word to Hakan the day he’d first stumbled upon Jarek on the mountain. The meeting between Suni and Takoda had been short, but Suni wanted to thank the man for what he’d done, along with Enapay. Although a Takoda sighting, in any form, was rare, Enapay seemed to hang around the

community more and more. He’d actually become a pretty good friend to Suni and his men. “I think I can get Enapay to move here.” Hakan shook his head. “Enapay will continue to visit, but he’ll never stay without Takoda.” “Maybe he’ll find someone else?” Suni glanced at Hakan and shrugged. They both knew that wouldn’t happen. Hakan’s head fell back as his eyes began to roll. Suni stepped away from The Guardian to give Hakan a bit of privacy for his impromptu meeting with Father Sky. Suni knew from being around Hakan and Ryker that it happened only on rare occasions. A truck pulled up and honked, drawing Suni’s attention. He turned and waved as Ryker and Jack walked toward him. A look of distress on Ryker’s face alerted Suni that something was seriously wrong. “What’s going on?” Suni asked. Ryker wrapped his arms around Hakan’s waist, and carefully lowered his mate to the ground before answering Suni’s question. “One of the park rangers from Yosemite called. They’ve found over a hundred dead birds in the past hour. According to Steve, a ranger from Mount Rainier also called to report a similar occurrence. Steve went out in the truck, and that’s when he started watching them drop from the sky.” “Shifters?” “Both.” Suni’s thoughts immediately went to his new friend. “Have you heard from Enapay?” “No.” Ryker suddenly rushed toward Hakan. “He’s coming out of it.” Hakan blinked several times before he could focus on Ryker. “You heard?” Ryker nodded. “According to Father, it’s not nature killing them. Someone is releasing toxic gas specifically designed to kill off the bird population.” Suni’s gaze went to the tree houses they were trying to finish. “Can you communicate with them?” “I can call them, but I can’t make them listen.” Hakan looked like he was moments away from an emotional breakdown. Because he’d worked side by side with Hakan on the tree house project, Suni knew how

much guilt The Guardian carried over his people. The news that someone was most certainly targeting them had to be absolutely devastating to Hakan. “Why don’t you get Hakan home. I’ll start pulling in people to help finish the houses and ready them in case some of the shifters find their way to Refuge.” With Ryker’s help, Hakan managed to get to his feet, although Suni could tell the emergency conversation with Father Sky had taken most of The Guardian’s energy. “I’d appreciate that.” Hakan put a hand to Suni’s shoulder before making his way to his SUV. “Keep me informed if you hear anything. I’ll get teams working around the clock if I have to.” Ryker helped Hakan into the passenger seat. Before driving off, Hakan leaned out the window. “You’re a good friend to the sky shifters, Suni.” “This is Refuge. It’s what we’re here for.” Suni waved as the SUV drove away. He turned to Jack. “How many volunteers do you think we can get our hands on? If what I think is about to happen happens, then we’re not going to have enough housing. The dorms are three quarters empty, but I still don’t know if it’ll be enough. We’ll need not only tents for the sick, but more doctors as well.” Jack rubbed the back of his neck. “I can get as many volunteers as we need. The doctors might be a little more difficult, but I can get them. What I really think we need to find is some ornithologists.” Suni nodded. Getting scientists in that actually knew and studied birds might help them figure out what had been used on them in the first place. “Okay. You start making phone calls, and I’ll put out a call for volunteers. I’m gonna run to the supply barn and see what we have available to furnish these houses with. Hopefully we'll have at least the bare essentials.” Before Jack was even in his truck, Suni shifted and ran in the direction of his house. It was promising to be a long couple of days. **** Jarek yawned as he tamped down the soil around his newly planted flowers. He sat back on his heels and removed his gloves to wipe the sleepy tears from his eyes. It had been almost two days since he’d slept, two incredibly long days since they’d first received word of the chemical clouds that had begun to kill the bird shifters, but he was trying to hold out for his men.

Go to bed. Despite his exhaustion, Jarek chuckled at Mica’s concern and lay back in the grass. Not without the two of you. Suni will be home soon. It’ll be another couple of hours for me. We’ll wait. Love you. The deep rumble of Mica’s voice in his head always excited Jarek. It didn’t matter how tired he was, he never seemed to be too tired for sex. He ran his hand down his body and slipped it under the waistband of his jeans. With his cock in his hand, Jarek began to pleasure himself. I need you. It’s been too long. He could hear Mica’s pained groan. I’m in a meeting, and the others are starting to stare. Jarek reluctantly removed his hand. Okay. I’ll be a good boy…for now. I love you. Come home soon. As soon as I can. Jarek tucked his hands behind his head and gazed up at his house with a sigh of contentment. Although his dream house was a little larger than he’d planned, it was perfect for the three of them. After another round of yawns, Jarek decided to close his eyes for a few moments while he waited for Suni. **** “Hey, sleepy head.” Jarek rolled to his side and snuggled against Suni’s warmth. “You’re home.” Suni nuzzled Jarek’s neck, kissing and licking. “Why’re you out here instead of inside?” Jarek tilted his head to the side. “I was gardening while I waited for you and Mica.” Suni stood and helped Jarek to his feet. “Have you eaten?” Jarek shook his head. “I started a big pot of stew, but I haven’t had any.” Suni chuckled. “It’s July. Did you think we’d need warming up when we got home?” Jarek stuck his tongue out at his mate. “I thought the two of you would like something nice and filling to eat. And since I had no idea what time you’d get home, I decided to go with something that only gets better the longer it cooks.” He was halfway up the steps when he was scooped off his feet and into Suni’s arms. “I’m

sorry. Thanks for thinking about us.” “I think about you guys all the time. It’s my job.” Suni carried Jarek into the house and deposited him on the sofa, coming down on top of him. “And you do a great job of it.” Suni leaned down and kissed him. Jarek was reluctant to open at first, wanting a few more moments of pouting time, but he just couldn’t resist the sweep of Suni’s tongue across his closed lips. It had been a long couple of days. Suni had been right. The sky shifters were beginning to trickle in, some sick, some just scared. Jarek broke the kiss and gazed into the blue eyes of his mate. “Did Dr. Sparrol arrive?” Suni nodded. “He got in a couple hours ago. Sam seems like a good addition. He’s already pulled up his shirt sleeves and gotten to work.” “Any word from Enapay or Takoda?” “Nothing from Takoda. Hakan finally located Enapay in Montana. He’s on his way there with the private jet. He believes there must be something wrong with him if he hasn’t been able to make it to Refuge.” Jarek’s stomach rumbled, reminding him just how long it had been since he’d last eaten. Suni narrowed his eyes and Jarek gave his mate an apologetic smile. “I want to wait until Mica gets home.” Suni stood and pulled Jarek to his feet. “Mica would be furious if he knew you were hungry and didn’t eat. We can sit with him later, but you’re not waiting.” Jarek let Suni lead him into the brightly lit kitchen and set him at the table. It had taken him weeks to figure out how to cook with modern appliances, but all the burnt dinners had been worth it. He loved his kitchen and couldn’t imagine ever cooking over a campfire again. He watched Suni work and smiled. His mate still went to see Dr. Whitehall every other week, but his social anxiety disorder was so much better. Jarek had compromised and agreed to have their home built outside of town, but they were still close enough for Mica to do his job. Soon after he’d accepted his rightful place as King of the Cougars, Suni had met with the entire cougar population at Refuge. He stood back from the crowd with Jarek and Mica flanking him, but at least he’d been able to finally talk in front of his people. Suni had shared his opinions with the cougars. He explained that cougars were a solitary animal by nature, and he didn’t feel they needed a true Alpha like the pack shifters did. He

agreed to settle any disputes that arose, but refused to dictate everyday behavior to the cougars like Maquay had done. His understanding of his own people won the shifters over almost immediately. There were still a few who didn’t approve of Jarek and Mica being mated to their king, but they were small in number and generally kept their opinions to themselves. Suni set a plate of stew and some silverware in front of Jarek. “You want milk?” “Sure,” Jarek answered. He picked up the saltshaker and liberally sprinkled his food. “How many times do I have to tell you not to use so much of that stuff?” Suni asked, setting two glasses of milk on the table. “And how many times have I told you to butt out. I’ve lived too long without properly seasoned food. Now that I’ve discovered its joy, I choose to indulge myself.” He finished the mini-tirade off with a wink. It was an ongoing battle between Jarek and his mates, one he refused to back down on. Suni shook his head and sat down. He lifted a spoonful of stew to his lips and blew on the steaming concoction of meat, potatoes and carrots in thick brown gravy. “How’s Daniel?” Jarek asked, changing the subject. “Worn out. He’s had a lot of success in healing the sky shifters, but with each one, he becomes more and more drained of energy. Ryker has him taking long naps every few hours to try and help him stay healthy, but I know he and Hakan are both worried about him.” “What’s the count so far?” “One hundred and sixty-seven when I left, but those are only the ones who’ve shown up in their human skin. Hakan thinks there could be at least another hundred taking shelter at Refuge but refusing to shift.” Jarek swallowed a bite of food. “Mica’s home.” Seconds later, Jarek heard the front door open. “We’re in the kitchen.” Mica came into the room with a worried expression. He stopped and gave Suni and Jarek a kiss before going to the cabinet for a plate. “Hakan called. He found Enapay and Takoda in a cave at Glacier National Park. Takoda’s too sick to fly, and Enapay refuses to leave him.” Jarek’s chest tightened. He knew how much Enapay loved Takoda. “Does Hakan think he’ll be able to get Takoda back here in time?” Mica brought his plate to the table and sat down. “He’s not sure. According to Hakan,

Takoda isn’t showing the same signs of illness as the others who’ve been brought in. I guess Enapay wasn’t with Takoda when it happened.” “So they don’t know where he was when he was exposed?” Jarek asked. Mica shook his head. “They haven’t seen any signs that Glacier was one of the parks targeted. They don’t even know how Takoda got to the cave where Enapay found him.” “And Takoda’s not talking?” Jarek set his spoon down, no longer hungry. “He can’t. He’s been unconscious the whole time.” Mica took a large bite of food and moaned. “Damn. This is good.” “Thank you.” Jarek glanced at Suni with an I-told-you-so expression before carrying his plate to the sink. “You didn’t eat much,” Suni grumbled. “I’ve had enough for now.” Jarek went to stand behind Suni’s chair. Even though they gave each other a hard time, Jarek couldn’t imagine his life without him. He ran his hands from Suni’s shoulders down his chest, stopping to rub and pinch at his mate’s nipples. “I love you,” he whispered in Suni’s ear. Now that his belly was no longer growling, he was hungry for something else. He licked a trail from Suni’s ear down his neck. Suni scooted his chair back and pulled Jarek into his lap. “Are you trying to tell me something?” Jarek took Suni’s hand and placed it over the hard ridge trapped behind the fly of his jeans. “I think this will tell you all you need to know.” Suni pushed Jarek to his feet and quickly rid him of his jeans and underwear. He pulled Jarek back onto his lap facing Mica. With Jarek’s legs on either side of Suni’s, Mica was getting quite a show. Mica moaned around a spoonful of food as Suni began to stroke Jarek’s cock. “I still owe you for teasing me earlier,” Mica reminded Jarek. Jarek leaned back against Suni’s chest as he rubbed his own nipples through his t-shirt. “I’d be happy to let you pay me back.” Suni’s hand stretched out toward Mica. With another moan, Mica took Suni’s fingers into his mouth, getting them nice and wet. Suni’s fingers slipped free of Mica’s mouth and made themselves at home in Jarek’s hole. “You want me to fuck you, baby?” Suni asked.

Jarek nodded, enjoying the fingers in his ass. “I want you to fuck me hard, and then I want to ride Mica.” Mica groaned and carried his and Suni’s plates to the sink. He opened a drawer and removed a bottle of lube. “We’ll have to go into the bedroom when it’s my turn. Last time we damn near broke the kitchen furniture.” Jarek laughed. Mica was right, they had nearly rocked the legs right off the table. He moaned as one of Mica’s slicked fingers joined Suni’s. He knew he was stretched enough, but his mates always worried about hurting him. Jarek yelped as Suni surprised him by standing up. “What’re you doing?” Suni nipped the back of Jarek’s neck. “As desperately as I need you, we’d be using the table for toothpicks by the time I’m finished with your ass.” Jarek smiled, wiggling his ass around the fingers still lodged there. “Then by all means, do what you have to do. Never let it be said I stood in the way of a good hard fuck.” Although their world had been turned upside down in recent days, Jarek was glad to know some things would always stay the same.

About the Author

An avid reader for years, one day Carol Lynne decided to write her own brand of erotic romance. Carol juggles life as a full-time mom and a full-time writer. These days, you can usually find her either cleaning jelly out of the carpet or nestled in her favorite chair writing steamy love scenes.

Thank You!

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Carol Lynne’s Refuge Shifters Series is at

Resplendence Publishing

Extinction Professor of Environmental Science/Wildlife studies at UNLV, Jack McBain has spent his adult life trying to track a legend overheard during his youth. Born and raised in the Canadian Province of Newfoundland, Jack remembers his grandparents telling stories of a race of people eradicated by European settlers in 1829. According to the legend, the Beothuk people didn’t die out as first thought, but were transformed into wolf shifters. When Newfoundland wolves began to appear in great numbers, the European settlers began killing them under the guise of population control. In 1910, the last of the Newfoundland wolves was shot, making them one of the few extinct species of wolves in the world. Following spotty leads, Jack begins to track what he believes are Beothuk/Newfoundland shifter wolves. His search leads him to the Lake Mead National Recreational Area outside of Las Vegas. There, on Spirit Mountain, he finally comes face to face with not only the shifter he’s been looking for, but the man of his dreams he didn’t know he needed.

Retribution Three lonely souls find each other in the midst of an all out war between the shifters and the Hunters. Mother Earth gave Ryker Allen rebirth over a century ago, his main purpose to protect Mother’s shifter children. Ryker has never begrudged his duties, but the loneliness is something he’ll never get used to. Daniel was the King of the Coyotes until a mistake led to the decimation of his species. Alone and half-dead, he was taken in by a pack of wolf shifters as a pet for the Alpha’s mate. When he’s given a chance to live as an Alpha once again, he’s reluctant to accept, afraid he’s no longer worthy to lead. Hakan is the son of Father Sky. He was awarded rebirth over a thousand years ago to protect the Native American Bird Shifters. When animosity towards Native Americans escalated, Hakan’s charges took to the sky permanently, leaving him without a purpose. He’s lived his long life alone, waiting for the day he can once again serve his Father. Three men, three very different backgrounds, one thing in common. Loneliness. Can these three

souls come together to form a family?

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In For a Penny by Carol Lynne What’s the old saying…you can never go home again? Raven Black resigned himself to never returning after being ordered from the only real home he’d ever known. Now, seven years later, Raven is back to face the man who sent him away. Zane Conner is not only Raven’s foster brother but the only man Raven ever loved. Despite his mixed feelings about the situation, Raven can’t deny Zane when the older man asks for his help in saving the Lazy C Bar Ranch. A boy found dead on the ranch clinches Raven’s decision. Why did the young boy look so much like he had at that age—the same age he’d been when his own father had beaten him and left him for dead?

Going Deep by G.A. Hauser Dylan Conway thought he had a chance at the big leagues when a pro football scout invited him to try out for the team. After a successful college career, Dylan figured it was a sure thing. It wasn’t. With his dream of playing pro ball shattered, Dylan takes a job in LA delivering pizza until he can figure out a new direction for his life. What he doesn’t expect is to be propositioned at every delivery, and to his amazement, he’s asked to work for a photographer of male nudes. He accepts, and begins his journey into a deeper, darker industry. Sean Dean, AKA ‘Rippin Long’, is tired of working as a gay porn star. For seven long years he was the top earner for Tartarus Studios, but now he’s sick and tired of the demands. He yearns for a real life and respectable work. But even the jaded Rippin Long is stunned to see the latest addition to the Tartarus studios stable of stars: The delectable Dylan Conway. To make matters worse, Dylan makes no effort to hide his instant attraction to Tartarus’ prized stud, and he’s after more than sex. Dylan wants a ‘relationship’, something Sean has avoided after continuously being idolized as the porn star, and not the human being behind the façade.

One man jaded and at the end of his porn career, the other fresh and just beginning a new life in the industry—the possibility for any kind of future between the two seems daunting. Yet, the two men collide on set, burning up the screen like no other men before them. Could there be a chance for a real bond between them? With faith, hope, and a little help from karma, could true love bloom from what was once two broken lives?

Saving Noah by Carol Lynne and Cash Cole Dexter Krispin arrived in the small Kansas town of Schicksal with one thing on his mind: finishing his doctorial thesis. He hoped getting away from his hectic life in Pittsburgh would allow him to concentrate on the long overdue paper and to forget about his last lover. Life-long Schicksal resident, Noah Stoffel, has managed to keep his sexuality a secret. Yet, after one look at the dark-haired newcomer, he knows his life in the sleepy town will never be the same. But more than Noah’s desire for privacy stands between him and Dexter. For years, the residents of Schicksal have been hiding a horrific secret, one that takes Dexter mere days to uncover and expose...a secret that could destroy—or heal—them all.

Tropical Hedonism by Dakota Rebel After a boating accident, Sean Harris wakes up staring into the eyes of a handsome doctor. Even when he discovers that he is on an island within the Bermuda Triangle, and there is no way for him to get back to his old life, he can’t be too disappointed if it means being stuck with the doctor. Dr. Wesley Carpenter cannot believe that the younger Sean Harris would want anything to do with him. After half-heartedly turning down the advances of his patient, he realizes that resistance is futile. The men find themselves falling for each other quickly, but ghosts from their pasts and outside influences try to get in the way of their happiness. Sean and Wesley may be on the island forever, but neither is sure if that guarantees they’ll be able to continue their Tropical Hedonism.

Mind F*cked by Mia Watts Sage has the ability to read minds, but only in high passion moments when thoughts transmit at a

higher frequency. But the gift is double-edged. Sage is inordinately handsome. Some might even say he’s a walking orgasm. So what’s a half-breed to do when every person he meets seems intent on seducing him, and how will he know if the man he chooses will love him for more than his looks? Joe has never been the object of anyone’s lust before. Now Sage, the hottest guy he’s ever laid eyes on, has Joe starring in his sexual fantasies. It would be perfect if only Sage could shut up for one minute, and quit talking about his own hotness—or about how he can read minds. Meanwhile, Joe and Sage must secure the last three Zodiac Stones and prevent their theft while they wait for exhibition. Can they put their sexual tension aside long enough to stop a clever thief? And even if they do, will Joe’s heart be a casualty of their inevitable fling, or could Sage really be looking for more than a one-night stand?

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