marked

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or the publisher. Marked TOP SHELF An imprint of Torquere Press Publishers PO Box 2545 Round Rock, TX 78680 Copyright 2010 by Sean Michael Cover illustration by S. Clements Published with permission ISBN: 978-1-61040-058-9 www.torquerepress.com All rights reserved, which includes the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law. For information address Torquere Press. Inc., PO Box 2545, Round Rock, TX 78680. First Torquere Press Printing: September 2010 Printed in the USA

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Marked

Sean Michael

Chapter One

Cody sat at the bar, steadfastly ignoring the shit going on around him while the whiskey burned from his lips all the way down to his belly. He was fucking tired of being alone, but he didn't really feel like trolling -- for tail or trouble, either one. Still, the walls of the shitty hotel room were closing in, weighing on his ass, and so he'd given up, grabbed his jacket and his wallet, and escaped. This late, the bars were the only option if you didn't want to spend your waking hours in a twenty-four hour greasy spoon, and the idea of the smells there made Cody shudder, made his lip curl. No. No, give him the whiskey, the driving beat, the crowd behind him moving to the music. He caught the bartender glancing his way, nodded once. He knew the dark glasses seemed like a ridiculous affectation, he could read that on the man's face, but the man had figured out, after the first five-dollar tip, to keep his fucking mouth shut. "One more, man?" Cody bobbed his head to the driving beat. "Yeah. Make it a double." He slid a twenty across the bar. The stool beside his was filled: someone tall and broad, who smelled all fucking male. He licked his lips, kept Marked - 3

his eyes on the bar, even though his prick took interest in the scent. Not here for trolling. "What'll it be?" The roughest voice he'd ever heard answered. "Whiskey, no ice." A bill slid across the bar. He nodded as his own drink was slipped over, the liquid splashing on his fingers. He hissed softly, licked his fingers clean. He felt eyes on him, the man next to him turning to look. Then a second whiskey was plonked down, one big hand grabbing it. They drank together, and Cody finished half of the double with a couple of gulps before taking a breath. That eased the grind inside him. His neighbor settled half sideways, and he could feel the man looking again. "Busy night." "It is. Lots of folks." "You're not looking, though." He looked up, surprised at the words, at the growl. "Just wanted to be out and about." "You could have called." "I wasn't sure you'd answer me." He slammed back the rest of the drink, just to shut himself up. "I'm here, aren't I?" Marked - 4

Cody nodded, closing his eyes against the reflection on the back of his dark glasses. Yes. Yes, they were both here. "I know why you chose this place. The music called you -- that driving beat." "Yes. I didn't want to be alone." He was so fucking tired of being alone, hiding away. "Like I fucking said: you could have called." There was heat in that growl now. He, ever so casually, flipped the asshole off. Butthead. "Were you going to at all? Christ, Cody. You're in town so fucking rarely, and you weren't even going to call, were you?" Barker stood, towering next to him. "Don't. Just fucking don't. You told me, when I left last time, not to bother!" He wasn't going to have a fight in a fucking bar, not when he'd spent days in a hotel where he could watch Barker move, sleep. "Since when did you ever fucking listen to me?" "Fuck this." He headed for the door, head down, furious snarls bubbling up inside him. He could feel Barker following him, feel those eyes on his ass. His fucking body responded eagerly, even thought he told it to back the fuck down. Sit. Stay.

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As soon as they were out of the bar, one of Barker's big hands wrapped around his, dragging him down along the street. "What the fuck?" Fuck, that hand. That hand. Jesus. "You're coming back to mine." Barker didn't slow down for a second. He wasn't given the chance to argue, to complain -Barker knew exactly how much height and weight he had on Cody. They weren't far from Barker's loft apartment, and all too soon they were walking through the lobby toward the elevator. His hotel room was just across the street, looking in. "You can't just drag me in here." "I just did." The elevator door opened, like the motherfucker could will it open, and he was shoved inside. Barker followed, hitting the button for the sixth floor. Then the man stalked right up to him. He blinked behind the glasses, took a step back, unable to resist the compulsion. Barker didn't bring their mouths together, though. The man just stared down at him. His heart was slamming in his chest, his breath huffing out of him. "I hate you." Marked - 6

"Mmmhmm. I hate you, too." Fuck, Barker's voice was growlier than ever. The elevator slid to a stop. The doors opened and they stood there, glaring at each other, eyes just burning. Then Barker grabbed his wrist and hauled him out of the elevator and into his loft, the walls all nothing but windows. His glasses were torn from his face, flung across the room, and he gasped, hands immediately moving to hide his eyes. "Don't." Barker grabbed his hands and pulled them away from his face. He groaned, lips parting, fingers curling into claws as he squeezed his eyes closed. "Look at me." Before he could reply or comply, Barker's mouth was on his, the kiss desperate. Oh. Oh. He opened, the flavor crashing over him like a ton of bricks, the need so sharp he yipped with it. Barker moved him, that strong body just shoving him up against the wall, his body slamming against it. Barker's teeth nipped his bottom lip, opening him wider. Hot and wet, Barker's tongue pushed in, fucking his lips. His eyes popped open because he had to see this, had to remember every second, every minute. Barker's eyes stared right into his own, right into him.

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His cock jerked, hot spunk spurting from him, spreading in his pants from the heat in those dark eyes. Barker's nostrils flared; he could tell the man was scenting him. He tensed, embarrassed like he was just a boy. He had to get out of here, lick his wounds. Then Barker's mouth was on his again, hips grinding into him. Barker fed from his lips, refusing to let him back away, demanding every second of his need. "Gonna fuck you," muttered Barker. "Gonna take this ass." Barker's hands wrapped around his butt cheeks, squeezed. His entire body went on high alert, but he shook his head. "Won't let you." It was a lie, and they both knew it. "Good. It'll be more fun that way." Growling hard, Barker started pushing him toward the big bed. His cock started coming back to life and he snarled softly, warning Barker that he could bite. Barker groaned, kept pushing him in the direction of the bed. He pushed back, their lips mashing together, the pressure splitting their lips. Grabbing his ass, Barker hauled him up against the solid body, his feet coming off the ground, letting Barker keep them moving. "Cheating," he snarled, but his legs wrapped around Barker's hips. "Can't cheat. No rules." Barker carried him right over to the bed and threw them both down on it, the big body pushing him hard into the mattress. Marked - 8

He tried to get the upper hand, but Barker's teeth found his throat, bit down, insisting that he stay still. He could hear the growl building in Barker, could feel it against his skin. His body submitted; there was no other choice. His Alpha, his Mate, had him by the throat. Cody arched, offered himself over. The growl came out, triumphant, sexy. Barker began to tear at his clothes. His teeth snapped at the air, his abs tight as strings at Barker's touch. "Better," muttered Barker once he was naked. His right nipple was taken between Barker's teeth, bitten. He snapped out a cry, his fingers curling into claws. Barker's tongue stayed there for a moment, soothing the hurt, and then another bite landed by his ribs. His fingers found purchase in Barker's hair and tugged, pulling the evil bastard closer. More bites covered his skin, Barker growling and moaning. "Stop..." He rolled up, then Barker shoved him down, and his knees went up. Barker's tongue slid across his hole. His eyes rolled back in his head, his sob ringing out. The wet lick came again, and then Barker's tongue pushed right in. His howl rang out, tearing out of his chest, so big, so fierce. Barker tongue-fucked him hard and fast, slicking him up. Words jabbered in his head, the entire universe shrinking down into this single point, this moment. Marked - 9

When Barker's tongue disappeared, the man's hard, hot cock pressed against his hole in its place. Barker didn't move, and Cody knew what the fucker was doing: waiting for him to open his fucking eyes. A low growl came from the man. He gasped in a breath, arching into the sound. Barker's cock didn't breach him, though. The man just kept waiting, the low grumble resting in his throat. "Barker..." He fucking needed. "Look at me," growled Barker. "They're ugly." They proved his deformity. "Look at me." "No." His eyes opened, though, his heart pounding. "Yes." Barker pushed into him, the thrust hard, landing right on his gland. "Mate!" He screamed with it, desperate and needy and lost with that single thrust. Pleasure, pride, and satisfaction filled Barker's eyes, and the man began to pump into him. They slammed together, rutting wildly, and all Cody knew was need. Barker snarled and growled, holding his gaze. So beautiful. So wild. He called out, begging for Barker with all he was. "Mine." The word was little more than a needy snarl. Marked - 10

"I can't be..." He knew that; Barker knew it. He was broken. "Mine," Barker snarled the word again, slamming into him. "Fuck..." His teeth gnashed, and the pleasure battered at him. "Yes." Barker kept pushing into him, kept pulling on his cock; he was in sensory overload. He couldn't shift, he couldn't come, he couldn't let go. Broken, he was broken! Barker wasn't looking at him like he was broken. "Come on, Cody. Give me what I want." He took a sobbing breath, intending to tell Barker that he couldn't, but his cock could and did, seed spraying over his chest, up onto his face. Barker put his head back and howled, heat pushing deep inside Cody. He felt the marking, sliding everywhere, spreading Barker's scent. Barker collapsed onto him, pressing him into the mattress. He held on, knowing it would only be for a few minutes, knowing that shame would have him running the second Barker fell asleep, until the pain and the loneliness drove him back close enough to smell his mate. A low sound rumbled from Barker's throat, almost a purr, and one big hand petted his skin. Cody's body arched, knowing that touch deep in his bones. Marked - 11

"Mine." The word was whispered this time, Barker's hand wrapping around his arm. His answer was to lick Barker's chin -- the act adoration and apology all at once. That rumble sounded again, Barker clearly pleased. Now all he had to do was file every second in his memory and wait for his mate to fall asleep.

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Chapter Two Barker yawned as he woke and stretched. He could feel the sweet lassitude in his muscles, the feeling that meant he'd had his mate, fucked Cody into the damn mattress. Humming happily, he shifted, arm out to find his lover's body, to pull Cody in close. Only to find nothing but mattress. Cold mattress at that. Growling, he sat up and looked around. The place was empty; the only thing left of Cody was the man's scent. He let out a roar. Asshole. Motherfucker. The stupid little son of a bitch. Barker was going to kill the piece of shit. He got up and threw on his jeans, a T-shirt, and his jacket. Then he hit the pavement, nose in the air. Cody couldn't have gotten that big a head start on him. Ten years. Ten years he'd done this. He'd seen his mate on the night before the full moon, tight little body outlined by the light, and he'd known this was it. The one. His. They'd had one night of pure fucking bliss; then the full moon had come and Cody hadn't changed. He’d twisted and sobbed, body wracked with pain, and all Barker could do was watch. After that night, Cody was caught between wolf and man -- teeth unnaturally sharp, eyes glowing, muscles tight and trapped. They'd talked to the Clan, to the healers, and everyone had shaken their heads, sighed in sorrow for them. Cody Marked - 13

should die, they’d told him. No one could stay sane. No one could be caught like that forever. Then William came to him and told him that he had to renounce Cody, had to turn away from his mate and drive him out to die. He'd snarled, fought the Alpha for daring to suggest it, but when the fight was over, Cody had been chased out, the scent of fear and blood the only thing left. Once every few years, Cody had shown up in the city and he'd chased his mate down, dragged him home. And every time Cody had disappeared again, hiding his tracks. Barker growled and started following the scent of his lover. Cody hadn't covered it up as well this time, or at least, it didn't disappear the minute he was out the door. Maybe Cody wasn't that far ahead of him. His mate needed to stop running, stop hiding, stop spending the full moon in agony and alone. Barker knew the change was possible. It had to be. His lover was still sane. Mostly. Barker wasn't a pup anymore, either. He was willing to stand up now, for what was his. Able to. He followed Cody's scent to the hotel across the street. Across the fucking street. He knew then, suddenly, immediately, that Cody sat there, watched him. Asshole. He stormed in and went to the front desk. A young Asian man smiled up at him. "Good... almost morning, sir. Can I help you?" Marked - 14

"Cody Donner. What room?" "I'm sorry, sir. Are you on his list of accepted contacts?" Barker closed his lips on the growl that wanted out and made himself smile. "Of course I am. I knew he was here, didn't I?" "Can I have your name, please?" "No. You're going to give me Cody Donner's room number or I'm going to search for the man myself. Floor by floor, room by room." He leaned over the counter, glaring down, letting the man see just how big he was. "You'll have to leave, sir, before I call the police." The little man was drawing up, trying to be tall. "Barker? James Barker? Is that you, lovely?" A tiny little slip of a girl in a maid's uniform bounded up to him, rubbed noses with him. Clan. She was Clan. "Uncle Barker. It is you." He searched his brain for a name before coming up with, "Lisa?" "Mmmhmm." She waved to the man at the front desk. "I'll take care of this guest, Matt. He's family." One arm crooked in his. "What are you doing out this time of night?" "Looking for someone." He aimed a glare back at "Matt" and then scented the air again. Marked - 15

Cody was here. Had been here. Recently. "One of us?" "Yeah. Smaller than me, wearing dark glasses, even at night." Her face went tight and she shook her head. "He's sick, Uncle. There's something wrong with him; I can smell it." His lips went tight and he stopped her, turned her so they were looking eye to eye. "He's mine, Lisa. You understand? Mine. You tell me where he is." "Oh." The worry turned to pity. "Oh, man. Room 817. He always takes it, every time." He bit back his snarl, but couldn't stop his growl. "Every time?" How often was Cody here? "That's the rumor, yeah. He's a regular." Dark haired, dark eyes -- she looked just like his sister, Yvonne. Damn it. A regular. And he'd only seen Cody what? Six times in the last ten years? Maybe seven. "Tell your mother I said 'hi.'" He patted her shoulder and headed for the stairs; no way was he going to have the patience to wait for the elevator. "I... I will. Do you need room service?" she called after him. Marked - 16

He didn't bother to answer, taking the stairs two at a time. He was pissed off enough that he made it up them double time, bursting through the stairwell door and jogging down the hall to room 817. He was going to kill Cody, the man coming here and watching him, staying away more times than not if rumor had it right. He banged on the door. "Let me in!" The sound from inside the room was sudden, sharp, incredibly huge. What the fuck? "Cody!" he roared, banging on the door again. Doors began to open on either side, people peeking out. The door under his hands moved, sliding open the barest bit. "Go away." "No." He turned from the door long enough to snarl at the lookie-lous, and then pushed his way into Cody's room, closing the door firmly behind him. "Go away." The scents of pain and booze were overwhelming. "You're hurting." Wasn't he just the king of obvious. He growled and grabbed Cody, tugging him close. "Go away..." Cody's muscles were jerking, rolling, entire body fighting to change.

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Fuck, he'd forgotten how bad this was. He hadn't seen Cody go through this since the man had first left. Somehow, he'd convinced himself it wasn't this bad. "Is it like this every full moon?" He pulled Cody to the hotel bed. "Just go away... You need to go. Tomorrow, you'll change. You can't be here." "How long does this go on for?" He pushed Cody onto the bed and began to work those poor, twisted muscles. "Go..." Cody arched, mouth open as he worked, pushing on those horrifying knots. God fucking damn it, this wasn't right. No one should have to go through this, especially not month after month. He snarled. "Shut up." "Fuck you." Cody sobbed. "Why are you here?" "You're my mate." He ground the words out from between his clenched teeth. "Do you take anything for the pain?" Had Cody ever seen a doctor? He was pretty sure he knew the answer to that one would be a big, fucking no. Cody shook his head. "No. I don't want you to see this." "Too fucking bad. Is this helping at all?" He kept working, the muscles like stone under his fingers. Cody nodded, panting softly as Barker massaged one arm, then the other. Marked - 18

"What else helps? Heat? Cold?" "Whiskey." The laugh was pained but real. "It smells like you've already had plenty." He worked the muscles of Cody's back, slowly making his way down the poor spine. He felt his mate slowly relax, slowly ease into the mattress. A sound rumbled in his chest. "There. Better." Cody's sigh answered him, his mate breathing easy. He slowly lay down on top of Cody, feeling each breath. Shudders hit the man every so often, but he pressed down through them, forcing them to loosen their hold, let his mate rest. His hand found one of Cody's, and he twined their fingers together, holding on. He wasn't going to sleep; he was going to watch his mate, protect him. And when the son of a bitch woke up and tried to run, Barker was going to kill him. *** The moon. The fucking moon was coming. Cody groaned, arched, something warm and heavy easing him, holding him down. "The moon..."

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"It's coming. Like it always does." God, he swore Barker's voice got gruffer every time he heard it. "Why are you here?" Barker needed to leave. Had to. The moon was coming. "Because you are." He shouldn't have stayed, but he'd kept it too late, waited too long. "It's like this every time, isn't it? Just as bad as the first time. Maybe worse."

He nodded. It didn't matter. He coped. Mostly.

"I'm going to kill you."

Oh, thank the Goddess. "Swear it?"

Barker punched him in the arm. "Don't be an asshole.

Why did you keep this from me?"

"This isn't yours. I'm not Clan. This is mine to deal with." "Bullshit. You're my Mate. That makes you mine. All of you." He would give anything for that not to be true, to believe that Barker would find another mate. "And I'm pissed off. Not only did you keep this from me, but I find out today that you're here a lot. A lot more than I knew." Marked - 20

"Just go away. I'll leave. I promise." He lied. He couldn't. He needed to see Barker sometimes, to smell him. "Not an option anymore, babe." Barker seemed to become heavier, more solid on top of him. "I'm doing what I should have done ten years ago." The heat seemed to bake into him, ease him, bone deep. "We belong together. Everyone knows we mate for life. It was wrong of the Clan to kick you out." "I'm defective. You know that. Only the strong survive." He knew that. He knew. Still, when his family, his pack, had come with fire, with guns, with bared teeth, something in him had run gibbering from the world. Hateful, ugly, half-formed thing. "Looks to me like you've done pretty fucking well in the survival category. Ten years you've lived with this. Ten years of unbelievable pain every full moon. On your own. Makes you pretty fucking strong in my book." That heat never wavered, never let up. Barker kept pressed him down, forcing his muscles to let go. "With the two of us, you'll be twice as strong." "I won't dishonor you, Mate. I swore it." His need for Barker was stronger than anything but his shame. "No, instead you abandoned me, spied on me."

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His cheeks burned. He hadn't been spying. He simply... He had to see. It was a biological imperative. Barker was strong enough that the man hadn't needed him. He pushed Barker aside, using what little strength he had left, and slipped off the bed. "What can I say? I'm a shit." He headed for the bathroom. Barker's growl came after him, followed by the man himself. Grabbing his arm, Barker pulled him back around. "Yeah, you are. But you're my shit." "Fuck off. You'll change tonight. You have to go. Get out of town." He knew that Barker headed into the wilds for the change; most of them did. "Only if you come with me." He wished he could, more than anything. "You know I can't." He would be walking bait. Or, more accurately, writhing on the ground whimpering bait. "Then I'm staying with you." "You can't." He pulled away, forcing himself to stand strong. "Look. You know how this is; so do I. I'd give my balls to be whole, to run with you, but it won't work. You can live. Do it." Leave him to his half-light. "I won't leave you here on your own." Barker stalked to the window, looking out, looking down. "My grandfather had a cabin, deep in the woods."

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He looked at the door. He knew this place; he could run. Hide. He could. He was strong. "I'll be fine." He always was. Always. "I won't. I need my mate." He closed his eyes as a wave of agony and need and loss slammed through him. Barker's arms wrapped around him. "I'm sorry, Cody, I can't let you go this time." He moaned, head falling forward. He should have run. He should have. He would, as soon as the moon began fading. He was pulled tight against the solid chest. "Here or in the wild, babe. Pick one." Cody hadn't ever watched Barker change, after the first time. Maybe Barker would turn on him, kill him, in wolf form. That would be a blessing. "Not here." "If we leave now, we can be at my grandfather's cabin when the change comes." "Fine. I have to pack my things." Barker moved to the door and stood in front of it, hands folded across his arms. "Go ahead." His eyebrow arched. "You don't trust me. I'm hurt." Marked - 23

"I don't trust you not to try and run, no."

He didn't have much, and it didn't take but a few seconds

to gather up everything he owned into a duffel bag. He

worked when he could, saved for his trips here to watch.

"Come on. My truck's parked around the corner."

Hopefully he'd never have to come back here. If there

was a god, Barker would put him down tonight.

"I'm right behind you."

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Chapter Three Barker drove like his ass was on fire. He could feel the full moon hunting him with every second the sun dropped lower in the sky. He'd been driving since dawn, pushing his old truck hard. He knew Cody would be safe at his grandfather's old place. And he could run out there when the change took him. And it was far enough out, Cody couldn't disappear on him while he was out howling at the moon. Cody was silent beside him, skin gray as ash, eyes closed. The man smelled sour to him, sick. He rolled his window down partway, letting the forest air clear the cab out. He needed to find someone who could help Cody out, fix him. Those glowing eyes cracked open, peering at him over the dark glasses. "You need me to drive?" "I'm good. We'll be there soon." Out in the middle of nowhere, the cabin would be a safe place. Cody could lock himself in. He got a nod, then the black lenses were pushed back in place. "You'll like it out here. It's isolated, fresh, clean." "You go out often?" "Every now and then." It was a good place to go and howl at the moon. Every time Cody showed up and then disappeared again, he'd go out and run until he was Marked - 25

exhausted, spend some time all on his own. It was private. His. Someplace he didn't have to see others; it wasn't easy, knowing what he'd lost when Cody hadn't changed. Where did Cody go? Where was Cody's home, for God's sake? Would the man even begin to answer him if he asked? "So. When you aren't stalking me -- where's your home base?" "I don't stalk you." "No? What do you call it, then?" "Weakness. I had to see you. I didn't ever bother you." "No. You show up over and over and hide it from me. I'm your mate, damn it!" They bounced over the dirt road and he slowed back down, hands tight on the steering wheel. "You deserve better." "No, I don't. I don't even deserve you. If I'd stuck by you when the Clan said you had to go -- then I'd deserve you. I didn't, though, did I?" He'd been young, scared, hurting. Not excuses, just reasons why he'd let it happen. "No. No one did. I'm not Clan. I didn't belong there." "You're mine. That means you belong with me. I've hated every second we've been apart. There's a piece of me missing when you're not there, Cody." Marked - 26

Cody didn't answer him to begin with, head ducking. "I'm fucking sorry. I would never have answered your call if I had known." He shrugged. "It happened. You're mine. We have to deal." He shot a look at Cody. "Better than we have been." "You could kill me. I've tried to off myself, but..." Cody shrugged. "A body wants to live." Barker went silent for a long time, working on that one. "It's that bad?" "What part? Wanting to live? It's ridiculous, but true." "I meant the offing yourself part. Cody, you should have come to me with this. I would have helped." He was going to help now. "How? You have a life, a home. You've had lovers, friends. I've seen. I'm proud of you." He shook his head. "I still can't believe you've been here all those times and I never knew. That you were watching me and I had no clue." He was an asshole. Of course, so was Cody. How could he not have known? That scent… maybe a part of him hadn't wanted to believe it. Cody shrugged. "I just needed to see you. I left for weeks at a time. Wandered."

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Which brought him back to his original question. "So where do you wander to? Where's home?" "Wherever. I work when I can. I don't carry much, so I move light." "So the place you are the most -- that's in that hotel room, right across the fucking street from me." Fuck, he was a blind fucking idiot. How could he have not known? "I can see you from there." "You know where else you can see me from? My fucking place." He nodded at the clearing ahead. "There it is." Cody looked. "You come here a lot. I can smell you here, even from the car." "Nothing wrong with your nose," he said softly. "No." Cody shook his head. "Nothing wrong with my nose at all, or my appetite." "There's a cooler in the back full of food for you. I'll get something while I'm out tonight." He pulled the truck to a stop next to the cabin and jumped out to grab the cooler, as well as the pitifully small duffel bag that was apparently home to all of Cody's worldly possessions. Cody seemed tiny in the clearing, oddly foreign and draped in layers of sadness. He wanted to take Cody out Marked - 28

under the light of the moon and then run with him, just go like the wind, his mate beside him. He would settle for coming home to his mate after he'd changed back. "Let me have my bag, man. You don't have much time left and neither do I." "I've got enough time to get you inside. Show you how to work the lock." He led the way, shouldering open the door. Cody followed him, head down, all coat and glasses and hat. "It's not fancy. There's an outhouse out the back and a water pump up front." He plopped the stuff down on the floor next to the door and prowled around, making sure the windows and back door were secure. "It'll keep you safe, though." "Come kiss me." His eyes widened in surprise -- Cody was usually telling him to let go, not drawing him closer. He went, bringing their mouths together in a kiss fueled not a little by the animal lurking beneath the surface. Cody tasted like tears, but the kiss was heartfelt, tongue sliding to taste his mouth. He wanted to stay with Cody and rut. He wanted to sink into the taste and the scent and the feeling of his lover.

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It was no time at all before Cody pulled away from him, though, a light sheen of sweat covering the lean body. "It's time. Go." "Look." He showed Cody how to lock the door. "You lock it behind me and you don't let anyone in until I come back at sunrise." "I see how it works." "Promise me you're going to lock it and nod let anyone but me, as I am now, in." "Go, Barker. The sun's down." Cody stripped the shirt off him, popped the buckle open on his pants. "I want that promise, mate." He let his pants fall down around his ankles and worked off his running shoes. He could feel the tug of the moon, knew it wouldn't be long. "Promise." Cody's hand stroked over his stomach, the palm wet with sweat, the scent of pain almost unbearable. "Go." Then Cody shoved him out the door. Snarling, he turned and ran while he still could control the animal, ran as far away from the cabin as his legs would take him. When the moon's rays hit him, he transformed, leaping into his wolf form, four legs now taking him through the forest. *** He watched through the window, watched the man he loved more than life do the one thing his body needed to Marked - 30

do more than anything. It was a special kind of hell -watching heaven through a dirty, cracked window and iron bars. He watched as long as he could, then he stripped himself down. If he was lucky, he'd be dead come morning. If he wasn't, at least his clothes wouldn't be fouled and he could put them back on. Cody found his pocket knife and a bottle of whiskey in his duffel, managing to make it out into the clearing in front of the cabin before his legs gave out, his body writhing on the dirt for a few torturous minutes before the wave passed. "Please. Please, let it be over. For me. Please let it be done. Tonight." He drank deep, then cut a long line across his arm, letting the blood flow free. Let Barker come for him. Either way, Barker was going to kill him. Either the wolf would do it, or Barker would be so pissed at him tomorrow that the man would. Another wave of agony hit him and he convulsed, legs and arms slamming into the ground, the knife blade pushing deep. Either way worked. He heard the lone howl -- Barker, his mate. He sobbed, his entire body twisting as his muscles jerked and pulled. Once. Marked - 31

Once he'd been happy, excited. The change was coming, and his life would be whole. He would find his mate and he would change. The howl came again, closer this time. Barker was coming. Tears streaked his cheeks and he fought to breathe. He'd wanted to be enough, he'd wanted to change, he'd wanted to make Barker proud. Barker came bounding out of the woods, huge and dark gray, eyes shining. "Beautiful." He held out his bleeding arm, making a clear offer. "Please." Make it stop. Barker whimpered and his tongue came out, began to lick at his wound. He groaned, eyes rolling as his muscles jerked. "Please." Still whimpering, Barker kept licking his arm, cleaning away the blood. "Always a fucking he... oh, fuck..." He writhed, screaming as the pain stole his sense. Barker threw his head back and howled, then the big muzzle pressed against his chest, pushing at him. "Kill me." The wolf was inside him, desperate to get out. Barker yipped and snarled, kept pushing at him. Marked - 32

"Asshole! Kill me!" He tried to yell, but he didn't have the breath to scream. Another whimper sounded, Barker head-butting his chest again. Then his mate barked and started to lick his face. He groaned, blinking into those amazing, glowing eyes. "Beauty." A low growl sounded, almost the same as he'd heard when they made love. "I... I wanted to run with you, to be yours." He sobbed the words out. Barker put his head back and howled again, then bounded away a few steps before coming back and pushing. "What do you want?" Barker bounded toward him and then away again, barking. "What? Just... If you're not going to bite me, just go play." He started crawling back for the cabin, body dragging on the ground. Barker pushed under him, pushing him up. He howled -- in pain, in frustration, in pure, unadulterated fury. Barker drew back and answered his howl. Blood dripped from his fingers, down his arm, Marked - 33

staining the ground. Barker whimpered again, licking his arm, his face. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, mate. Please. Go. Just go. I promise, I'll never bother you again. Never." He began to sway, the sound of his heart beating odd and so loud in his ears. Growling, Barker pushed the wet nose against his chest again and again. He reached out, fingers on Barker's fur, tangling in the silky mass, holding on. Barker rumbled at him, rubbed against him. "Mate..." So soft. Barker yipped, pushed closer to him. "I don't know how to help you." He eased himself down, too tired to move another inch. Barker curled around him, soft and warm, panting softly. "Mate." His heart beat slower and he pressed into Barker's warmth. "Love." Barker licked his face. Cody thought he'd close his eyes, just for a few minutes, stay right here and rest. Barker seemed inclined to stay with him, the big wolf soft and warm, making him feel protected and safe. Marked - 34

"Please let me die here. Happy." If there were gods, they'd hear him. Please, let there be gods. *** Barker snuffled and sneezed, the grass tickling his nose. He was curled up on the ground. He blinked -- he didn't usually sleep during his time as a wolf. Last night had been different, though. Last night he'd stayed with his mate. Growling a little, he half sat, realizing that Cody was there with him, curled up with him. He grunted, frowning at the sight of the cut on Cody's arm. What the hell was Cody doing out here instead of safely locked in the cabin? His mate slept hard, face relaxed, peaceful, and for half a second, Barker didn't want to kill the little fuck. That peace in the way of what he knew had been a painful to the soul night was the only reason he didn't wake Cody right then and there and tear him a new one. There had to be an answer. Had to be. No one would keep the man alive so long, in so much agony, if there wasn't an answer. He was going to find it, too. He stretched, the sun warming his skin. Cody's eyes cracked open, looked at him. "You don't follow orders worth a fuck."

Marked - 35

"I don't follow orders worth a fuck? You're the one who didn't fucking lock the door, who came out here where anything could have come along and killed you." "You were supposed to do it. You just had to be a fucking hero, didn't you?" Growling, he rolled over onto Cody and grabbed his neck in one hand. "You wanted me to kill you? You set me up to do it, didn't you?" Cody didn't flinch away. "Set you up? I asked. Nicely. It's your job, mate, to put me out of my misery." He shook his head. "I'm not doing that. You were made this way for a reason. We're going to find it." "What reason? What? Am I supposed to wander and hurt forever? For what? I didn't do anything wrong!" Those eyes seemed to have fire in them, and Barker swore he could hear the wolf, see it. "We'll get you fixed." One eyebrow arched. "You think that'll help?" He punched Cody in the arm. "You know that's not what I meant." He thought Cody had lost it, just a touch. So many years of pain would do it, but still. Cody bit the air right above his chest. "Stop hitting." "Then stop being an idiot." "I'm not. I should go. This whole thing is insane." Marked - 36

"No. It isn't. I should have done it a long time ago." "Done what? Watch me piss myself and moan? Lose a night of running?" Look at his mate, at that fury. They'd need that fire, he was sure. "I should have stayed with you. Fought for you. Looked for a cure for you." "I don't think there's a cure." "There has to be." He stood up and held his hand out to Cody. Cody reached for him, the knife wound on the lean arm almost healed. He grabbed Cody's hand and hauled him up, examining the wound. They didn't heal faster as humans. They didn't. Cody's beast was in there; they needed to figure out how to get it out, how to get his body to finish the change. "You're my mate and we're going to find a way to make you better." Cody snorted, turned from him, and stalked inside. "Don't you walk away from me!" He snarled and followed Cody in. "Don't bitch." The door swung back, almost hitting him.

Marked - 37

"You spent years spying on me, I think I'm allowed a few bitch sessions." "Nope." Cody just kept walking away from him. Where the fuck did the man think there was to go? He kept following, hungry and growly and ready to throw Cody up against the wall and either fight him or fuck him. Cody's ass was still the finest he'd ever seen, lean and tight and pale. He wanted to bite it, fuck it, bury himself inside. He walked right up to the man and grabbed himself a double handful. "Hey!" Cody stepped forward and he held on. His. This was his. He growled, squeezed Cody's ass tighter. "Hands off." Those tight muscles jerked, felt so good. "I don't think so." He squeezed again, hard. "These are mine." "Bullshit." Fuck. Fuck, his wolf was at the surface, hungry, demanding its mate. "I'll prove it." He whirled Cody around and took that mouth. Cody tasted like heaven, like truth, and he needed. He'd never had his mate, not in the midst of the changing, not with the moon heavy just on the other side of the earth. He grabbed Cody's ass again, hauling him up close as he devoured his mate. He couldn't be gentle, be careful, and from Cody's response, he didn't need to be. Marked - 38

He pushed them to the floor as he spread Cody's ass cheeks, pushing a finger into that little hole. His. His mate. His lover. Barker needed as much now as he had ten years ago, when they had been new to this, desperate to mate and change. He quickly pushed in another finger, knowing he wasn't going to be able to hold back for much longer. "P...pushy bastard." Yes. And Cody needed him, wanted him. "Uh-huh." He pushed Cody's legs back, leaving that sweet little hole exposed. "This isn't a good idea." Yes, yes it was. It was a fabulous idea. "You thought it was a good idea the other day." He snugged up close, pressing his cock against Cody's hole. "I..." Cody moaned, that tiny, wrinkled hole kissing the tip of his prick. "You want me." He nudged a bit forward, holding back with all his might. "Do I?" The very tip of his cock spread Cody the tiniest bit. "You do. I can smell you." Groaning, he held it right there and then pushed in, sinking into the most amazing heat. Cody fit him, the perfection and pure, undeniable rightness of this act hitting him square. He stared into Cody's glowing eyes. "Mate. Mate. Mate." Marked - 39

"Yes." Not even Cody could deny that, not now, not in this space. Not with him buried deep. He started thrusting, humping hard into his mate's body. Those long fingers dug into his shoulders, near-claw digging into him. It felt so fucking good. He put his head back and howled out his pleasure. Cody jerked on his cock, body moving frenetically on him. "That's it. Mate. Fuck." He swore he could see Cody's face begin to change. "Mine," he snarled. "Never going to leave you." "You have to..." Cody's body gripped his prick tight. "No." He slammed in as he said it. Cody's eyes rolled back, a deep growl vibrating in the lean chest. "Yes. Mate. Mine." He leaned down, bit into Cody's shoulder, then nuzzled the long neck, teeth threatening. His hips kept pumping, taking what was his. "Fuck. Fuck. Barker..." He could feel Cody's heartbeat in his lips. "Mate." He growled and bit at Cody's neck, marking his lover.

Marked - 40

Blood coated his lips, and he bit harder, shaking Cody the tiniest bit. His mate. His. Sharp barks filled the air, Cody calling for him. He growled and barked back, giving himself to his mate. Cody's ass squeezed him, milked his prick, and for the barest second, he could swear he saw wolf. He howled again, moving faster, harder, his mate making him wild. He smelled Cody's need, felt his lover's orgasm all around his prick. "Fuck! Yes!" That was his! He howled again, his spunk filling Cody as he slammed into the sweet body one more time. Cody blinked at him, the glow barely visible between the heavy eyelids. Naptime, but damn it, he didn't want to wake up alone again. "No running away this time. Promise me." "I can't do that. I have to do what's best for you, mate." "Then I have only one option." He grabbed one of the pillows and tugged off the pillowcase. Then he used it to tie Cody's wrists together. "What the fuck?" Oh, look at that outrage. "You've been deciding what's best for me for ten years. It's my turn now." He dragged Cody onto the bed, and then took the other pillowcase and attached Cody's bound wrists to the headboard.

Marked - 41

"This is ridiculous!" Cody snarled, fought, but the man was tired, worn down, and Barker had him. "No. You running away from me every time is ridiculous. This is me making sure you'll still be here after our nap." "Let me up, you motherfucker." The fight was lessening, Cody easing. He curled around his mate's body, petting Cody's skin. "I hate you..." Cody was stretching, bunched muscles relaxing. "Yeah, I hate you, too." He kissed his mark on Cody's neck. "Mate." "Bas...bastard." Cody's eyes were closed now, breath evening out. "Uh-huh." He patted Cody's stomach and then slipped his hand around Cody's hip. They could figure everything out later. Right now, he and his mate could rest.

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Chapter Four Cody was running, legs driving his paws into the dirt, the moon calling him. He howled, happy, moving faster. His mate's howl answered his. Yes! Yes, running. Going. Going. He could feel Barker's breath on his neck, his mate so close. He chirruped and barked, encouraging Barker to go faster. They did, Barker chuffing, breathing hard down his neck. He could feel his blood pounding through his veins, feel his mate near his tail. Barker started petting him, stroking his fur. He panted, tail wagging, tongue lolling. So good. "Mmm. Mate." Barker bit at his neck. He growled softly, not wanting to wake up, not yet. Barker's heat was all along his back, his mate's thick cock pressing against his ass. Please. "Let me dream." "We're together here." Yes, but in his dream, he was real. He sighed and opened his eyes, looking at Barker. "Have we slept long?" Barker shrugged. "Long enough I'm hungry."

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"Go eat." Barker was always hungry. He had the

metabolism of a wolf.

"I brought food. Canned beans and shit. A cooler with

drinks."

He frowned up; his hands were free. "Did you remember

a can opener?"

"There's one here already."

Cody rolled up, heading outside to do his business.

"You want beans or beans?" Barker called after him.

"I don't care." It all tasted like dirt.

Barker trotted up after him. "Who pissed in your

cornflakes?"

"Nobody. I just gotta piss."

"Well, I'll let you do that."

"Thanks ever so."

He hurried into the woods, trying to forget how it had

felt to run, to have a tail. Barker kept following him,

standing next to him as they relieved themselves. As soon as he was done, he headed back toward the cabin, toward the clearing. "So you're just going to ignore me now?" Marked - 44

"No. No, I just. Fuck. I just don't know what to say."

What to do.

"You can say good morning. You can say it's good to

wake up together."

"I was dreaming I could shift."

"We'll find a way to make it real, baby."

"I wish." He did. He scooped up his pocketknife,

sticking it into the ground to clean it off.

"Hey." Barker grabbed his shoulders and looked into his

eyes. "We're going to find a way."

"There isn't a way. If there was, I would have found it."

"Tell me what you've done."

"What? I've been to healers, Elders. I've tried bleeding

out, hunting, hurting."

"Have you tried scientists? Magic?"

"Because you know I'm dying to be strapped to a table

and experimented on."

"No, it seems to me you're dying for me to off you. Not

going to happen. We'll go back to the healers, the

Elders, we'll research. I'm done with living my life

without my mate."

"I..." Well, shit. What was he supposed to say to that?

Marked - 45

"Yeah, you heard me." Barker grabbed him close and kissed him. He opened up, the kiss enough to derail him, distract him. He'd never been this easy in his skin during the full moon. Ever. Barker hauled him up off the ground, still kissing him as Barker pulled them into the cottage. One more time. That's what he told himself after each and every time he gave in to his need. The bed hadn't even been made yet, but Barker pushed him down on it again. "Barker." Horny ass. "Shut up and let me love you." He stopped, met Barker's eyes. "Don't say that." He didn't want Barker to lie. They mated for life; Barker had to need him. The man didn't love him. "What?" Barker growled at him. "You don't love me. Don't say it." "You don't know that." He looked at Barker, eyes feeling like they were burning. "Bullshit! You knew. You knew they were coming for me! I was a fucking kid, man! I'd lived with the Clan my entire life and I was fucking scared." He stepped forward, hand slamming in the center of Barker's chest. "Do you have any idea what it's like? To Marked - 46

have your family, your father, your brothers shooting bullets at your feet? I had fifty fucking dollars and the clothes on my back. Do you know what I had to do? To eat? To survive? With these fucking eyes?" He shoved Barker away, snarling. "Don't say you love me, because I can't believe love would do that." He stepped away, shook his head. "You want me. Need me. Fine. It's a biological fucking imperative. Leave the lies out of it." "I was just a kid, too, Cody. Okay, I didn't have it as hard as you did, but it wasn't fucking easy for me, either. It fucking hurt to have you ripped from my life. And yeah, I didn't do anything about it because I was scared, too." Barker growled and advanced on him. "If just one of those times you'd stayed, maybe it wouldn't have been ten years before we started working on this together." "Leave me the fuck alone." He turned his back on Barker. He didn't want to hear how the man had hurt, too. He didn't care. He didn't care. "I will not. And I know you don't really want me to, or you wouldn't have kept coming back to the city to perch above me and watch me." "I didn't have a choice. I needed to see you, to know you were well." "You did have a choice. You could have stayed, you could have showed yourself more than you did."

Marked - 47

He shook his head. No. No, he couldn't have. He'd have lost what was left of his mind. "I should have fought harder, mate, but I was just a kid, too. It takes a stronger man than I was to stand up to them. I'm stronger now. And you're not running away anymore. We'll work on this together." His smile was bitter and he was glad Barker couldn't see it. He would run. He had to. It was what he did. He was Cast Out. "Meanwhile, we need to eat." Barker moved to the tiny counter and pulled out a little portable stove, checked the gas. He dressed, found his dark glasses, his duffel bag with his booze. "Will you stay out here all three days?" Barker turned around and looked at him. "What the hell are you doing?" "Getting a drink." He waved the bottle. "You're better off with food." Barker opened a couple of cans of beans. He rolled his eyes and took a long swig, the burn easing the growing tension from his muscles. Barker didn't say anything else, just poured the beans into a pot and plonked it on the burner. Man looked like he could use a belt or two. "You want some?" Marked - 48

"Not on an empty stomach, and I usually don't on the change." "Yeah. Does it feel good?" He shook his head. Why ask? Why torture himself? "What? The change?" "Yeah." He took another sip, refusing to look at Barker. "It feels like something's missing. Except last night. Last night felt almost perfect." He nodded, not trusting himself to speak over the huge lump of shame in his throat. Barker stirred the beans a few times and then grabbed two spoons and brought the pot over to the old green couch. He put the pot on the coffee table and sat. "Help me eat this. You'll feel better with food in your belly." There was no way he could swallow, but he went and sat. Barker's hand slid over to his knee, stroking his skin. Cody ducked Barker's gaze, squeezed his eyes shut and focused on breathing. In. Out. In. Out. Barker growled. "My touch can't be that awful." "No. No, it's fucking heaven." Did he say that out loud? "Good." Looked like he had; there was a wealth of satisfaction in Barker's voice. He stood up, headed for the door. "I need to walk." Marked - 49

"No. You need to eat." Barker growled and was next to him, grabbing his arm before he could blink. "Don't make me force feed you." "Don't snarl at me!"

"Then stop trying to run away!"

"I can't!" He didn't know how.

"Sure you can, you just don't run whenever you see me."

"You..." He whipped around and stared at Barker. "You

are insane."

"What? It's not insane to want to be with your mate."

"It is if your mate is broken."

"Not when I want to fix you."

"I can't. You can't. I've tried." He found himself stepping

closer; he couldn't help himself.

"We haven't tried, though." Barker's hands slid around

his arms and tugged him even closer.

"It won't work." Barker was so fucking warm.

"You don't know that." Barker pulled him right up

against all those muscles, hands moving to slide along his back.

Marked - 50

"I..." His eyes closed, a deep moan vibrating through

him. Fuck. Yes.

"Need me. You might not want to admit it, but that's

why you've come so close time after time. You need

me."

The words rumbled in his ears, the warm fingers landing

on his ass, squeezing lightly. "I hate you." He leaned in,

cheek on Barker's shoulder.

"I know." Barker kissed the top of his head. "You're

mine, though. And I'm yours."

He wanted that to be enough, but he knew it wasn't. Not

for him, not for Barker.

"We'll figure it out, Cody. Two heads are better than

one."

He snorted softly. "What are you? A counselor in your

day job?"

"Fuck off. I just know we can't keep going on like this."

"You could have killed me last night, you know?"

"That's not an option." Barker's arms tightened around

him.

"You were beautiful." He whispered the words.

"I could feel you, inside."

"I just hurt."

Marked - 51

"We'll get you fixed. We will." "Then do it." Barker growled at him. He sighed. Like it was that fucking easy. Barker tilted his head, took his mouth. For this once -only once more -- Cody let him. The kiss was long and slow and devastatingly intense. He found himself getting lost in it, arched over Barker's arms, his worry dissipating with a pop. Barker pushed his shirt out of his waistband, hands hot against his skin. The touch was magic, fascinating, and he needed it. Barker found his nipples, pinching one and then the other, the touches like electricity. His snarled, teeth baring, the little ache perfect. Barker snarled in reply, teeth grazing along his lips. Son of a bitch. Hot bastard. Lover. Mate. His. Barker grabbed his ass and tugged him back over to the bed, fingers snagging in his clothing. He went eagerly, hands running over Barker's skin. Something tore, but he didn't care, not once Barker's hands were on his skin and that fine body pressed up against him. "Please. I need." He didn't want to think anymore. "I've got you." Barker pressed him down into the mattress, mouth covering his.

Marked - 52

He opened up, let himself have this fully, completely, his entire body aching -- but from need, not shame. Barker slid between his legs, cock finding his hole and nudging it, pushing against him. "Please." He bore down, took Barker in. "So fucking tight, mate." Barker pushed in and in, filling him up so good. "Need." He did, fiercely. Wildly. Nodding, Barker started to fuck him, cock driving into him nice and hard, just like he needed. He'd never been fucked during the full moon. Never. And it was so good. Barker's eyes glowed down at him, low growls and deep rumbles coming from his mate's throat. He knew his eyes matched Barker's, and he arched, demanding it, demanding more and harder and oh, fuck yeah. His mate gave it to him, gave him everything, hard and fast and strong. The pleasure was huge, overwhelming him, and he didn't fight it, let it take him. Barker howled, the sound calling to something deep, deep inside him. His voice answered Barker's, the sound tearing from him. They humped and rutted together, bodies twisting, trying to merge into one. "Help me. Fuck. Help me." He wasn't sure if he was making sense at all. Barker's hand wrapped around his cock, tugging it hard with every thrust into his body. His orgasm was caught inside him, trapped, swelling and filling him. Barker's Marked - 53

mouth closed on his, the kiss leaving him absolutely breathless. He screamed out in pure need, pure frustration. Faster, harder, Barker slammed into him endlessly. The tension circled inside him, spun within him, faster and faster, more and more maddening. Growling, Barker bit his neck hard, marking him where anyone could see. He sobbed, then Barker bit again, teeth sinking in, punching through his skin, and he screamed, seed pulsing out of him. Barker's spunk pushed into him as he came, the howl filling the cabin. Everything in him shuddered, shook; he bit at the air. Barker's mouth stayed open on his neck, breath hot against his skin. He tried to speak, but nothing came out. "I have you, mate." His eyes rolled, and he keened. Barker answered the sound, with him, right there. Something inside him twisted, growled, trying to escape. Barker stayed buried, mouth open on his throat. "Mate." He nodded, yipping, trying to agree. "Yes." Barker's voice growled and rumbled, vibrated against his skin. He needed to move, to run. Something.

Marked - 54

Barker slid out of his body and looked down at him, "Come outside with me, mate. Into the woods." He looked at the food, then nodded, stood, nose twitching. Barker grabbed his hand and pulled him up, not even letting him get dressed again before going out the front door and running with him into the woods. He groaned, toes digging into the dirt, the scents of the forest overwhelming. Barker moved faster and faster, tugging him along as they moved deeper into the forest. He kept up, legs muscles burning, heart pounding, and it all felt so good. Barker put his head back as they ran and howled, the sound again calling to something deep inside him. An answer tore out of him, seeming to split his chest. Little yips and howls came from Barker in reply, even a breathless chuff. Mate. His mate. He laughed, the sound completely inhuman and odd, but happy. They just went and went, Barker running them deeper into the forest. The sunlight was dimmer here, dappled, the world black and white and gray. He hadn't thought he would be able to run so far and so long, but somehow, with Barker, it was easy. They stopped, panting, ending on hands and knees, hands like claws in the fallen leaves. Barker laughed, rubbing their cheeks together. He licked Barker's chin, growling happily. Mate. Barker bit at his neck, a happy growl matching his own. Those teeth found that same mark, the sting wild, sharp. Barker's growls got louder, vibrating inside him.

Marked - 55

His head ducked, and he offered his mate his nape. Barker took it, teeth sinking in, the heat from his breath warming Cody through. His body shuddered, his spine arching up. Barker's growls got louder, possessive. He yipped, hips canting up and offering his submission. Alpha. Mate. Barker laughed, hands running over him, rubbing hard over his shoulders and along his spine. He arched, stretching hard, the touch delicious, perfect. "You're beautiful," murmured Barker, that great, growly voice almost making him shiver. He leaned over, licked his mate's wrist, panting at the flavor. Barker held his hand out, offering his palm for more licking. Mate. Mate. The flavor filled him, soothed him, and he flopped down, relaxing on the soft ground. Barker landed on the ground with him, wrapping around him. "Mate," whispered Barker. "So good, mate." He chuffed his agreement. So good. So good, mate.

Marked - 56

Chapter Five Barker lay curled around his mate. His very furry, fourlegged wolf mate. Somehow, someway, Cody had changed while they'd run, turning into a gorgeous, russet-coated wolf. The man was beautiful. And a wolf during full sunlight. It shouldn't have been possible. And yet, there Cody was. He rubbed the beautiful, soft fur, giving Cody some loving. Cody's tail wagged, tongue lolling. The closed eyes cracked open, glinting at him. "Hey, mate." He grinned, rubbed Cody's nose. That tongue lapped at his fingers, hot, wet. He could howl with joy. Look at his mate. "Beautiful. God, you're so beautiful." Cody rolled over, head landing in his lap, heavy and perfect. He kept petting, talking softly. "I don't get why you changed during the day, but I think the important thing here is that you changed, huh? Who knew running in the forest would do it?" Clay blinked up at him, chirruping softly. He tilted his head. "You aren't, like, stuck like that now, are you? Because it would suck if you finally changed, but you were a wolf while I was a man and vice versa." Cody looked at him, barked once, then scrambled to his feet, eyes rolling. Marked - 57

"Hey, hey." Barker went onto his knees, hands reaching for his mate. The little barks were frightened now, and he realized suddenly that Cody hadn't noticed. Cody didn't know. "Mate. Love. It's okay. You've shifted. You made it!" He stroked his hands along Cody's flanks. Those lean muscles shuddered, shivering against him, pushing into his hands. He stroked and rubbed, nuzzling his cheeks against Cody's furry ones. "This is a good thing, Cody. This is what we wanted. You can shift. You shifted! In the daylight!" Cody panted, body shivering, wavering between wolf and human. "Okay, mate. Imagine kissing me. You need to be human to do that, because trust me, I'm not going to kiss that muzzle of yours, so you need to be human for that, okay?" Cody's head bobbed, the change hard, unsteady, leaving Cody boneless, gasping for air, and mostly human. "Okay. Okay. See? There you go." He touched Cody's naked body, hands sliding, making sure his lover was okay. "M...mate." Cody blinked at him, obviously dazed. Marked - 58

"Yeah. Yeah, that's me." He laughed and pressed their

lips together. Wow. Just... wow.

Cody's eyes weren't glowing. They were human, blue,

normal. Barker gasped.

"What? What's wrong?"

"Your eyes..."

Cody closed his eyes, turned away from him.

He tugged Cody back around. "Look at me, babe. Look

at me."

Cody blinked up, looked at him with those pretty eyes.

Those normal eyes.

"Your eyes are blue."

"Really?" Cody blinked, hands lifting to his face. "You

promise?"

"I swear to God, Cody. You have blue eyes. And you

were just a wolf. You shifted."

"But... But I can't. It's not nighttime."

"I know. Weird, isn't it? But you changed, plain as...

well, day. And now your eyes are blue. My God, your

eyes are blue."

"What..." Cody started shivering, chest heaving. "I. I.

I..."

Marked - 59

Barker wrapped around his mate, holding on.

"I don't. I can't..." The lean muscles were heaving, the

wiry body trying to shift again.

Fuck. Barker pressed his mouth on Cody's, pushing his

tongue in.

Cody grabbed him, kissed him back, then pulled back,

eyes glowing. "I changed?"

"You changed. I think you're getting ready to do it

again. Can you feel it?"

"I feel... breathless."

"But not in pain. Not anymore, right?"

"No. No, tight. I feel tight."

"That's the full moon. Even when it's on the other side of

the world, it calls to the beast, makes it heavy, big."

"Yes. Heavy. It's heavy." Cody was panting, face trying

to elongate.

"Change if you need to. Let it happen -- don't fight it."

He couldn't believe this was happening in broad

daylight.

"I don't know ho-oooooooooooooooooooo." The word

turned into a howl, his mate growing heavy, more solid

in his arms.

It was beautiful to see the long body settle into its form.

Marked - 60

"Oh, mate. Beautiful. Really. You are." Cody wagged, tongue lolling. Laughing, he scratched Cody's ears and petted the soft fur. "I can't believe it, mate." Cody leaned into him, tongue on his thigh. "You're going to have to wait until tonight to run with me, mate." Another horrible thought occurred to him. What if Cody could only change during the day? Barker could only change at night. That would be... well, better than Cody not being able to change at all. Cody chuffed, nudged him. He wasn't sure how much Cody understood, how much Cody heard. "I can run a little, I guess." He chuckled, looking down at himself. "Back to the cabin before I burn anything important, huh?" Cody barked, bounced, and he laughed at the pure, unadulterated joy. "Come on, then!" He turned and started to run back the way they'd come. Cody nipped at his heels, chuffing, barking at him. "I'm going as fast as I can!" Cody stopped, sniffed, ears twitching. Someone was hunting. Marked - 61

"We could go together tonight, mate." Hunting. He could hunt with his mate. He wanted to scream with joy. So he did. He ran and ran, Cody at his heels, and he shouted to the trees, to the earth and the sky. His mate! His mate was whole! He shouted harder, ran harder, laughed as Cody nipped at his heels. They hit the cabin, Cody leaping, jumping on the bed. He shook his head, panting hard. "You're going to have to change back if you want that, mate." Cody rolled, tail thumping. He pounced on his mate, fingers digging into the lovely, thick hair. The belly fur was incredibly soft, thick, white. Beautiful. "Mate." Fuck, he was so proud. Cody's paws stretched, batting the air. He could see Cody trying to change again, trying to shift. "Yeah, that's it. It'll be easier with practice. Think of being human, of kissing me with real lips." Those pretty eyes fastened onto his. So fine. "Come on, Mate. I want to celebrate with you. Kiss you. Take you. Revel in the fact that you changed!" He could see Cody, the human, coming to the fore, so close. "You can do it, mate. It just takes practice." Marked - 62

Cody panted, slowly, painstakingly coming back to him.

"There you are." He pressed kisses over Cody's face,

then took his mouth. "God, you're something else, Cody.

Mate."

"I shifted." Cody looked stunned.

He laughed and rolled Cody beneath him, rubbing

against the warm body. "You did!"

"I did. Did you see?"

"Of course I saw! You're gorgeous, mate."

Cody kissed him. "What changed? What happened?"

"I don't know. But you changed without the moon.

During the day. Full sun. While we were running..."

"We don't change in the daylight."

"I know. But you did." Of course, he was still worried it

might mean that Cody couldn't change under the moon's

light.

"Still a freak." Cody winked, and he heard the worry in

those words.

"Hey, you can change. Let's take that as a good sign, okay? Let's enjoy that." He kissed Cody hard again. "And you're mine." "Stubborn." Cody wrapped around him, arms and legs. Marked - 63

"Yeah, well, it works for me." He held onto Cody just as

tightly.

"Mate. I changed."

"You did. My mate. I can't wait for sundown."

"What... what if I don't?"

"You will." He put everything into the two words.

Cody smiled at him and, for the first time in... forever,

Cody trusted him. He pressed their lips together,

opening and pushing his tongue in.

No matter what happened, they were together. *** They ate. They slept. They slept hard. Cody hadn't slept without pain in a decade, so he wallowed in it. Barker said he changed three times in his sleep. In his sleep,

like it was easy.

Barker was curled up around him, hand on his belly.

Every now and then, Barker would nuzzle his neck,

breathe in. He hummed softly, eyes closing again, the

relief of being pain free almost making him light.

"Smiling. Mate. Can you feel the moon coming?"

"All I know is that it doesn't hurt."

"That's wonderful, Mate." Barker laughed.

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He nodded, chuffed softly. "I'm glad you were here." Even if it never happened again, he was glad Barker had been part of it. "Me, too. You changed during the day, mate! I just can't believe it. Except that I saw it." "Do you think it'll happen again?" He wanted it to. He wanted to change with the moon. "The sun's going down. It'll happen. You and me, we're going to run. We're going to hunt tonight together." He squeezed Barker's fingers. "What if I don't know how to hunt?" "I'll teach you, mate." He nodded, decided to just let go for a minute or two and stop worrying. Barker rubbed their cheeks together and whispered, "Everything's going to be just fine, mate." Then Barker took his mouth, body rubbing against his, pushing him into the mattress. It was so easy to open, to feel without the constant pressure of shame and pain everywhere. Barker tasted like pleasure and excitement, and his hands felt like heaven on Cody's skin. His hands started exploring, searching Barker's chest, tugging on the dark curls. Grunting, Barker pushed against him, their cocks bumping, sliding. Marked - 65

He groaned. "Fuck my mouth." He wanted to know if Barker tasted different. Growling, Barker broke their kiss and climbed his body, knees coming to rest against his pits. The thick cock, drop of liquid on the tip, was right there for him. "Mate. Want you." He grinned up, hands drawing Barker in. The flavor exploded inside him and he growled, suddenly ravenous. Barker grabbed hold of the headboard and pushed his cock in deep, a low sound torn from his throat. Hungry. He was so hungry. He pulled hard, swallowed around the tip of Barker's prick. "Fuck! Mate!" Growling, Barker began to rock his hips, cock sliding out and back in again. He sucked harder, faster, needing more than he'd ever needed this. Barker seemed to pick up on his hunger, the thick cock pushing in faster and faster, spreading his lips wide. The flavors were huge, wild, like Barker, but more. Bigger. Barker moaned and groaned, pushing in almost desperately. He clamped down, lips around the base of Barker's cock, pulling hard. "Mate!" Barker cried out, humping into his mouth a couple of times before come poured down his throat. Cody's cock bobbed, his balls tightening as he was filled with the scent and taste of his mate. One of Barker's Marked - 66

hands slid through his hair, pushing it back over his face. He licked and lapped, cleaning that fat prick off. "Fucking good, mate." Barker pulled slowly out. "What do you want?" He grabbed Barker's hand, got it around his aching cock. It wouldn't take much. A pleased sound rumbled from Barker's throat, the hand around his cock tugging and tight. He met Barker's eyes, panting. "Mate." Barker growled out the word.

"Yes. Yes, your mate. Fuck, tell me I'm not dreaming."

"You're not dreaming, Cody. Doesn't this feel real?"

Barker squeezed his cock tight.

"Yes. God, yes. Mate, I changed! I don't hurt and the

moon is coming!"

"It is. Soon. Come for me before the sun sets, mate."

He nodded, his toes curling. "Harder."

Barker rubbed the tip of his prick, pushing into his slit

before the jacking off got harder.

"Fuck. Fuck, I. Mate." Mate.

"Mine." Barker put his head back and howled.

He shot, his entire body jerking with it.

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Groaning, Barker rubbed his come into his belly, eyes holding his. "Yours." He moaned, the sound rumbling through him. "That's right." He could see Barker's eyes begin to glow, the room getting darker as dusk crept in. "Tell me I'll change, too." "You will. We'll change together and we'll run, mate. We'll run through the forest and hunt and howl at the moon." "You swear it?" He would believe. He would. "I swear it, Mate." Barker's eyes were getting brighter, his voice even rougher. "M-m-m-m-m-mate." He groaned, his muscles rolling, and he tensed in anticipation of pain. When it didn't come, he barked, happy. Barker leaped from the bed, barking in reply, calling to him. He bounced over, tail wagging furiously. Barker bit at his muzzle, growling and barking. Mate! Mate! His world spun and he pounced, nudged, whined with excitement. Barker licked him once and then bounded away, barking, calling him to follow his mate into the woods. His paws dug into the ground, claws catching as they Marked - 68

ran. Barker turned, running a circle around him, chuffing happily. He followed, head down, nostrils twitching. Barker began to weave through the trees, following his nose. He followed, curious, sniffing. Barker barked and waited there, vibrating. Cody crept closer, nose to the ground, then he smelled it, suddenly, violently. Food. Food. Barker yipped, nosed him, and took off. Food. He followed, running at his Alpha's heels, entire focus on the hunt, on the prey, the... rabbit. Rabbit. He slowed, getting deep in his haunches. His Alpha was ahead of him, perfectly still, ready to leap. Both ears twitched, his Alpha's nose scenting madly. His mate leapt and he circled as fast as he could, his body knowing to keep the prey in range of those flashing, sharp teeth. The scent of blood made him growl. Barker took down the rabbit, looking smug and licking his jowls. The belly was torn open, his mate taking the tender meats inside before stepping back, the offer to feast clear. He yipped, dancing for a moment in pure ecstasy before he snapped and bit, the scents and flavors filling him. Hunting! Eating the kill! How his belly rumbled and snarled as he filled it for the first time like this. His mate barked, the sound joyful. He licked his paws, his muzzle, his nose. Good. So good. Barker licked his cheek and then bounded off, calling to him. More running! More hunting! Everything in him screamed for him to follow that happy tail. Marked - 69

So he did. ***

Sunrise found Barker panting by a stream, worn out from hunting and running and playing with his mate. It had always been a pleasure to run through the woods, but to do so with his mate... well, it would make him angry to know that he'd somehow missed this for ten years, that it had been stolen from him and Cody, except that anger would take away from the joy he now felt. He lay down and let the sun melt away his wolf, his body changing once more into human. Man, they had quite the hike to get back to the cabin -they needed to end their nights closer to home. He turned to share the thought with Cody, gasping when he saw the lovely wolf that was his mate. Once again, the moon had gone, but Cody was still a wolf. Reaching out, he scratched behind Cody's ears. "I've never seen a shifter in the sunlight before you." It was amazing. Doubly so now that he wasn't afraid that Cody was cursed with being able to change during the sunlight but not the moonlight. Cody panted, tail thumping the ground. "You can shift back if you want to, though, right?" There was just that one niggling doubt. Those glowing eyes looked at him, confused. Marked - 70

Shit. What if... no. No, Cody had been able to change back and forth before. "Shift for me, mate. Become human." Cody rumbled softly, panting hard, and he could see it, see Cody willing the change. No one could do that -change at will. No one but his amazing mate. He was laughing and clapping by the time Cody was done, was human and naked in front of him. "You're incredible." Cody blinked up at him. "I shifted." "Yeah, Cody, you did. Because you wanted to. Not because the sun or the moon made you, but because you wanted to." "I... I'm sore." "All that running -- using muscles you never have before. I bet you're sore." He slipped down and sat behind Cody, started rubbing his lover's shoulders. "I... We hunted." Cody moaned, head dropping forward. "We did. We hunted, we ran, we were beasts. All night long." "We did. It was real. It didn't hurt." Cody was going to shake apart in his hands.

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He wrapped his arms around his mate, holding on tight. "It was real and you're special, mate. You can change whenever you want to. You're the only one." The sobs started in a rush, harsh and violent, wracking

Cody's body.

"Cody? Mate? What's wrong?"

"I..."

He ran his hands over Cody -- there wasn't any tension,

any stiff spots. Nothing was broken or bruised, not so far

as he could tell. "Mate!" The word was almost a bark.

"All these years... I... I don't hurt."

"That's a good thing, mate."

Cody nodded and he got it, all of a sudden. The fear, the

pain, the pressure -- everything that had been holding Cody together was suddenly, unexpectedly gone. He held on tight to Cody. "It's okay, mate. It's okay. I have you." "Have me. Oh, God. Mate."

"Yes. My mate. Never going to let you leave me again."

"You can't promise that."

"Go ahead." He growled at Cody. "Just try and leave

me."

Marked - 72

Cody growled back, and the Alpha rose up in him, sharper and faster than he'd ever experienced. He rolled Cody onto his back, throwing himself down on top of his mate. "Not leaving me. NOT." "We're in the dirt on the ground."

"So?" A little dirt never hurt any wolf.

"I." Cody blinked at him. "You're different."

"What? I am not!" He was the same growly bastard.

Even if he did have his mate with him now.

"You are. You're different."

"I am not. I'm still me. Just like before." Cody was the

one who was different, those eyes so pretty.

"You are, too." Cody was panting, breathing hard. "Let

me up."

"What are you talking about?" He got up, hauling Cody

up with him.

"You're... I don't know. Hotter. Whatever." Fucking

fickle little bastard, trying to walk away from him.

He snorted. "I was always this hot." He kept hold of

Cody's hand and started heading back for the cabin, the

sun warm and good on his skin.

"Bullshit." Cody relaxed, though. "You growled less."

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"Now I know you're full of it. I've always growled." "Only a little." It was his turn to call bullshit. "Okay, maybe you're fucking different." Cody looked over at him, eyes rolling. "You are, mate. You're whole now." "I'm yours." In a way Cody never had been, never before. "You are." He drew Cody in and kissed him, hard. This was theirs. It belonged to both of them and after ten long years, they finally had it. Before, he could cat around, find a man and fuck him into the ground, dull the urge. Now the thought made him rumble and the idea of anyone touching Cody made him snarl. Even just thinking it made him growl, and he started pulling Cody back to the cabin again "Barker?" There was a heady mixture of lust and curiosity in that single word. "We need a bed." Much as he'd like to make his claim up against the nearest tree, he figured Cody would appreciate his holding back. "For what?" "What do you think for?" Couldn't Cody feel it? The need to mate, to merge into his lover. Marked - 74

He got a wild, toothy grin. "Tiddlywinks?" He reached down and goosed Cody. Cody snapped at him, teeth almost grazing his skin. It riled him up, made him need even more and he pushed Cody up against that nearest tree, taking that toothy mouth. His mate tasted like magic, like heat and need and things that he didn't understand. "I want you." It was a huge understatement. "Take me, then." Challenging little fuck. Growling, he fused their mouths back together, tongue pushing in as he pressed his mate harder against the tree. Cody's legs wrapped around his waist, his mate holding on tight. "That's fucking it." He nodded and dove back into the kiss, his fingers finding and pushing into Cody's hole. The howl that pushed between his lips was almost enough to make him come right there. He swallowed it down and shoved his fingers deep, spread them as wide as he could a few times, working to get Cody's body ready for his prick. For his claiming. The heat, the pressure was familiar; he remembered it from the first time, from the first, wild night. "Mine." He wanted to howl the word out, but his throat was wrong for the sound. Instead, he pulled out his fingers and lined up his prick with Cody's ass.

Marked - 75

"Prove it." Cody's eyes were glowing, the energy between them fiery, alive. Growling, snarling, he pushed his cock in, slamming it home. Cody's cry echoed, birds flying up out of the trees. "Yes! Mine!" He pushed in with every word, thrusting into glorious, tight heat. "Harder. Harder. Take me." Cody slammed down onto his cock, body shuddering around him. Biting at Cody's lips, he ramped up his thrusts, taking Cody hard. He could taste the copper of Cody's blood, smell his mate's need. Harder and harder, he pushed into Cody, spreading the tight ass. Cody's chin lifted, belly and throat offered to him. Oh, fuck, his. He leaned in and bit at Cody's neck, teeth grabbing hold. The smell of come hit his nose even as Cody's taste filled his mouth. Growling around Cody's flesh, he came, too, filling his mate with his scent. Something deep inside him reset; something that had been broken and wrong and off clicked into place. Putting back his head, he howled out his pleasure and his happiness. Cody's head landed on his chest, heavy, hot. "Mate." Yes. Yes! Panting, he nodded, patted Cody's back. Yes. His Mate. Here. Whole. Finally.

Marked - 76

Pressing their foreheads together, he looked into Cody's eyes and breathed with his mate. It was a perfect moment, and he wasn't going to let it go.

Marked - 77

Chapter Six Cody woke up in Barker's arms, the late afternoon sun pouring through the windows. He kept his eyes closed, breathed slowly, and let himself enjoy the sensation of not hurting. He took one deep breath after another, not sure he believed this was real. Barker muttered something and tightened his hold. "Mmm." He let himself trust, let himself lean back into Barker and be held, be kept close. He never believed this could happen, but it had. He'd felt it, that click inside his soul, the release of this terrible, maddening tension. Barker nuzzled into his neck. "Mate." "Yes." He nodded, accepting that undeniable fact with more than a little joy. Barker's eyes popped open and he grinned. "Look at you. Look at your eyes." "What?" His eyes crossed as he tried to see. "They're a gorgeous blue." "Yeah?" Oh, God. "No more sunglasses?" "Only if it's sunny." All of a sudden it was hard to breathe, to focus. "Mate." "Yeah. That's me." Barker gave him a grin, easy and lazy and happy. Marked - 78

He leaned up, brought their mouths together. Barker kissed him back eagerly, low sounds filling him. Their bodies fit together and he moaned, the sounds bubbling out of him easily. Barker rolled him onto his back, the big body following, pushing him down. The weight was good, necessary. He stretched, spread, his cock beginning to take notice. "Needy mate." "Fuck off." He grinned, licking and lapping Barker's chin. "That's the idea, babe." "Your dick's gonna fall off." "I've got ten fucking years to make up for." He thought about bringing up the fact that Barker hadn't exactly been virginal, but the heavy body felt so good that he didn't want to fuck it up. Yet. "I know you want me." "Do you know? How do you know that?" He was willing to play. "This gives me a bit of an idea." Barker's hand dropped to his prick, wrapping around it. He intended to snap back with something clever and sharp, but what came out was a soft, low moan. Barker hummed and pressed their lips together, tongue Marked - 79

invading, taking. The flavor of his mate filled him, and he found himself pressing closer, searching for more. "See?" Barker gave him a smug look and then dove back into his mouth. It was all he could do to reach down, pinch Barker's ass. Barker snarled and bit at his bottom lip. The sting made him cry out, growl, and bare his teeth. Barker nodded and growled back, this kiss full of teeth and hunger. He was pressed into the uncomfortable mattress, his mate heavy, weighted above him. One kiss after another stole his breath. The room started swimming, the universe swinging from side to side. "Fuck. Mate." Barker moaned and groaned, the words almost growls and barks as their bodies moved together. He leaned up, bit Barker's shoulder, shaking his lover gently. His. It made his mate howl. His cock throbbed, aching where the tip rubbed against his belly. Barker rubbed their lower halves together, skin dragging along his. "So hot." Had Barker always been so hot? They rolled off the bed, landing on the floor in a heap. He blinked down at Barker, elbows landing on either side the man's head. Wow. Laughing, Barker leaned up to press more kisses on him. "Nut." God, that laugh. That laugh. He hadn't heard Barker really laugh in so long. Marked - 80

"No, yours."

"I missed you." Every second. Every day.

"Ten fucking years, babe." Barker's mouth went to his

neck, bit hard. "Mine now."

"Fuck!" He arched, body bowing above Barker's.

"That's right, Cody. All mine." Barker growled, teeth

going back to worrying his neck. "Gonna mark you so

everyone knows."

He groaned, pulled back, teasing.

"Not getting away," Barker grumbled.

"Are you sure? I'm very good at it."

"You are. But I'm done letting you escape, letting you

go. I told you that before you suddenly started

changing."

"You did." He met Barker's eyes, then leaned down,

brushed their lips together. "You did. Mate." He loved

the son of a bitch; he always had.

Barker beamed at him. "I can't wait to bring you home

so we can thumb our noses in the Elders' faces."

He reared back. "What?"

"They made you go and they were wrong. Now we can

prove it to them -- we have our lives, Cody, the ones we

dreamed of that first night."

Marked - 81

"No. No, I won't go back. I'll never go back there." Not now. Not ever. "What? Why not?" Barker frowned at him. "That's our home. You came back time and again before." "I won't see the Elders." He shuddered and pulled away, stood. They'd burned him, cut him, driven him away. "They're going to want to see you. I think they're kind of going to insist." Barker got up, too. "We can't just not go back. It's our home." "No. It's your home. I don't have one." That had been made perfectly, impeccably clear. "Of course you do -- with me. You're my mate." He sighed, shook his head. "There isn't a place for me there." "Of course there is -- you're my mate." Barker kept repeating that as if it was the answer to everything. "I'm not seeing them. Period." Ever. "Fine. You're still coming home with me. I told you I'm not letting you get away again." Barker's chin had a stubborn set to it. Stubborn was something Cody excelled at. "We'll see." Barker grabbed his arms and pulled him into a hard kiss. "You'll see." Marked - 82

"You can't solve everything with sex." A lot, sure. "I'm just proving you're mine is all." He couldn't help but wonder what his life would have been like if he had been Barker's from the beginning. Barker frowned at him. "You're thinking." It almost sounded like an accusation. "People with brains do that." Sometimes. "Well, I wouldn't know about that." Barker winked at him. "About having brains?" He grinned back, loving that the tension was easing. "Yep." Barker crossed his eyes and let his tongue hang out for a minute before going, "Braiiiiiiiiiiines." He burst out laughing, launching himself into Barker's arms. Such a neat man. He'd missed playing, so badly. They'd played together since they were boys. Barker fell back onto the bed, bringing him down as well, grinning at him. His fingers dug into Barker's ribs, searching out ticklish spots. "Fuck!" Barker swore and wriggled, trying to get away from his tickling. He chuffed softly, digging in deeper. Barker's laughter got louder; he wriggled harder. Marked - 83

"I've got you now!" He leaned down, nipped at one nipple. Barker jerked, still laughing, hands moving to hold him in place. Jesus, the son of a bitch was strong. "I've got you now." Something deep inside him shivered, his cock going suddenly, painfully hard. Barker growled softly and tugged his head up so they were kissing again, the man eating his mouth like he was the best feast ever. He shifted, their cocks sliding together, and his eyes rolled. "Can you feel it?" Barker asked, biting at his chin. "The beast inside you?" "Yes." His hands curled, claws dragging along Barker's sides. Jerking against him, Barker got toothier, biting at his chin, his jaw, mouth moving along his neck. Sounds started sliding out of him, bubbling from him. "Mine. Mine." The word was growled against his skin, made a part of each bite. Every time the word echoed in him, he wanted to scream, to howl. "Could spend the rest of my life proving it to you." "Okay." He could live with that, he thought. That had Barker laughing before those sharp teeth scraped over his skin, over marks and bruises already left on his throat by his lover. "Burns. I'll look like a leper." Marked - 84

"No, you'll look like you belong to someone."

"No. Not someone. You."

"Yeah. Yeah, that's right. Me. My mate." Barker nipped

his earlobe. "Want you, Mate. It's like the last ten years of needing you are all bottled up inside me and need to come out." "I wanted to be yours. The entire time." "It's what I wanted, too." Barker shook his head. "You're

here now."

He nodded, but the worry, the shame were still right

there, just beneath the surface.

Barker growled and pushed him into the mattress.

"Mine. Beautiful. Whole. Special."

"Different. I'm not like others of our kind."

"Special."

"Odd."

"Stubborn."

"Undesirable."

Barker snorted, cock hard, digging into his hip as Barker

pushed it against him. "Very desirable."

Marked - 85

"That's not what I meant..." He groaned, fingers sliding over the tip. Barker licked his lips and moaned softly. "I win." "Hmm?" He brought his fingers to his lips, sucking them clean. "Fuck it. We both do." "Do what?" God, he loved that flavor. "Win." Barker's tongue tangled with his own, pulling the flavor right off it. Cody found himself lost again, focused only on the way Barker's teeth felt, the way Barker's mouth tasted, they way they fit together. "Taste it from the source." Barker rolled as he spoke, body hard and gleaming in the sun streaming through the windows, cock hard, red, and once again slick at the tip. "Bossy fucker." He swooped down, though, and sucked the stiff prick in. "Uh... huh." The words were lost in a groan, Barker's fingers threading through his hair. All he knew was that taste and the way that it filled his mouth. More groans filled the air, Barker's hips beginning to thrust, pushing the thick meat deeper into his mouth. Part of him thought he should protest when Marked - 86

Barker's fingers clenched in his hair. The rest of him sucked harder. "Mate. Mate." That chant started again, and it touched something deep inside him. He would do anything for this man, anything he could. "Soon," whispered Barker, fingers rubbing his scalp. Cody let his lips sink all the way to the base of Barker's cock, swallowing around the tip. "Mate!" Barker's shout was the only warning he got, his mate driving in even further and coming down his throat. Bitter and salty, male and hot -- Cody swallowed his mate down. Barker jerked a few more times, dribbles coming from him, and then his mate relaxed back against the bed, all but purring. He settled in, eyes closing. Somewhere, his tail was wagging.

Marked - 87

Chapter Seven Barker stretched and grabbed his bag and Cody's, taking them to the truck. They'd spent the third night of the moon running and hunting and playing together. Now the full moon was over and it was time to go home, to start life together. It would be easier if Cody would lose the fur. He put his hands on his hips. "Are you planning on staying like that for the whole trip?" Frankly, he was kind of jealous. Cody slumped down on the threshold of the cabin, tail thumping. "Okay, okay, but I'm putting clothes in the cab for you in case you decide to change back while we're on the road." The last thing they needed was to get stopped because Cody was naked. Cody yawned, head landing on his paws. "Come on. It's time to go." He locked up the cabin and headed for the truck, opening the passenger door for his stubborn, canine lover. Cody stared at him. Oh, yeah, so stubborn. "Come on, Cody. Get in the damn truck." That heavy tail just wagged. "Don't make me carry you." Cody actually bared teeth at him. Marked - 88

"Damn it, Cody, we can't stay here all the time." It was fine for a wolf, not so much for humans -- and, unlike his mate, he had no choice in the matter. Cody stared at him, and he stared back. He was the Alpha, damn it. Cody would respect that. "Get. In. The. Truck." He refused to look away. Thank goodness, Cody's eyes dropped, his mate slinking toward the truck. Shaking his head, he followed, closing the passenger door as soon as Cody jumped up into the seat. Moving around, he climbed in and started the engine. Cody grumbled and barked, telling him off in the clearest possible terms. "Uh-huh." He could pretend he didn't understand; if Cody wanted to talk to him, the man could damn well shift. "I like burgers, too, and I'll make sure we pick some up at the first drive-through we see." A low rumble filled the cab. He glanced over and couldn't resist reaching for his mate, sliding a hand through all that great fur. Cody groaned, then settled, head on his thigh. Smiling, he stroked Cody's fur, patting the sweet head. "You're beautiful, Cody." His thigh was given a soft lick. "I still can't believe you can change whenever you want." His magical mate, furry in the sunlight. Marked - 89

Cody sighed again, tail thumping slowly. "Must be nice." Maybe it was a reward for Cody having been in so much pain for so long. Cody groaned, and he could see the process starting, his lover coming back to him. It was fascinating, the muscles jerking, the fur twitching. He couldn't imagine doing it simply because he chose to. He hummed softly, trying to encourage, to help. "Come on, babe. I want to be able to talk to you and have you back talk me, yeah?" Cody's panting filled the cab, the sound almost pained, but then his mate was there, solid, naked. "Man, you'd better put on those clothes I tossed in for you before I pull the truck over and fuck you right there." "You couldn't... couldn't get it up again." He glanced over, admiring Cody's body. "That wasn't a challenge, was it?" Cody nuzzled him, hummed. "You're driving." Fuck, his mate was sexy. "I'm going to pull over any second now." Sexy and naked. And close. And right there. "Put the clothes on, Cody." "Bitch." Cody nipped his arm, then draped himself over the back of the seat, looking for the clothes. Marked - 90

"Fuck." He pulled the truck over and pounced.

Cody yelped as his teeth sank into one taut ass cheek.

"Hey!"

He laughed and bit the other cheek.

"No biting! You fucker! I'll turn into a werewolf!"

Oh, God, that was funny. He couldn't bite again, he was

laughing so hard. Cody landed in his arms, clothes in hand, laughing just as much as he was. "Dork," he accused.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Cody cuddled in, panting hard. "But

I'm cute."

"You are fucking cute." He ran his hands over Cody.

"Pretty damn sexy, too."

"We should go before the cops drive by."

Damn it, Cody was probably right.

"Get some clothes on, then."

Cody rubbed against him for another second, then pulled

away. He sat back in his seat and willed his prick to

behave as he started the truck up. Cody slipped into the

jeans, left the shirt off. One hand slid up along his thigh,

petting him.

Marked - 91

"You're tempting fate." God, the man could get him all hot and bothered just by sitting there half-dressed. Cody chuffed with laughter, head thrown back. "That's what I do!" Grinning, he shook his head. "How have I lived without you for the last ten years?" Fate, he thought, owed them. "You did okay. I saw." There was a decade of sorrow in those words. "I wish I'd known you were there." He should have felt Cody or something. Wasn't that how it was supposed to work? Cody shrugged. "It wouldn't have helped you. I needed to watch you. I couldn't not."

"It might have made me refuse to let you go sooner.

Maybe that's what you needed to change."

"I don't know. I tried everything."

"So what happened this time? It's not like it's the first

time we've mated."

"I... We never have like this."

"It's different up here, isn't it? Like... natural." Like

nothing could touch them. "We're different. You're different."

Marked - 92

Of course Cody was different. He could still remember the howls of pain, the agony. The glowing eyes, always halfway there, never one or the other. "I don't know if I'm any different, mate." "You are. You're more present." Cody slipped out of the seat belt, pressed closer. He wrapped an arm around Cody. "That's because I didn't let you run away this time." "I wanted you to kill me." He growled low in his throat. "No. You're mine. I couldn't." Cody growled back. "I suffered for ten years. I deserved mercy." "No. You deserved this. To be whole. To be who you really are." Cody shuddered, breath coming quicker. "It was real, wasn't it? I had a tail." "Are you kidding? A tail, the most beautiful coat, and you could fucking do it during the day. You could do it now." "I could. I think I could." "You could. You do remember being four-legged and not wanting to get into the truck? You so can change whenever you want. A new breed, man. You're special." Marked - 93

Cody leaned on him, panting a little bit.

"So, you're staying with me. You know my place is big

enough for two."

"For a couple of days, yeah, if that's cool."

"No, that's not cool. Drop the couple of days and we're

good." He took his eyes off the road to glare into Cody's.

"You're staying with me. Period. You're my mate."

"If I decide to..."

He loved the flush on Cody's cheeks.

"If you've decide to what?"

"Stay with you. I've been on my own a long time." Cody

tugged his shirt on, his socks.

"You've been watching me for a long time." He didn't want to argue about this. Cody was his mate and there was no reason for him not to stay anymore. "Yes. Yes, I have. I tried never to interfere."

"So, clearly, being close to me is something you want.

Just like I want you with me. So there's no deciding -it's a done deal."

Cody sighed, grabbed his boots. "Shit. What if we can't

live together?"

"Why are you borrowing trouble? We'll do fine."

Marked - 94

Cody just stared at him. Stared.

"What?"

"You're so fucking bossy, asshole."

"That's because I'm the Alpha."

Cody was going to have to get used to it.

"Uh-huh." Cody didn't sound convinced.

It made him growl a little. When Cody growled back, it

surprised the hell out of him. Another sound rumbled

through him, the beast inside him responding to his

mate. Cody's eyes flashed, began to glow. Jesus. Jesus,

he was going to have to pull over again.

"Am I about to have a lap full of wolf?"

"I... I don't know. I can't..." Cody growled low and deep,

shivering.

He frowned. "You can't control it?" That growl, it went

straight to his balls.

"Not so well. It's new." Cody leaned against him,

sweating now, eyes closed.

"You know, I can't control it at all. During the full

moon, it comes; during the day, it goes."

"I... Yeah. Yeah, I guess that's right. I can, a little."

Marked - 95

He wanted to howl at the words, at Cody taking pride in himself. "I bet you get better at it, too. With practice." Cody shrugged, panting against him. "How long 'til we stop?" "It's another few hours into the city. What do you need to stop for?" There were a couple places along the way if Cody wanted to eat, or rest stops if he needed to change and run. "I... I need to get out of the truck." "What's wrong with my truck?" Cody's eyes flashed, face lengthening. "Nothing! I just..." "Okay, babe. I'll get you to outside. No running away, though, I can't change with you." He slowed the car, pulling off onto the ditch. "I swear. I swear." There was no other traffic, and Cody was writhing, hands desperately tugging at the clothing. He put on his hazards and helped Cody with the clothes, fingers pushing buttons through loops and helping his lover get naked. "Thank you. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." There was more than a hint of panic in Cody's voice.

Marked - 96

"Shh. It's okay, mate." He leaned past Cody and opened the door. "Mate. Mate." Cody crouched on the seat, rippling. "Hungrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..." His mate shuddered, shook, then the wolf was there -huge and strong and beautiful. "There. Okay. There you go. God, you're beautiful, Cody." He reached out, stroking, rubbing. "It's okay. You can go out, but don't go far." Cody leaped down, running around, tail in the air. He admired the wolf. God, his mate truly was gorgeous. True to his word, Cody stayed close enough to see, coming back to him again and again. Leaving the hazards on, Barker climbed out and leaned against the passenger side of the truck. Cody -- romped. There was no other word for it. Bouncing and barking, running and playing -- it was something to see. Barker laughed, enjoying this immensely. "Must be nice. To do that in the sunshine." Cody looked over at him, panting, laughing at him. "Butthead. Lucky butthead." He kind of wished they didn't have to go back. If the cabin were in better shape, weren't so bare bones, they could stay out there more, let Cody run and run. Marked - 97

Somehow, he thought that convincing Cody to go back to the Clan was going to be harder than convincing the wolf to get into the truck. He was hoping being able to thumb their noses would be a good incentive. He knew he wanted to. He wanted to march right in there with his mate and stick out his tongue and go "Neener, neener." Show off his beautiful, strong mate, tell them how proud he was, how perfect. He went down to his haunches and called Cody over, wanting to touch that beautiful fur again. His mate ran for him, tongue lolling as he loped over. Barker wrapped his arms around the beautiful beast, fingers digging into Cody's fur. Cody pushed closer, growling happily, nuzzling him. He rubbed their cheeks together. Fuck, Cody's fur was soft. The wolf leaned into him hard, making him take all the weight. "Damn, you're solid, aren't you?" Cody's chuffing laughter made him grin. He rubbed his face in the fur at Cody's neck, hands sliding along his mate's flanks. The tension he'd been seeing in Cody was gone, melted away, replaced by a wagging tail. "Everything's simpler when you're the wolf, huh?" Thump. Thump. Thump.

Marked - 98

A hot tongue dragged on his throat. He laughed. This was... well, it was kind of magical. He could feel Cody shivering, and he knew the change was going to come again. He tugged off his shirt, ready to put it on his mate as soon as Cody changed. A man on the side of a road with a dog wouldn't be that weird; one with another man who was naked was not so normal. Cody whined softly, pushing closer, trying to get his touch. "It's okay, Mate. It's okay." He stroked and petted as much of Cody as he could reach. "Easy does it." He could feel the change, and he hummed softly, gentling his mate. "Skin instead of fur. A mouth instead of a muzzle. Just think of the things that make you human." He murmured the words, hands still working. Cody came back to him, leaning hard, shivering. "Sorry." "For what?" He held out his shirt for Cody, helping him into it. "I had to run." Cody cuddled in even closer. "Is it always this cold, after?" "Yeah, pretty much. You're going from fur to naked." He rubbed Cody's skin. "Yeah." Cody pushed into his arms, let him lead the way to the truck. He found the man's sweats and passed them over. "I can put the heat on in the truck if the clothes don't help." Marked - 99

"You don't have to. I'm getting better." "Oh, good. I hate being hot." He grinned and kissed Cody before hustling him into the truck. Cody settled in, eyelids heavy. He squeezed Cody's shoulder, closed the door, and headed around to the other side. Climbing in, he started the engine up and headed them back toward the city. Cody dozed for a few miles, then woke up, eyes on the horizon. "You feeling okay?" It was still a little startling, those pretty blue eyes instead of the shining gold. "Yeah. Yeah, I feel much better." "Just needed to let the beast out for a bit, huh?" It was going to be a learning curve, figuring out what Cody needed, how exactly his change worked. "I think so, yeah. It was huge." Cody's fingers brushed his wrist. "Huh." He took his hand off the wheel and twined his fingers with Cody's. "I wonder if that's because you can change during the day, too. Or because you didn't change for so long, and now your wolf wants out." "I don't know. I don't know anything about this, obviously." Marked - 100

He squeezed Cody's hand. "It's okay, we'll learn together." His mate sighed, squeezed back. "I don't know, man. What if it's a fluke?" Everything in him tightened for a moment. "It's lasted for days, Cody. That's a hell of a fluke." "Only two days. But... it doesn't seemed tied to the moon." "No, it doesn't seem tied to the moon at all." He shook his head. He didn't know what the explanation was, but that much was clear. "I'm still a freak of nature, hmm?" Poor, bittersweet lover. "You're not a freak -- you're special. I mean, you can control it. How cool is that?" "I'm trying to control it." "Yeah, well, practice is everything. The ability is still there." Cody looked at him like he'd lost his mind. "What? You don't think that going back and forth won't help you get control?" It made sense to him. "I honestly don't know." Cody growled a bit. "I don't know anything anymore." Marked - 101

"It's still better than how it was." Cody had to remember

that.

He heard his mate take a deep, deep breath. "Yes. Yes, it

is. So much."

"The pain's gone, right?" Like the eyes had changed.

"Yeah."

Thank God. He never wanted to have to see his mate

writhing like that again. Never. "Good. It'll all work out,

then." They slowed as the traffic got heavier for rush hour, the city busy with people coming and going. He glanced over at Cody to see how his lover was handling it. The man was wide-eyed, looking almost scared. "Hey, mate. It's all right. We're just going to go straight to my place. You've been there before." "It smells. And it's loud. Has it always been so loud?" "Yeah, yeah, it has. It's always worse when I first get back. You get used to it again." "Yeah?" Cody looked unsure.

"Yeah. It'll be fine, mate. You'll see."

"I don't know... I don't know if I can stay at your house.

You have a normal life..."

Marked - 102

He could scent the worry, the beginnings of panic in the cab. "And you're aiming for what?" "Huh?" "I know you haven't had a normal life so far, but now that you can change, what kind of life is it you want? Something not normal?" That scent of panic got stronger. "I don't know." "Hey." He reached over and squeezed Cody's thigh. "You know my place. We'll be there soon, and you can shut everything else out for awhile, not have to think. Hell, you can even shift if you want. Once we're there." "I'm sorry, man. Really. I feel all fucking wigged out." "It's okay. I tell you what, once we get there, I'll drag you into my bed and it'll be just like old times." He heard a soft, husky chuckle. "Does that mean I leave at dawn?" "No, not at all. At dawn, you're going to have to pretend my place is the hotel room you always snuck away to." He wasn't letting Cody get away this time. Especially as there wasn't a reason to go. "I didn't always stay there. I couldn't afford it. I traveled around." One hand found his thigh.

Marked - 103

"Now you have a place to stay." He dropped his hand to cover Cody's, holding it against his skin. "Still? Even after all this mess?" "You're my mate." He pulled into the parking garage. He couldn't quite believe it, that he was going to have his mate, his lover, home with him for good. He parked and leaned over, placing a quick, hard kiss on Cody's lips. "Welcome home, mate." "Thank you." Cody shivered and reached for him. "I'm fucking wigged out." "I know. It'll be better at my place. Trust me." He had nature sounds on his surround sound, and the smell of the woods to cover up the asphalt and smog the air filter couldn't quite get rid of. Subtle things that made all the difference. Cody hadn't ever noticed, and he could just imagine the attack on the man's senses. "Come on. It'll be better once we get home." He climbed out and came right around to give Cody a hand, or at least a warm, familiar body to lean on. Cody sat there on the seat, disheveled and pale. "Barker, I don't know if I can handle this, man. I don't know about this anymore." "Trust me, yeah? Come on upstairs. You'll be much easier in your skin once you're there." Barker wrapped Marked - 104

his hands around Cody's arms and tugged, encouraging him to get out of the damn truck. He thought for a second that Cody would fight him, but he growled softly and Cody came, trusted him. He got them into the elevator and moving up to his apartment. "This is the first time I've come here during the day." "It's the first time you've come here when it's been your home, too." He held onto Cody's hand, squeezing it. "Yeah, you're right. I guess." His mate. His mate coming home. Barker could howl with it. The elevator stopped and he pulled Cody out. How many times had he done this over the last ten years? Dragged his mate in here and fucked him into the mattress? Not enough times, actually. Nowhere near enough. He kept hold of Cody's wrist, making sure no one disappeared while he opened the door. Door open, he dragged his mate in, just like he had all those times. Although he didn't throw the man up against the wall this time. As soon as the door closed, the noise and smell of the city faded away. "Oh." Cody's knees buckled. "It's you." Marked - 105

Okay, maybe he was going to throw the man up against the wall. "Uh-huh." He bent and took Cody's mouth. Cody's cry was pure happiness, wild and pure, and Barker almost shot his load. His mate. Home. He slammed Cody up against the wall, grinding against the increasingly familiar body. Strong fingers tangled in his hair and kept him close while Cody's tongue fucked his lips. He sucked on that tongue, his hips imitating it. Sounds filled his mouth, made him wild, made him need to taste and lick and bite every inch of his mate. He tore at Cody's clothing, needing skin. Cody's fingers pulled him closer, dragged him in. "More." "Yes. More." He pressed against Cody, rubbing all up against him. Cody wrapped around him, licking and biting at his lips. "Fuck me." "Yes." He grabbed Cody's ass and raised him off the floor, moving to his bed. "Thank God." Cody held on, not fighting, not struggling. He climbed onto the bed with his mate, mouth devouring as he laid Cody down and pressed on top of him. Cody spread for him, legs cradling him, hips rocking up into him. Hungry, wanton mate. That suited Barker just fine.

Marked - 106

Growling, he spread Cody's legs even farther apart with his knees. "It smells like you. Everywhere. God, it's so good."

He could smell his mate, though, could smell the need

pouring off the beautiful skin. He let his cock nudge

Cody's hole, a promise of the rutting to come.

"Don't fucking tease."

"Not teasing." He reached for the lube and slicked up a

couple fingers, pushed them into Cody's body.

The grunt he got was amazing. Deep. Feral. He pushed

them deeper, bumping against that little gland inside

Cody's body.

Cody's eyes went wide, rolled. "More. More." Pushy.

He pulled out his fingers and pushed them back in, hard.

"Fuck."

He added another finger, that sweet hole stretching for

him. "Gonna fuck you good and hard."

Cody nodded, but Barker wasn't sure the man was listening to him, wasn't sure Cody was hearing anything at all. He slid his fingers away -- enough preparation, he wanted in that tight heat.

Marked - 107

"Please. Please. I need." Cody was almost howling for

him.

"Right here." He pushed Cody's legs back and thrust into

the sweet body.

"Yes!" Cody pushed back, hips slamming up toward

him.

"Mate," He growled the word and pushed in again.

"Harder."

"Pushy." He did it, though, didn't he? Thrust harder.

"Yes. Fuck, you feel so good..."

"You, too." So fucking good. He moved harder, faster.

Cody wasn't fighting him, wasn't hiding, and he felt his

heart swell. He wanted to howl. Cody's hands wrapped

around his shoulders, tugged him close. He took Cody's

lips, let his howl fill his mate's mouth.

That tight ass squeezed his prick rhythmically, pulling at him, tugging him in deeper. He found Cody's cock, squeezed it as he thrust harder. He could feel Cody jerk - in his hand, around his cock.

"That's it, mate. Come for me."

"Yes. Mate." Cody looked at him, those blue eyes warm,

focused. Sure.

"Mate." He pushed in, nailing Cody's gland.

Marked - 108

Heat poured over his hand, Cody's moan splitting the air. "Yes! Mate!" He thrust in two more times, and then came hard, filling his mate. The scent of them filled the air, filled his home. "Mmm. Cody." One hand stroked his hair. "Barker. Oh, God. This place smells like you." He nuzzled into Cody's neck. "With a little bit of you thrown in." Cody stilled at the touch, then his chin lifted, giving Barker access. It made Barker growl a little, happy in his bones at the movement. He nibbled and nuzzled, let his teeth threaten some. His fingers stroked Cody's belly, scratching lightly, petting. "Welcome home," he murmured. "Thank you." Cody kissed the corner of his mouth. "Mate." "That's right. Mate." He felt a surge of pride go through him at having Cody here, with him, special and wonderful and all his.

Marked - 109

Chapter Eight Barker was napping and Cody was curious, so he slipped from the bed and started exploring. He hadn't really looked at Barker's home before. It didn't hurt that he was starving. The place was basically one big, open space, with a bar separating the kitchen and a small hall leading to a huge bathroom and a couple of closets. There were a lot of plants spread around the place, and aside from the bed and barstools, there were only two huge armchairs and a great big flat-screen TV. A small desk had papers on it, and a laptop. It was simple, utilitarian, and yet everything about it smelled and felt like home. He found a jar of peanut butter and a spoon, eating three spoonfuls in quick succession. Oh. Better. Then he found the milk. There was a note on the fridge. "Buy more steak, idiot." Cody chuffed softly, found some eggs. Starving. He was starving. He heard Barker groan, shift in his sleep. He hummed softly, let his voice fill the space, let Barker know he wasn't gone. He thought he heard a murmured, "Mate." He found a pan and started scrambling eggs. Marked - 110

It wasn't long before Barker come prowling into the kitchen, eyes like a touch on him. "Mate. You're still here." "I made eggs." He didn't know what else to say. "We need steak." Barker's arms went around him, nose sliding on his skin. "Mmm." "You left yourself a note." He let his head fall forward, let Barker nibble. Barker looked at the fridge and laughed before getting back to making a snack of him. He finished the eggs up, elbowed his mate gently. "Plates?" Barker elbowed him back. "Cupboards." "You want to give me a better clue?" He had a spatula. He was willing to use it. "Try the one over the sink. There's only six -- you could have opened them all." "Don't make me beat you." He grinned, stretched, found two plates. "I'd like to see you try." Barker lounged against the counter, grinning back. He met Barker's eyes, hit with the realization that he was here, standing in Barker's home, and he could change. He could. "It did happen, right? I'm not dreaming." Marked - 111

"It happened, mate. You're a beautiful wolf."

His hands shook for a second, and he took a deep breath,

telling himself to get it together. "Yeah. Yeah, it did.

Let's eat."

"You can change after if you want. You just need to

promise not to do your business on my floor."

He blinked at Barker, then just cracked up, laughing so

hard it hurt.

"What? I'm not joking!"

He shoved the plate of eggs at his asshole mate.

Barker moved over to one of the barstools and dug into

the food like he was starving. "'S good."

Cody nodded, leaning against the counter and sucking

the eggs down. Hungry.

"I could take you out for steak. Nice and rare, twenty

ounces."

He met Barker's eyes, a growl pushing out of him.

"You like that idea? Fresh meat."

"Hungry." His belly went tight-tight.

"You up to it? There's all the city out there. I have a guy

-- I could get something delivered."

Marked - 112

He nodded. "I can go out without my glasses, huh?"

Barker's smile was slow and lazy. "You can."

"I need to wash my clothes at some point."

"We need to buy you more stuff. Jeans, T-shirts. Crap

like that."

"I don't need much. I travel light."

"You're not traveling anymore, mate. You're home."

He shrugged, a little uncomfortable with that. "I don't

know how to do that."

"You'll learn." Barker always sounded so confident.

"Is the offer of steak still open?"

Barker laughed and nodded. "You bet. Delivered in or

go out?"

"If we deliver, I can wash clothes."

"Or mate." Barker gave him one of those wolfish grins

of his.

"My mate needs washing?"

"What?" Barker blinked at him and tilted his head.

"You said I could wash clothes or my mate."

Marked - 113

Barker snorted and then chuckled. "I mean or we could

mate. You know, go back to bed and rub on each other?"

"Oh!" He grinned at Barker. "Right. Got it."

"Butthead." Barker threw a napkin at him.

"Bitch." He yipped happily.

"So delivery and making out?"

"Yeah. Delivery and making out."

It sounded perfect.

*** The knock on the door interrupted Barker's kiss, but he'd had plenty and could have plenty more, so he wasn't complaining too hard. Besides, that knock came with steak. He grabbed his jeans and slipped into them, finding his wallet in the back pocket. Excellent. Answering the door, he gave Kristos the hot delivery boy a grin. He handed over the money as the smell of the food filled his nostrils. "Your dad make my order?" "You know he did, Mr. Barker."

"Excellent." He gave Kristos a good tip and closed the

door before the man's scent could penetrate too far into

the apartment and worry Cody.

"Food's here, mate. Red meat." Cooked nice and rare.

Marked - 114

"Oh, good." Cody came up, sniffing his shoulder, the bag. "Wanna eat in bed?" He was going to have to pick up some meat to keep in the fridge for when Cody wanted to eat as a wolf. "That sounds fun, yeah." Cody's hand slipped over his hip. "Take my jeans off me, then, and we'll do that." He loved that touch. "I can do that." Those fingers were clever, baring his cock. He groaned as one of Cody's fingers brushed against him. Fuck, you'd think he'd never had sex before, the way Cody could get him up just by breathing. "You smell good." Cody smoothed his jeans down and off, leaving him holding the steak. "I think that's the steak," he teased, climbing onto the bed. "No. That's you." One hand trailed along his cock. Groaning, he pushed into Cody's hand. "There's food..." "Mmmhmm. Feed me?" That hand moved up and down and up and down. "Not while you're doing that." He could barely think, let alone operate a knife and fork. Marked - 115

Cody nibbled his shoulder. "Please, Mate." "You could eat me..." He grinned, already knowing he'd give in to what his mate asked for. "After steak. So hungry." He imagined his sweet mate's stomach was rumbling hard. He pulled Cody to come with him as he opened one of the containers. Cody was bare, cock mostly full, rubbing against him. He grabbed the little plastic knife and fork from the containers and cut off a big chunk of meat, offering it to Cody as he tried to ignore the way his mate's body was pressing all up against him. Cody moaned for him, eyes crossing as the blood from the steak dripped on the outstretched tongue. "Beast," he teased, his own tongue licking at his lips as he salivated. God, he wanted some of that. "Yes." Cody's smile was wild, fierce. Laughing, he took a kiss. Cody licked and lapped at his lips, moaning for him. "Fuck, baby. You make eating a whole new adventure." "Everything's new now." He could hear the truth in the words. "Yeah." He gave Cody another quick kiss and then fed him another generous mouthful of steak. Cody's sound was an orgasm. Marked - 116

"Eating's never going to be the same again." Cody picked up another bite, slid the juicy steak over his lips. Growling, he leaned in and licked at Cody's lips, bit at them. The steak was pushed between his lips, the meat succulent and perfect. He chewed, groaning at the delicious flavor -- of both meat and mate. They fed each other, growling and licking, enjoying each other like they'd never been able to before. Never. The steaks were soon gone, the rest of the food ignored in favor of each other. Cody was in his lap, fingers combing through his hair, one kiss sliding into another and another. He brought their groins together, moaning at the heat they made together. "Hungry mate." Cody's laugh tasted so good. "Just matching you." "Just munching with me." "No, that was before. Now I'm munching on you." There was that laugh again, and Barker wanted to growl for all the years he hadn't known it. They had gotten so screwed, but it was their time now. He winked and slid his hand around to squeeze Cody's ass. Cody wiggled, belly sliding on his. "Mmm. Want you, mate." Again. Still. "I'm yours." Oh, fuck, that was hot. Marked - 117

"All mine." He pulled Cody closer against him. "Are you going to keep me, now?" Cody's eyes were so blue. "I am. Forever." "Thank God." Growling, he took his mate's mouth, laying his claim all over again, without words this time. Cody met his hunger head on, tongue fucking his lips. He reached for Cody's hole, teasing it with his index finger, pushing just the tip in. The soft hum he got vibrated his lips. He moaned in reply, finger going deeper. His mate was soft, silky inside, body made for him to fill. "Mate." He moaned, mouth sliding on Cody's, breathing in his mate's breath. "Yes." Cody's eyes began to glow, just around the edges. He shook his head. "No changing, I want you like this." He needed Cody like this. "I know. I'm trying. Breathing." Barker offered the fingers of his free hand to Cody. "Suck." Those kiss-swollen lips parted, dropped over his fingers, and the sweet suction started. Every pull was like a tug on his cock, making it throb where it pressed against Cody's body. Cody moaned around his fingers, tongue Marked - 118

lashing the fingertips. He pushed the finger inside Cody's body deeper as Cody drove him crazy with that tongue. Cody bit his fingers, tugging at them, even as that ass squeezed him. "Fuck, mate." If he wasn't careful, Cody would make him come before they got to the main event. Cody nodded, smiled, eager. Laughing, he tugged his fingers out of Cody -- ass and mouth -- and then pushed the wet ones into that sweet, hot hole. Cody grunted, arched, belly going taut. "Yes!" "Gonna take you, right here, like this." Cody's answer was a single, sharp nod. He spread his fingers and pushed them deep, working Cody's ass. "Fuck. Stretching me." Cody pushed down, riding his touch. "Uh-huh. It's going to be my cock in a minute." He was going to make Cody fly. "Harder. Harder, mate." He fucked Cody with his fingers, finding the sweet gland over and over. His eyelids got heavy, his cock wanting into that tight sheath. "Want you." Marked - 119

"I'm yours." The simple words made him howl. He tugged his fingers away, lining his prick up with that hole. Cody's body bucked, a whimper of complaint escaping him. It made him laugh, the sound free and easy. "I'm coming, mate." "Don't you dare. That cock's mine." He laughed even harder at that. "I didn't mean..." Fuck it, it didn't matter. He pushed his cock into Cody's body. Hot. Fuck, yeah. Hot. Hot and tight and fucking his. Groaning, he took Cody's mouth, pushing as deep as he could. That tight ring of muscle squeezed the shaft of his prick. "Mate." He groaned, meeting Cody's eyes. "Yes. Your mate." He let his thrust be his answer, hips pulling back slightly before humping up hard. Blue. His mate's eyes were blue. Fuck, it was hot. He wrapped his hands around Cody's hips, moving the man as he worked his hips. Cody was right there with him, driving down, riding him and taking him in deep. He slipped one hand down to grab Cody's ass, squeezing it as they fucked. Cody's hands framed his face, stared down into him. "Mate." He growled and bit at Cody's lips. Cody growled back, body tightening around his prick. Yeah, just like that. He Marked - 120

put everything he had into it, working hard and taking his mate. Cody's hands landed on his shoulders, that wiry strength joining his, slamming down onto him. He howled, or did the next best to it with his human throat, his orgasm pouring through him. "Touch me. Touch me, Mate." Cody's teeth snapped at the air. He grabbed hold of Cody's cock, tugging harshly. "Come on." "Fuck, yes!" Cody arched, come drawing lines across his chest. It made him shudder, the way Cody's body bore down on his cock. Cody's orgasm stretched his pleasure out, left him shaken, wrung out. Wrung dry. He collapsed back onto the bed, tugging Cody down with him. Cody's mouth nuzzled his jaw, tongue on his skin. "Mate," he murmured, arms tightening around his own werewolf. "Yes. Yes, Mate." Cody chuckled, curling around him. "This is the life." He meant it, too. Having his mate with him like this. "Can it stay this way?" "If I have anything to say about it, it will." He growled. He wasn't letting Cody go. Not this time, not ever. His mate was home where he belonged. Marked - 121

Cody hummed, cuddling into him, rocking nice and slow. Settling. Like he intended to stay.

Marked - 122

Chapter Nine The laziness lasted for two days, then Barker had to go back to work and so did Cody. At least, Cody needed to find something for a few days. His funds were tapped. He woke early, shook out his work jeans and the T-shirt he used for construction, and made a cup of coffee. There was a day laborer slot about a mile's walk; he got work there painting, picking up trash, lugging furniture. Whatever there was that paid cash and didn't require too much identification. The first night, when he got home, Barker pounced on him, growling. "You weren't here when I got back." He snarled softly. He was sore, he was filthy, and he was freezing. "I was working." "You could have left me a note -- I thought you'd left." "I left my duffel." He headed for the bathroom. He needed a shower. "I didn't notice. Fuck, mate. I thought you'd gone again." Barker followed him, voice rough. "I need to work. I'm broke." Jackass. "You should have left a note is all I'm saying. Or phoned me. Or something." Barker growled at him. "Besides, I'm not charging you rent." "Don't growl at me!" He spun around, their chests slapping together. "I'm tired!" Marked - 123

"I thought you'd run away again!" Barker didn't stop growling, pushing him back toward the bathroom. He bared his teeth, vibrating. "Fucker." Barker pushed him up against the wall. "Asshole." He bounced a little, hands grabbing Barker's arms. "Don't push me." "You started it." Barker growled and leaned him back, pressing him back against the wall again. "Fuck you. I want a shower, dickhead." God, Barker was warm. "Fuck you, too!" Barker's mouth descended on his, the kiss hard, needy. He met the need head on, refusing to back down from Barker's hunger. His mate's tongue fucked his mouth, made his cock hard. He tangled the fingers of one hand in Barker's hair, pulling hard enough that he knew it had to sting. Growling, Barker bit at his lips. Fuck. Asshole. Hot, hungry asshole. The man ground against him, cock hot even through the layers of their clothes. "Not fucking. Taking a shower." "Do both." Barker tore open his shirt. "Hey! I only have three!" "I count two." Barker bent and bit one nipple, then the other. Marked - 124

"I. Two..." Fuck. Fuck, that was good. "Biter." That made Barker laugh. "I'm a wolf, babe. Of course I'm a biter." He chuffed softly. "Do it again?" "You bet." Barker went back to work, teeth hard and sharp as they dug into his flesh. He forgot about the cold, the tired, just for a second, the sting and ache perfect and exactly what he needed. One of Barker's hands started playing at his waistband, working open his jeans. He sucked in his belly. Just in the last week, he'd gained weight, gained muscle. Strength. Barker had his jeans undone and halfway down his thighs just like that, fingers pushing into his underwear to grab at his dick. Those thick fingers were warm against his skin, his prick swelling at the coarse touch. Grabby bastard. Toothy, too, Barker was still nipping at his skin, more than just his nipples feeling the sharp edge of those teeth. There were going to be marks. tiny little bruises that covered his chest. Barker didn't seem the least concerned about that, leaving as many as he wanted as that hand tugged and worked Cody like it was the best thing Barker'd ever held. Cody let his head fall back, let himself go with it, let the sensations take him. The hand around his prick Marked - 125

tightened, worked him harder. His balls drew up and he got closer, his yelps filling the air. "Give it to me, Cody. I want to smell your pleasure." "Shit! Shit, Barker!" His head slammed back, his orgasm raging through him. "Oh, fuck, look at you." He was terribly busy shooting his brains out of his cock. Looking was not in his game plan. Barker hummed, the sound happy, and bent almost double, licking at his cock. He blinked down, trying to focus, trying to get less stupid. Barker looked up and grinned wolfishly at him. He swayed, trying to keep his feet. "Can we shower now?" "Yep." Barker stood and put an arm around his shoulders, manhandling him into the bathroom. That hard cock nudged his hip, reminding him that Barker needed. Like he'd forget that. They got as far as into the shower before Barker pushed him up against the tile, rubbing against him. "Horny bastard. I won't leave you again, not without telling you." "Just a fucking note or something." Barker was biting at his chin, mouth hot, teeth sharp. Marked - 126

"Do they have fucking notes?" "Huh? Who?" Barker kept biting, humping up against him. "Doesn't matter." He dropped to his knees, mouth wrapping around that fine, fat prick. "Fuck! Cody!" Barker's legs spread a little, hips encouraging him to take more. Yeah. Yeah, mate. The wild male flavor filled his lips, drops sliding down his throat. Barker's fingers curled into his hair, holding his head, guiding his movements. He took everything Barker offered, letting him in deep. Moaning for him, Barker started rocking, pushing that fat cock deep and then bringing it to the tip of his tongue again. Every time the tip came toward his lips, he sucked hard, refusing to let Barker go. "Oh, fuck. Oh, fuck. Mate." Barker started babbling; none of it really made sense, but that tone in his voice said it all. Cody worked Barker like the man was a Popsicle, lips dragging all the way along the shaft. "Fuck!" The word was screamed, Barker shooting down his throat, hips jerking hard. He took it all, loving the salt of his mate. Groaning, Barker collapsed back against the tiles. The man chuckled. "We didn't even get the water on." Marked - 127

"Yet. We will." He kissed Barker's belly.

"We better, you're a mess."

"Some of us had to work all day."

"You think I wasn't working?" Barker turned the water

on.

"You work at night." He knew. He'd been watching for

years. "And you tell that little pup that tends bar that if

he ever touches you again, he'll die."

"Nobody touches me, nobody touches you. But each

other." The words made Barker growl.

He growled back. "That's right. You're mine."

"Yeah. Yeah. And you're mine." Barker's hands were

hard and possessive as they touched him.

He arched into the touches, the water making them slick.

"Still wanting, mate?"

He met Barker's eyes, panting a bit. "Claim me."

Barker's eyes went wide and his nostrils flared.

Growling, Barker turned him to face the tile and pushed apart his legs. Cody's nerves fired and his entire body shuddered. The hair on his nape stood up. "Mine," growled Barker, prick pushing at his hole. "Prove it." He would push and push until Barker lost it. Marked - 128

A deep, low rumble came from Barker, and that hot cock pushed right into him. He opened his mouth to tease more when sharp teeth grabbed the back of his neck, holding him there, the sting shorting him out. That rumble continued, vibrating the skin of his neck as Barker held still, cock buried deep inside him. "M...mate." He shook, focused on the ache. "That's right," rumbled Barker. "Don't forget it or discount it." "Fuck you." He squeezed Barker's prick. Hard. "No, mate. I'm fucking you." "I'm riding you." Fuck, this was fun. Barker pulled out and slammed back in. "Feels like I'm fucking you to me." "You sure?" "Of course I'm sure!" The words were accompanied by another hard thrust. He wanted to scream with it, the pressure was so good, so perfect. He bit at his lips, trying to keep control. Barker set up a hard, eager rhythm, cock slamming into him, spreading him wide. "Mate," he barked, the sound echoing. "Mate!" "That's right. You're mine." Marked - 129

"Yes. And you're mine." "Uh-huh." Barker bit and gnawed at his neck, hips moving hard and fast. "Going to leave a scar." Somehow, he didn't think Barker minded that thought. The rumbling, purring sound that followed confirmed it. As did the way Barker bit harder. He yipped, hips bucking as he rode. The ache made him harder, made him need more. Barker's fingers dug into his hips, bruising him. He snarled, snapped, the wolf so close, making this so perfect. Barker pushed into him and howled, and he could feel how close his mate was to coming. One hand barely brushed the tip of his cock and he shot, screaming out his pleasure. "Yes! Yes!" Barker pumped into him, filling him with heat. He sobbed out his joy. His mate. His own. Barker's howl answered him, his mate surrounding him with sound and sensation. The wolf rumbled inside him, deep within, fighting to come out. Growling lightly, Barker pulled out, teeth back on his neck. He growled back, panting harder, fingers curled into claws. Barker leaned against him and turned off the water, the bathroom suddenly quiet. "Mate." His voice didn't sound like him. "Yes." Barker turned him, mouth finding his. Marked - 130

He growled softly into the kiss, hands dragging on Barker's body. He didn't want to change. Not yet. Not here. The low sounds fed into his mouth by Barker weren't helping his control at all, but the warm hands running over his skin did. Here. Stay here. Stay here and now. The kiss went on and on, Barker stealing his breath, his brains. When their lips parted, they were both panting, both swaying. Both better. "Come on. Food time." Barker grabbed him and dragged him out of the shower. He could eat. Hell, he could eat an entire buffalo. Naked, Barker led him into the little kitchen and pulled a package of steaks out of the fridge. He followed right behind, breath on Barker's shoulder, nostrils flaring. "You're not wanting it uncooked, are you?" Barker didn't sound like that would be a big problem for him. "N...no..." He whined softly, his stomach snarling. Barker smiled at him, eyes soft and warm. "You want to change and eat it as is?" "I. I think I have to. I'm sorry, man. I..." His body convulsed. "It's okay, mate. Go on. I would, too, if I could. Think of the beast, of the shape of him, the way he feels." Marked - 131

"Like running." He dropped to the floor, spine arching impossibly. "That's it, mate. Let it have you." Barker's words encouraged him, helped him. One warm hand stroked over his back, petting him gently. Mate. Mate. He panted, tail thumping on the floor. "Beautiful." Bloody and fresh, meat was put on the floor in front of him. He snapped up the steak, the blood cool and sharp on his tongue. "There you go." His mate patted his head and then backed off, letting him finish in peace. He bit off a piece, dropping it at his mate's feet. Barker rumbled at him, the sound not quite right, but then his mate wasn't a wolf at the moment. He lapped at Barker's ankle, loving the man, then he headed back for his dinner. His Mate's chuckle felt good inside, almost as good as the meat as it filled his belly. He licked the plate clean, then hopped up, paws on the counter as he searched for more. "More?" Barker pushed the other piece of meat toward him. He barked happily. More. More, more, more. "You're a piggy wolf." Marked - 132

His tongue lolled, tail lashing violently. Barker laughed, dancing out of the way. He hopped down, crouching, hindquarters up. Play. "Oh-ho! I know what you want now!" He yipped, bouncing a little. Barker suddenly tweaked his ear and leapt away. His paws scrambled on the tile as he ran to pounce, claws clicking. Barker went down under him, hitting the floor with a loud thump. He licked his mate's face, chuffing. Barker's hands went to his muzzle, rubbing and scratching. Oh, good. Good. His eyes crossed, lip curling in pleasure. "Ah, that's the spot, huh?" He settled down, tail thumping hard, encouraging more of those wonderful touches. "This is the life," murmured Barker as his mate settled next to him, hands and fingers busy. He agreed, all of him. He hadn't ever been so happy. *** Barker finished his shift at the bar and headed home, trying not to grumble. He'd had his shifts changed from night to day so his schedule coincided, more or less, with Cody's. Too bad he hated the hell out of it. Who'd have thought?

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He let himself in, nose in the air, searching automatically for his mate's scent. The house smelled like Cody, but the scent was fading. Someone wasn't home. It made him growl. Oh, he wasn't worried anymore that Cody had disappeared, but damn it, he'd changed his entire schedule around so they could spend time together, and yet here he was, all by himself. He heard the door open about ten minutes later, the scent of food sudden and strong. "Mate." He headed for the front door. "Hey. I brought tacos." Cody looked exhausted. "What happened?" he demanded, taking the bag from Cody's hands. "Huh? Long day. Tacos." "You look worn out." "I am." Suddenly he could scent blood. Fresh blood. He growled and tossed the bag in the general direction of the kitchen before starting to tear at Cody's clothes. "What happened?" "Fight. Need a shower." Cody jerked away, the shirt coming off in Barker's hands. "A fight with who? Damn it, this isn't just a few punches, is it?" "Stop it. I work with tough guys. Shit happens." Marked - 134

There was a knife slash right across Cody's ribs. "This isn't just shit happening." He pushed Cody up against the wall next to the bathroom door. "Who did this to you?" He would kill them. "Stop. Stop, Barker. I need a shower. A fucking nap." "You need to tell me what the fuck happened. You need to tell me who came at you with a knife." "Some asshole who wanted money. It happens. I'm a day laborer. I work for cash with gangsters, cons, and fucking druggies." Barker growled. Cody growled back, teeth baring. "Go tell them you want your old job back, would you? You hate working days." "This has nothing to do with that! Someone hurt you!" Cody was his, to love, to protect. "It happens. It happens a lot. Deal with it." "That's exactly what I plan to do, just as soon as you tell me who did this to you." He was going to rip the asshole who'd hurt his mate limb from limb. Cody rolled his eyes and headed into the bathroom. "Hey!" He growled some more and stalked after his mate. "It's my job to protect you." Marked - 135

"Since when?" "Since you're my fucking mate!" "Bullshit." Cody turned on him, eyes flashing gold. "Ten years. Ten years I was on the run. You watched them drive me out. Cut me. Shoot at me. Throw stones at me! Ten years I starved and hurt and ran! Just because I can change, you don't have the right to protect me!" "We've been over this! I was young and scared when that happened, and then you never gave me a chance after that!" "And I'm not young, scared, or in need of protection. I'll heal. It won't scar. Leave it alone!" "I can't!" Cody was asking the impossible. "You don't have a choice!" The bathroom door slammed between them. Growling, he slammed it open again. "What the fuck was that?" "I said you don't have a motherfucking choice!" Cody snapped at him. "Why are you fucking mad at me? I didn't do this to you!" He was going to deck Cody any second now. Or toss him up against the tile and fuck him through it. "Because you're miserable and I know it. You fucking hate this, and I'm not going to be able to stay." Marked - 136

"You're fucking staying!" He pushed Cody up against the wall, mouth dropping to cover his mate's. This was the thing that made sense -- this here, their connection. He pushed his tongue into Cody's mouth, the taste there necessary and right. His Mate. His. He wasn't ever letting Cody go. Ever. Growling now, he humped against Cody as he devoured his mate's mouth. Cody fought back, growling into their kiss, fingers like claws against him. It was a clash of heat and anger and passion and it was perfect. Sharp sounds pushed between his lips, Cody's tongue slapping against his. He tore at Cody's pants, not caring if he ripped them or not in the process. "My only pair, asshole," Cody growled. "I'll buy you a fucking new pair." Or make Cody walk around naked. That worked, too. This whole working for cash with dangerous people was ridiculous. Ridiculous. He got those jeans off with only a little rippage and then it was his own clothes that were in the way. His mate. He could smell blood, sweat. Growling again, he bent to lick at the knife wound. It was already starting to heal, to knit at the edges. He felt the anger surging through him again anyway. Someone had hurt his mate. Cody's fingers combed through his hair, petting him, stroking him. He was torn between growling over Cody being hurt and nuzzling into the sweet touches.

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"Go back to the job you love, Barker. Make yourself happy again." "You make me happy, mate." It was true. "Not happy enough." There was that quiet loss, that shame in Cody's eyes. "What are you talking about?" He was unsettled and growly. Sure, he didn't like the day shift, but he wanted to spend some time with Cody. Besides, someone had hurt his mate and it had his hackles all up. "Take the night shift back." Cody slid away from him, turned the water on. "And have what? Five minutes a day to spend with you?" Cody had a fine fucking ass. "Don't exaggerate." "I'm not! You're away all day, I'd be leaving as you came in." "It's not like we're friends, Barker. We fuck, a lot. We don't hang out; we don't talk. We can fuck in the mornings before I leave for work." "You're my mate." Why was Cody being like this? He growled, pushed the man into the shower. "Stop pushing me!" Cody shoved back. "Why can't you be happy?" "I am fucking happy! I'm overfuckingjoyed!" Marked - 138

"Liar. You're fucking grumpy all the time!" "I don't know what the fuck you're talking about. I'm pissed right now because someone fucking cut you!" "They did. Do you know how to keep from shifting when you get hurt?" Cody's moods changed like the winds. His eyes went wide. "You shifted?" Cody blushed dark, head ducking. "Oh, shit. Did they see?" Shifters weren't a secret, but they tended to keep to themselves under the full moon. And hell, Cody was the only one he knew who could shift outside of the full moon. "Was this a shifter-friendly job site?" If it was Clan, well, that would make it both easier and more complicated. He still wasn't sure what the Elders were going to think of a shifter who wasn't subject to the usual laws. "Only one guy. He's a drunk. I... I should go, huh? Before I cause more problems." "No. No, you should stay right here. If word gets out to the Elders, they'll summon us." Hell, he was surprised they hadn't already. Someone had to have reported that Cody was back. Maybe they hadn't recognized him without the yellow, glowing eyes. "I'm not going to see them." Marked - 139

"I'm not sure we're going to have a choice." The Elders were... well, the Elders. "I won't. Period. They're not my pack."

"They run the Clan, though." They ran the city, the

werewolf side, anyway.

"Not my problem." Cody met his eyes, straight on. "I'm

not Clan. I'm Banished."

"But you won't be anymore."

"I will never be Clan. Never again."

Barker opened his mouth, but he didn't know what to

say. He was shocked.

"They turned on me, drove me out like a freak. I was a

kid, Barker. I was so fucking scared."

"I know, mate." Barker tugged Cody to him, held him

close. "Don't you just want to be home?"

"Don't you understand, mate? There is no home for me."

"This is your home! Here, with me."

Cody didn't answer him.

"You don't want to be here with me?" How could Cody

want to leave him again? He didn't understand.

Marked - 140

"I want to be here with you. I always wanted to belong here." Relief swept through him at Cody's words. "Good. Good. That's what I want, too. What I've always wanted." He growled a little for emphasis. "They won't let it happen, mate. I think the world is conspiring against me." "We'll stand together. It's not just you anymore." He had to remind himself that Cody had been on his own for ten years. That was a long time to be bitter, to hate people. To hate him. He let his lips explore Cody's face, touch gently. His fingers slid just as gently over the warm flesh, not tickling, seeking to arouse. The easy touches seemed to melt his mate, seduce him into stepping closer. He licked at the corner of Cody's lips. A soft rumble sounded, and Cody's hands wrapped around his waist. "Want you, mate." He licked his way into Cody's mouth. "You have me. Bed?" "Uh-huh." He leaned into the shower to turn off the water and then took Cody's hand, taking him to the big bed. He forced himself to keep the touches, the kisses, quiet and easy. He forced himself to relax, to let go of the idea that this was the last time. He laid Cody out on the bed and stretched next to him, fingers exploring the tight abs. Marked - 141

"Mmm..." Cody groaned, arched for him. So fine. So sensual. He licked at Cody's lips and then began to slowly work his way down, lips and tongue exploring. He'd never really been able to take his time, relax. Enjoy this beautiful man. He found one of the little nipples and teased it with the tip of his tongue, encouraging it to tighten up. "Oh. Oh. Mate." Listen to that need. He tugged Cody's nipple between his lips, flicked across the tip again, and then simply breathed on it. Tremors started rocking Cody's body, tiny little shivers that made his cock ache. He mouthed his way over to Cody's other nipple, giving it the same gentle, sweet treatment. "Barker. Barker, God..." Cody's fingers danced over his skin. "Yeah, that's me, babe, your god," he teased. "Don't stop. Please." No, he wasn't going to stop. He was going to make Cody wild with need. His mate wanted him -- the scent filled the air. He reached for the nipple he'd abandoned, pinching lightly as he continued to tongue the other one. Cody's little cries were like music, ringing out, filling the air. He moved down, tongue heading for those ripped abs. The Marked - 142

scent of his mate was heady, matched only by the flavor of Cody on his tongue. He circled Cody's navel, tongue dancing over the peaks and valleys of Cody's stomach. There were dozens of tiny faded scars, and he touched each one, licked each one. He breathed on them and memorized where they were. It had been a hard life for his mate. His mate. He was going to make the rest of Cody's life right. After licking and tracing and nosing the scars on Cody's chest and belly, he moved to nuzzle into the dip between hip and cock, picking up the strong musk. Cody groaned, fingers brushing through his hair. "Mate. Oh, mate." The call was so clear, so happy. "Mine," he murmured, rubbing his cheek against Cody's erection. "Yes..." That cock dripped for him. He lapped at the tip, drawing the flavor in. It made him rumble deep in his chest. His mate called softly, pleasure on his tongue. He wanted to swallow Cody's prick whole and demand his mate's orgasm, but he made himself go slowly, made himself lick and clean it first. Cody's hips rose and fell, the hot cock sliding on his tongue. He slowly added suction, mouth working as the hard flesh moved in and out of his mouth. Soft words filled the air, Cody's voice husky and rough. The sounds went right to his balls, making him harder than ever.

Marked - 143

Cody's thighs parted, the offer clear. He slid his fingers between them, finding the soft-skinned, wrinkled little hole. The muscle shifted for him, moved for him. "You want me." "Yes. God, yes." "Good. I want you, too." He pushed his head between Cody's thighs and began to lick that sweet little hole. "Barker. Barker. Love." The single word slid down his spine like liquid heat. Humming happily, he licked again, and pointed his tongue, pushing it right into Cody's hole. The smell of Cody overwhelmed him, left him shaken and groaning, needing more of his mate. He fucked the sweet hole with his tongue, pushing as deep as he could. "Need you. Need. Please. Mate. More. Fuck, hot." Cody was babbling for him. He got his mate good and wet with his tongue, and then rose up over Cody, cock pushing against Cody's hole. "Yes. Yes. Yes." It was a chant, a prayer, and Cody arched, bore down and took him in. So fucking good. Groaning, he pushed, meeting Cody's movements and getting in deep. Blue eyes met his, human and solid and focused. He brought their mouths together, kissing Cody as he pushed into his mate's body again and again. Marked - 144

Love. The word echoed in his head. In. His. Head.

As their lips parted, it came out, the word whispering

across Cody's lips. "Love." Cody's eyes were glowing,

gold.

He watched, held the gaze while they came together.

Mate. Cody's voice whispered in his mind. Oh, fuck.

He thrust harder, filling his mate. He smelled Cody's

seed, the scent filling his nose.

"Mate!" He cried out, his hips snapping. Then he was

filling Cody with his spunk.

"Mate..." Cody's hands wrapped around his shoulders,

keeping him close.

"Yeah." He nuzzled Cody's neck, breathing his mate in.

Cody's heartbeat echoed inside him, boom. Boom.

Boom.

"I can feel your heart beating."

Cody nodded, stared at him. "I hear you, inside."

"That's crazy." It was crazy.

Cody frowned at him. I'm not crazy.

He reached back, staring. Fuck. Fuck, he'd heard that.

Marked - 145

I'm not crazy.

Mate. He didn't say it out loud, just... thought it at Cody.

Cody nodded. "Yes. Yes, Barker. Your Mate."

"How?" He could hear Cody inside him, could speak to

Cody without speaking. How did that happen?

"How the hell should I know?"

"I don't know..." He shrugged, pulling out and settling

next to Cody. "I've never heard of it happening before."

"We're freaks." Cody didn't sound terribly upset.

"As long as you're not running away again, I can live

with that."

Cody licked his bottom lip. "Go back to your night shift,

Barker. I'm not running."

"I don't know, babe." He shrugged again. The idea was

very appealing, but honestly, he wanted to see Cody

more than just a few minutes between shifts.

"If they had crappy day labor jobs at night, I'd take

them, but that's why they're called day labor."

"Maybe we can find you a crappy night job?"

Cody shrugged. "Whatever there is. I'm not picky. I

have just enough to pay for a room and food."

Marked - 146

"You're staying here," he growled. "Still, I have to help." "I'm not hurting for money." He didn't like thinking of Cody out there being hurt by assholes, mugged, stabbed. God, what had Cody wanted to do, be, all those years ago? Hadn't the man had dreams? Ambitions? Barker wracked his brain, trying to remember something about Cody before things went to hell. "If you could do anything..." "With what, mate?" "With your life. You're not broken anymore, you can turn anytime you want. What do you want?" "I don't want anything." "You have to want something." Everybody wanted something. Cody shrugged. "I don't hurt. It's enough." "Mate..." He pressed a fierce kiss on Cody. Cody blinked, surprised, then those lips parted. He slid his tongue in, tasting his mate again. He would never tire of this flavor, of the feelings inside. He could feel the wolf inside Cody now, close to the surface, close to the edge. "You want to go back to my grandfather's cabin this weekend?" Cody could run and run and not worry about Marked - 147

anyone seeing him. He liked it up there, whether he was

wolf or man.

"I would love that. This place is... huge now. The smells

are everywhere."

"It's good here, though, right?"

"This place -- your home -- is good."

"Smells like us." At the moment it smelled strongly of

them having sex.

"Smells like peace."

"Oh." That made him want to kiss Cody hard again.

Cody kissed his wrist. "I brought food home."

On cue, his stomach rumbled loudly.

Cody's laughter made him snort, and long fingers tickled

his ribs. He rolled them, trying to get away from those

unerring fingers.

Mate. I know you.

It startled him again to hear Cody inside him. Mate.

Cody's nose slid on his collarbone, suddenly wet and

cold, the change faster now that the moon was closer

again. Mate.

"I can still hear you!"

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Cody blinked at him, chuffing softly, laughing at him. He batted his mate and mentally stuck out his tongue. The wolf -- and Cody was a stunning wolf -- bounced away, tail wagging. Come back here! Cody bounced back up to him, muzzle sliding on his cheek. Mate? He chuckled and rubbed Cody's face. Yes. Mate. Mine. Cody flopped on his legs, panting hard. Love you like this, mate. He didn't have to concentrate or anything, his thoughts just slipping into Cody's mind like they were talking. Cody's tongue lolled. Love being whole. Yeah, it was wonderful. He dug his fingers along Cody's flanks, rubbing hard. He found a spot that made one leg kick, Cody's eyes crossing with pleasure. He couldn't help it; he started laughing. Cody's tongue swiped across his belly, the move lazy and happy. This is good, huh? And this being able to talk to Cody while he was wolfed out was awesome. He wondered if it would still work when he was shifted as well. Perfect. The satisfaction was obvious, Cody slumped down against him.

Marked - 149

This moment, right here, this was what made everything else worth it. Right now he wouldn't trade their life, all of it, for anything.

Marked - 150

Chapter Ten Barker nodded at Julio, the night shift bouncer giving him a little salute. "Busy night?" Barker asked, trying not to miss it too much. The day shift still sucked, but he wasn't willing to give up being on the same schedule as Cody. Even if the asshole was wolfing out a lot. Julio shrugged, big shoulders moving beneath the tight, black T-shirt. "The usual. Broke up a few fights." "Busted some heads?" Barker asked, knowing the answer already from the feral grin on Julio's face. "Got it in one." Julio waved at Matty behind the bar and headed out. Barker scanned the place before leaning against the end of the bar, from where he could see everything going on. It was pretty empty at this time of day, wouldn't really get busy until ten or eleven tonight, long after Barker had gone home. It made for long, boring days. By three, Barker was more than happy to be knocking off. He wanted to get home; no, needed to, needed to get Cody out of the city so they could run together on his grandfather's land when the change took him. Matty handed over the take-out bag with steak that he'd ordered and went to draw a glass of beer for the guy at the other end of the bar who'd been drinking steadily since noon.

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One of the few patrons got up from the tables on the other side of the dance floor and slowly made his way over. He was only a few feet away before Barker recognized him. Harry Bongard. Harry was an old friend and newly appointed Elder. He hadn't talked to the man in... long enough it made Barker nervous that Harry was seeking him out now. He tried to hide his worry. "James Barker." He nodded. "Harry. Congratulations on becoming an Elder." "Thanks. I wish I could say this was a social visit, but I'm actually here... well, not on Clan business per se." Barker's eyes narrowed. "What does that mean?" "Rumor has it Cody Donner is back." "So what if he is?" Harry's eyes narrowed at his tone. "He's Outcast." "He's not hurting anyone." "Rumor has it his eyes don't glow anymore." "Rumor's busy having it, it seems." Barker kept it light, willed his heart to keep steady and not beat like a runaway train. He didn't want Harry smelling anything on him. "Rumor always does." Harry shrugged casually. "Someone claims they saw a wolf a week or two ago." Marked - 152

"In the city? In our city? That doesn't seem right. Must have been a big dog." "Maybe." Harry's eyes narrowed; he wasn't so casual anymore, the tension clear in the way he was standing. "I'd be worried, though, if I knew a wolf who couldn't change and then suddenly did change, only not on the full moon. I'd be worried about that wolf. About what might happen to him if the Elders of the City got a hold of him. I mean something like that, we'd want to inspect it, dissect it to see what went so wrong." Barker tried not to react, but shit. They knew. The Elders knew and they wanted to tear Cody apart to find out what made him different. "Are you threatening me?" Make Harry think he was worried about himself, pretend he didn't have a clue what else the Elder could mean. "It's more of a warning, really. I don't think you should spend the full moon in the city. It's not a good time for strange wolves to be here." Harry's eyes were hard, but Barker thought he saw a hint of pity in them, lurking somewhere in the back. "I usually leave town for the change." "Good. Good. That would be for the best." Harry patted his arm and then turned and walked out, not looking back once.

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Chapter Eleven The moon was coming. He hadn't been able to remember how to shift for the last day. Well, he'd be honest, he was happier wolfed out -- the world was easier, quieter, more reasonable. So maybe he hadn't tried hard, but still he had tried. He could feel Barker getting closer, could hear Barker in his head. Not talking to him, more... happy to be close. He'd gotten the truck gassed up, picked up groceries after work. They were going out to Barker's grandfather's for the full moon. Cody hopped up on the window, looked out over the city. He wanted to go, to run. His tail wagged, hard. The door opened and closed. "Hey, mate. I'm home. And I have fresh meat." He bounded over. Mate! "Hey." Barker dropped down and started petting and scritching. Cody licked and lapped, welcoming Barker home, tail pounding. Barker rolled with him, and it was almost as good as having his mate as a wolf. Love you. Smell so good! His thoughts tumbled from him. Barker gasped and buried his face in Cody's neck, rubbing against his fur. Oh, mate. Marked - 154

He panted, nuzzling, so happy. "You ready to go, mate? If we leave now, we'll be there before the moon comes." Barker sounded in a hurry. His mate wanted to run with him! He nodded, panted. "You should eat first. I bought you meat." Barker grabbed the bag he'd left by the door and pulled out a package of steak. His mouth started watering and he bounced. Smells good! "Nice and fresh. Not as fresh as what we'll get up at the cabin, but it'll do." Barker got the steak out of the stupid plastic and put it on the floor for him. He snapped the steak up, leaving the best part for his mate. Barker kissed the top of his head. "Go for it, mate. I had something on the way home. Raw meat won't be on my diet until the moon comes up." He nosed the piece over. You're sure, love? It's so good. Barker rubbed a hand over his head, tugged on his ruff. "I'm sure, mate. Tonight we'll bring down something good, fatten ourselves up for the full moon nights." His head bobbed and he snapped the bite up. So good. Laughing, Barker lounged on the ground while he ate. Marked - 155

"You feel like a little fun before the drive?" He chuffed softly, headbutting his lover. Of course he did. "Cool. Let's see who can hit the bed first!" Barker hauled himself up and ran for the big bed.

Cody waited, then leaped, legs driving him.

Barker went down with an "oof," rolling beneath him.

"Mate! You're supposed to shift."

He rested his paws on Barker's shoulders and thought

about his human form.

Nothing happened.

"Cody?"

Mate? He yipped, suddenly scared.

"Hey, it's okay." Barker rubbed his neck. "You just

forgot how, huh?"

He panted. Yes. Yes. It'd been so long, so many days.

"Okay. Just think, hmm?" Barker touched him softly.

Remember kissing me. Kissing you. You touching me. His mate was growing more affectionate, warmer, every day. Making love. Can't do that as the wolf, mate. Marked - 156

Help me. I'm stuck. Images of him and Barker kissing filled his head. Oh. Oh, his mate. His Barker. His lover. Touching him, loving him. Change for me, mate, and it's yours. His. Cody panted, eyes on Barker's, trying so hard to get what he needed. "Come on, Cody. Sex is good. But I'm not humping your wolf." He chuffed, holding Barker's gaze. Sex. He liked sex. Mate. Please. He could feel himself changing, feel himself growing

longer, losing his tail.

"Fuck, yes." Barker's mouth latched onto his, the kiss

hot.

"Mate." He opened, arms wrapped around his lover. Barker rolled him, putting him beneath the hard body. "Hey." He licked Barker's jaw, nibbled the strong jaw. Barker laughed, grinding their lower halves together. "Hey. Haven't seen this side of you in a few days."

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"I know. It's easier, fuzzy. I'm sorry." He should have been working. "It's okay. Just missed doing this." "Mmm." He agreed, mostly. Barker took his mouth, kissed him soundly. Barker tasted good, better than the meat had, and suddenly Cody was hungry, wanting, needing. The kisses left him breathless and went on and on. He curled up, dragged their cocks together, and started rocking. Barker moaned and bucked into his hand. "Yeah, yeah. Missed this." "Feel good." He grunted, head thrown back. Barker's mouth closed over his throat, teeth marking him. Cody's eyes flew open and he howled, balls drawing up. Barker bit down harder, hand joining his around their cocks. "Mate. Yours. Please." His hips jerked faster. "Yes. Mine." Barker's growl vibrated along his skin. He hummed softly. Their hands moved on their cocks, sliding together, pushing them closer to the edge. Cody laughed, feeling light and free. The moon was coming and he didn't hurt. Come with me, mate. Come... Marked - 158

"Yes. Come on." Barker squeezed their pricks.

His teeth rattled as he shot, pleasure flooding him.

"Mmm. Yes!" More heat bubbled up between them as

Barker came, too.

"Mate." He hummed, nuzzling into the strong neck.

Barker panted and moaned softly. "Wow. Still

amazing."

"Yeah. You smell so good." He lapped at Barker's

throat.

"I smell like yours." Barker knew. Barker understood.

"Yes." He sighed happily. "Yours."

"You are. My mate." Barker kissed his skin. "You

looking forward to the country?"

"I'm looking forward to running with you." To being

free, out of the city.

"Yeah. It's going to be awesome." Barker's lips slid

along his collarbone. "Maybe we can stay for longer

than just the full moon."

Cody hummed, eyelids getting heavy.

"We should probably get going so I'm not still driving

when the moon shows up."

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"I can drive." He waited for Barker's laughter. He was liable to shift at the slightest provocation and this was only his second full moon. His first moon with no pain. Barker snorted. "If we leave in the next ten minutes, it won't be an issue." "Are you laughing at me?" He chuffed softly. "Would I do that?" "You would." He stole another kiss. Barker did laugh this time, rubbing their noses together. "I would." "Let's go play, Mate." He stretched and wiggled, body awake and aware and alive. "Yeah. I can feel the moon tugging at me. It's going to be a good couple nights." Barker gave him a hard kiss and then bounced up and started getting dressed. "I can't wait to get out there." "Me, too." The wolf wanted him, but he tried not to. Barker deserved company on the drive. "Better get dressed, mate. No nakedness until we're at the cabin." "Okay. I've almost forgotten what clothes feel like." That had Barker laughing. "You could start a nudist colony for our kind." Marked - 160

He shook his head, suddenly chilled. There wasn't anyone like him. He didn't have a kind. He went to pull on his only pair of jeans, one of Barker's shirts. Mate? The touch to his mind was tentative, soft. He shivered, then the urge to go to Barker was irresistible, so he went. I'm still a freak. Barker's arms went around him, sheltered him. No. You're special. He hummed, cheek on Barker's shoulder. He wasn't weak. He wasn't. "Come on, mate. Let's get out of here and leave the world behind for a while." "Sounds perfect." Love. Barker kissed him again, the word "love" echoed back into his head, along with the feeling of it wrapping around him. He relaxed, the unwelcome tension sliding away down his spine. Barker grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the door. "Time to go." He stumbled along behind, chuffing softly. Grinning, Barker squeezed his hand and led him down the stairwell, moving quickly. His mate was eager. They bounded down the stairs, the moon seeming to call them from everywhere. Marked - 161

Barker soon had them on the open road, headed for his grandfather's cabin, headed for where they could be free. *** Barker waited, naked, by the truck, the moon's power right there, moments away from turning him into his wolf. Cody was already there, running rings around him, and Barker would have sworn his mate was laughing at him. It made him growl, and he glared at the sky. Come on! He needed to change. Nothing else mattered right now. They were safe up here, away from the city. Cody was giddy, and Barker knew that part of it was relief after ten years of agony, that finally his mate could run, jump, feel. Mate! Love! Come play! "Yeah, yeah. Soon, mate." This was Cody's reward for having to go through that -- being able to change whenever he wanted. Barker growled at the sky again. Cody's tongue slid over his thigh, muzzle dangerously close to his balls. "Careful, mate!" He needed those. A cold, wet nose nudged them playfully. "Hey!" His laughter turned into yips as the change began to take him.

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His mate danced away, barking happily, calling to him. He called back and bounded after the lean flanks, soon overtaking his mate and leading them deeper into the forest. His mate was beautiful -- sleek and long, fast and lightfooted. The moon shone down, giving everything, his mate, a glow. Those glowing eyes shone with happiness, and Cody headbutted him happily, the scent of pleasure and home and health filling his nose. He pounced and rolled with Cody, barking and chuffing as they played. Then the scent of a rabbit caught his nose and he froze, entire body on alert as he scented the air. Mate! Rabbit! Cody stilled, nostrils flaring, muscles tensed to pounce. He wanted to take the lead, he wanted that very badly, but he held himself back. For Cody. Get it, mate! Cody didn't hesitate, leaped forward and pounced, snapping the hare up, the wild scream cut short. Barker gave a proud bark. Look at his mate, hunting, succeeding. The treat was brought to him, the prey offered over with a deep bow. He tore into it, ripping open the belly and taking the choicest bits for himself, then he nipped at Cody's muzzle, leaving the rest of the rabbit for his mate. The carcass disappeared quickly, then Cody was running again, tail up. Chuffing happily, he gave chase, his muscles stretching, warming up. It felt so good to just let go and run. It felt even better to do it with his mate. Marked - 163

He'd spent dozens of moons here, running and hunting, searching. Now he only needed to play. He stopped and put his head back, howling to the moon, to his mate. It only took a heartbeat before his lover's voice joined his, the harmony perfect to his ears. Yes! He howled once more and then began running again, the wind in his fur, a thousand scents in his nose. The biggest one of all was Cody.

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Chapter Twelve Barker lay on the grass in a clearing, the sunlight warm and good on his skin. He didn't have a clue how far away from the cabin they were, but he didn't much care either. He and Cody had run and hunted and played all night long, and now he was exhausted. The grass felt good under his back, though, and the sun was making him sleepy. Just one thing was missing. Mate? he called out for his lover. Cody loped over to him, plopped down beside him, still fuzzy. Mate. Barker laughed. "You're still wolfed out, babe." Oops. Cody stared at him, and Barker could see the man trying. "You like the wolf better than the man." He was teasing, but he also thought maybe it was true. Of course, Cody had ten years' worth of full moons to make up for. The human slowly appeared, slowly took form. "No. It's easier, fuzzy." He nodded. It was. Everything got distilled down to base instincts. He slid his hand over Cody's belly. "Some things are better like this, though." "Mmm." Cody's cock started filling, slowly. Marked - 165

"Yes. That." He laughed and rolled over onto his mate, finding Cody's mouth for a lazy kiss. "Your butt's going to sunburn..." "I'll risk it." Some things were more important. He let himself look at Cody for a minute, admire. His mate was filling out, becoming healthier, happier. There wasn't even a scar from where that asshole had knifed his lover. The memory of that and how it had probably exposed Cody had him growling again, and he bent to take Cody's mouth to keep from vocalizing it. Easy. I'm right here .Yes. And Cody would stay that way. Mate. Mine. He rubbed their bodies together, the need right there at the surface, just like always -- moon or no moon. Cody's belly was warm, fuzzy, soft against his cock. He licked into Cody's mouth, his mate tasting so good, so right. "Horny bastard." Cody's tongue slipped against his, caressing him lazily. "And you're not?" Don't you want me, mate? With every inch of me. "Well, then. You're a pot and I'm a kettle." Marked - 166

Cody whistled and then cracked up, the laughter pushing between his lips. He sucked it in, along with Cody's tongue, kissing his mate hard. The laughter died away, Cody diving into the kiss, fingers tangling in his hair. He let Cody lead the kiss this time, opening his mouth to his mate. "Stop wallowing in the dirt, you two. We've got business to discuss." He stilled, shocked, body covering Cody's as he looked up into shockingly familiar blue eyes. The female looked just like Cody. Just. Well, except for the breasts and the hugely pregnant belly. He leaped up, growling, standing between the woman and his mate. "This is private land," he snarled. What if the Elders had sent her? He dismissed the thought immediately. She was pregnant and he would have seen her before. "You think?" Long blonde hair was twisted up into a casual bun. "Looking good, Cody. You grew up well." "I don't think -- I know this is private land. It belongs to me." Who the hell was this woman? She laughed, nodded, and there wasn't a hint of fear on her. "I'm fully aware that this is John's land." John? His grandfather? "Just who the hell are you?" He stayed between her and Cody, still on full alert, still protecting his mate. Blue eyes rolled. "Don't snarl at me. Cody, don't you know me? Even a little bit?" Marked - 167

Cody shook his head, stepping to one side. "No. No, I don't think so." "Don't make me ask you again -- who the fuck are you?" He might have been more polite to a woman, and a pregnant one at that, except he and Cody were naked as jaybirds and she was trespassing on his fucking land. There wasn't supposed to be anyone else here. "Cody." Her eyes began to glow, her face changing. "Riana." Cody stumbled forward. "You're dead!" Riana? Cody's oldest sister? No. No way. She'd died years ago. Not only that, this woman was changing. Just like Cody could, in full sunlight. He wrapped his arms around Cody, the instinct to protect his mate still strong. Cody growled softly, and Riana stepped closer. "Brother." The word was a deep growl. "You're dead." Barker repeated the words flatly. This wasn't making any sense. "Cast out." "You're too young to be her." Riana snorted, tossed her hair. "I'm almost forty. Too fucking old to be whelping again, that's for sure." He could feel Cody shiver, body trying to change behind him.

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Don't, mate. Don't let her know you can change during the day. Is she real? Is it her? He could smell the panic on Cody. She's there, but I don't know if she's who she says she is. Stay calm, mate. Cody's fingers clenched his. "I'm not going away, boys. We have to talk. The Clan's coming for you." "You going to let us put on some clothes first?" he asked. He didn't trust her, not for a second. "Sure." Those glowing eyes met Cody's. "Want to run with me?" I don't trust her, mate. Cody frowned at her. "I don't know you." "Liar." She smiled, winked, and headed back toward the cabin, unafraid. Barker growled. He didn't like this. Not at all. This woman who looked so much like his Cody, acting like she owned his land. His land where Cody was supposed to be safe from the Elders, from the Clan. He took Cody's hand and slowly followed. *** Marked - 169

"I didn't think you'd ever change, you know? I thought you'd have done it already if you were like us." Cody stared at the woman, trying to remember what he knew of his oldest sister. He'd been a child -- five or six -- when she died. Disappeared. Went away. Barker growled and handed him his jeans, his mate already having pulled on a pair of his own. "Start talking. From the beginning." "Well, I was born. Grew up. Got boobs. Then Mom whelped this little shithead." She was laughing at him, but the sound was oddly joyous. "You were so cute when you were born, so quick." "Stop it. My sister is dead." Riana was dead. Those blue eyes went hard as glass. "Should I remind you, Cody? How they come all in a group -- how there are guns and knives and rocks? How they drive you to the end of the packlands? How they whip you until you bleed?" Cody growled, teeth baring. Barker puffed up, stepping half in front of him -protecting him. "You're like Cody, then. You couldn't change and now you can?" "Yes. I was mated, and the change didn't come. They drove me out and my mate followed me. We're up in the high mountains -- about six of us from all over the continent. Well, four families and two outcasts. Their Marked - 170

mates didn't come. I have babies. There are four; this is number five." Cody listened to her go on and on. No. No, there was no way. "Go away." Barker backed him up immediately. "You heard him. This is my land. Get off it." "They're coming, boys. The Clan. They'll say they're sorry and then draw you in, and the first time you change in the light, outside the moon, they'll make you pay." "I won't deal with the Clan." He hated them. Barker growled. "The Clan have done enough because he couldn't change; they're not touching him again." "You don't think the Elders want to know why?" Barker sucked in a breath. "You mean they'd take him apart to figure it out, don't you?" Mate, check the road, make sure no one's coming. This is my land, you should be safe here. I have to get out of here. He wasn't going back. Ever. Check the road, then come back and we'll figure it out. Barker looked at him, met his eyes and held them. I'm not losing you. Promise? He needed to know.

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Mine, mate. For always. If they come for you, they have to go through me first. Riana, if that was really her, growled at them. "Are you listening to me?" "Aren't you supposed to be leaving?" "Yes, but you're my baby brother and I'm risking my mate's hissy fit by coming to help you. Asshole." "Where the hell were you when he didn't change on his first full moon?" Barker demanded. "Three hundred miles away with my family!" Her teeth flashed. "I got a call warning me that he'd changed, that he was in trouble." "And you didn't come for him." Barker snarled, and Cody thought he heard guilt in the words. "No." She met Cody's eyes. "I changed when I got pregnant. I thought... I thought it would be worse, being with us, knowing you were screwed." Cody chuffed softly, shrugged. "I didn't get pregnant." "That's for damn sure." Barker started pacing, a low growl in his chest. "We can get in the truck, go until the moon hits again." "Go where?" That exhaustion hit him again, deep and low. This was ridiculous. "I don't have any connections with the Pack." Marked - 172

"No, but I do, obviously. Your return had my phone ringing." "We're safe here," growled Barker. "And if you want to make a stand here, we will. This is my land. They can't just come here and take you." Barker growled at Riana as he said this last. Riana growled back. "I'm not taking anyone. If you want to stay, stay. You're an adult. You're also my baby brother... my..." "Prove it." He'd had enough. "What?" "Prove you're Riana." Her laughter surprised him. "That's easy. It was storming when you were born, you're allergic to strawberries, you have a weird birthmark on your inner thigh. You were scared of roosters when you were a little boy, and you had a stuffed cat named 'Wicket' that you slept with until the other boys found out and teased you." Does that make her legit, mate? Would anyone else know that? He shook his head. One or two, yes. All of it? No. So she's real. What do you want to do? If we make her go away, we can plan. Because she's not explaining anything. Marked - 173

"Look, stay, go. Whatever. I wanted to warn you, offer you somewhere safe. I have a family to get back to, a home in the country." Her eyes met his, chilly. "Whatever you want, kiddo." "You didn't say anything when I was driven out." "No. Just think how much more fun it is for a girl who's still reeling from losing her virginity." "Hey, lady, just stop with the one-upmanship. You obviously survived it. Think how much nicer it would have been if there was someone there for you who knew what the fuck was going on." Barker bristled and growled, clearly still not happy about her presence. "I did. So did you. If you need me, I'm there. Well, I'll be fuzzy in about two weeks until the pups are old enough, but my mate knows how to use a phone..." That made Cody blink, shake his head. "I can't do this, not right now." Barker stepped forward again, making Riana take a step back. "You've been told to get out, now go." She flipped him off. Then she just turned and headed away, not saying another word. "Fucking hell. Mate?" Barker turned to him, reached out for him. "I should go." This was all fucked up.

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Barker shook his head. "You're not running away from me. If you're going somewhere, I'm coming with you." Barker took his arm and drew him close. Are you okay, mate? No! No. I... The wolf was on him, so quickly he couldn't stop it. Mate. Mate. It's going to be okay. You're not alone. Barker dropped and held him, rubbed his fur. He keened, angry and frighten, lost and a little ill. Was he so wrong, so ill-made that no one could welcome him? Barker just kept holding him, petting him, a human-sounding howl answering him. He let himself push closer, head butting into Barker. "I've got you, Mate. I'm not going anywhere. Whatever's coming, we face together." He howled softly, head so heavy. "Cody. I love you, Mate. I have you." Barker growled a little. Love. That word rushed through him. Yes, Mate. Love you. What were they going to do? Where would they go? "Do you trust her?" Barker asked him, hands still petting him, stroking over his flanks. Why are we like this? She could change. Marked - 175

Something in your family, I guess. I don't know, Mate. You should have killed me. Barker snarled at him. "No! There's nothing wrong with you. You are special." Fingers digging into his fur, Barker shook him a little. Broken. "You are not! Look at you! You're the wolf in the sunshine! You can speak to me in my head. You so aren't broken." He pressed into Barker's hands, vocalizing softly. "Not broken. The rest of us are. We can't do what you can do." He rested his muzzle on Barker's thigh. He needed to think. To run. To do something. I'd change if I could, mate. Change back? He wouldn't, except for the need in Barker's voice. The strong hands slid over him, rubbing against his fur, Barker's need to touch him clear through their link. He focused on his skin, his body, his legs, long and lean. "Cody." Groaning, Barker pressed their lips together. He nodded, staring into those worried eyes.

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"Together," murmured Barker. "We'll face it together. I won't abandon you, I swear." "You have a life here, in the city, with the Clan." "I had a half-life in the city until I got you back. And do you think I want to stay with people who would take you apart?" He hoped not. "I won't leave you again." "And I won't leave you. And I won't let them have you. You're amazing and you're mine. We'll run or fight or hide, but we'll do it together." Barker was all growl. "You swear it?" "I swear it, Mate." The words echoed through their link as well. Swear it. Swear. This was his mate. They belonged together. Barker sealed it with a kiss. They needed to stop running in circles, now. Needed to stop chasing their tails. Barker didn't stop kissing him until they were both breathless and panting. "What do you want to do, mate?" "We need to figure this out. We haven't done anything wrong." "Riana seemed to think they were coming for you anyway. She's right, and I won't let them have you." Marked - 177

"Is my father still alive?" His mother had died when Riana did. When Riana left. Barker he shook his head. "He died around when... well. I don't know, mate. Maybe he is. I don't know." "He wasn't there. Your family was, my uncles, but Da wasn't. I thought he was there with my brothers, but now..." He shook his head. "I just assumed he was. Now I can't remember him being there at all." "None of this makes sense." Barker growled. "And I think we need to assume we're on our own." "So what do we do? Do we go to them, tell them to leave us alone? They haven't done anything yet." "Yet." Barker shook his head. "I remember what they did to you when you didn't change. Riana was right, they're not going to let you just be." He shivered, pulled into himself a bit. He thought so, too. Barker held him close. "I don't trust them." There was something hard and sad in Barker's voice. "I don't, either. They hate me." "Then we don't go to them. Maybe we don't go back at all." "Where would we go? You have a job, a place, a life..." He had... Barker. Marked - 178

"I don't know. But if we go back, they'll try to do something to you..." Barker shook his head. "I don't know, mate. We can't risk it." "You could go back; I could stay here." He could stay fuzzy, hunt.

"Did we or did we not already talk about how we

weren't leaving each other this time?"

"We did. I was offering." Butthead.

"Well, stop offering. It makes me think you don't believe

me when I tell you I'm not letting you go."

"You don't have to let me go. I'll stay here, wait for

you." He'd waited on Barker for ten years, hurting. This

would be easy.

"Too risky."

He lifted his head. "Am I risking you? Now?"

"I didn't mean for me, mate."

"But..." He sighed, leaned in. "Why did you have to

mate with a freak?"

"Stop that." Barker growled and wrapped both arms

around him.

He almost grinned. "It's true, though."

"You're special. There's a difference."

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"I'm a circus freak." Oh, maybe he could get a job doing that... "Stop it!" Barker growled and pushed him down. "You're not. You're my mate." "Your freaky mate." He was -- almost -- tickled. "Stop it," Barker demanded again, mouth covering his, shutting him up. He pushed into the kiss, trying to out-alpha his Alpha. Barker had the advantage of position, though, leaning over him and pressing him into the ground as his mouth was opened, invaded. He bit Barker's bottom lip, tugging. Barker growled and bit back. His eyes went wide, body arching with the zing of the sensation. Barker chuckled and deepened the kiss, one hand roaming over his skin. "Don't laugh at me," he grumbled low, pushing the words between Barker's lips. "Touchy," muttered Barker, grabbing his tongue and pulling on it. He grinned, groaned, nodded. Barker's kisses grew toothy, sharp. They should be planning. Or something. Barker dove into loving on him, making him feel so good. His back slid along the smooth, old floor, and their legs twined together, denim rasping. "Fuck. Mate." Jerking against him, Barker wasn't smooth in the least, but it felt so right. Marked - 180

"Yes." He could handle that. He tilted his hips, bucked up toward the touch. Barker tugged at his jeans, dragging them down off his ass. His prick caught at the waistband, then popped back up and slapped his stomach. It made Barker moan, and his mate shimmied down, taking the head in. "Mate!" His head banged against the floor. He could feel Barker's smile, and then his mate took in more of him. The heat was perfect, driving all his worries out of his mind. The Clan could wait. Now he needed. Barker's head bobbed, lips tight as they slid along his shaft. His eyes were squeezed shut, his hips pumping, thrusting up into the heat. The suction got stronger, Barker pulling hard on him. His orgasm hit him like a wave, crashing over him, around him. Barker swallowed, taking him down, drawing out his orgasm. It left him melted, worn out, happy, and boneless. Barker rested his head on Cody's belly. "Mate." He reached down, fingers tangling in the heavy mass of hair. "I wish we could stay right here like this." "Yes." That would work for him. "Okay, done."

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His laughter chuffed out of him and Barker's joined his

in short order.

"How about we stay here until we have to hit the head?"

"Okay." He grinned. "I can hold it a long time."

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Chapter Thirteen Barker didn't know what to do and he hated that. All his life, the Clan had been there, the Elders and the Alpha making the big decisions, setting out the laws. He didn't trust them, though. They'd run Cody off ten years ago, God only knew what they'd do if they found out he could shift whenever he wanted. Hell, they already knew. Harry had as much as told Barker. He'd thought they'd have time, though. He thought Harry had been trying to tell him that as long as Cody was out of the city, his mate would be safe. He paced, feeling the beast right there beneath the surface, the moon so close. Cody had changed hours ago, had been running, looking for strangers. The problem was, Barker was afraid Cody needed to look for friends. He wished he had someone he could ask, someone he could confide in. All his friends were thick with the Clan, though. Their allegiance would be with Clan. Cody's allegiance was with him. Solely. His mate. He was so fucking proud of his beautiful mate who could change whenever he wanted. Cody's tail was up, proud, as he ran near the cabin, barking happily. "Hey, Mate!" Barker laughed, wishing the moon was on them already so he could run with his mate. Cody squealed to a halt, spun around, and came barreling toward him. Marked - 183

"Oh fuck." He braced himself. Four paws left the ground as his mate leaped, tongue lolling out to one side in pure joy. LOVE! He went down under the force of Cody's leap, back hitting the ground with a thump, the wind totally knocked out of him. He managed to get his arms around Cody, though, fingers digging into fur. Cody licked him, paws holding him close. "Wish I could be beastly with you, Mate." Soon. Between the moon and his mate's closeness, his body was eager to give over to the wolf. The big head landed on the center of his chest, ear over his heart. "Cody..." He closed his eyes and held on tight, Cody's love clear, filling him. Cody's tail thumped against his legs. Laughing, he ran his fingers through Cody's fur. "Enjoying the beast, huh?" He knew that, after ten years of pain and not being able to change, this had to be amazing for Cody, especially out here in the wild. Cody chuffed softly, as at home in his form as any shifter he'd ever known. He wanted Cody to feel like this all the time, free and easy and happy. The hot, long tongue cleaned his throat, his chin. He laughed and turned his face. Next it was Cody's cold nose nudging his skin. "Hey! Cold and wet, mate!" Marked - 184

He could feel Cody's laughter. "Soon. The moon's almost here." He could feel it under his skin. God, he wanted to wolf out already and run and hunt and play with Cody. Come play with me. Cody's teeth were on his shoulder. It's not fair play while I'm like this. Still, he pushed Cody off and stood. Come play. Beautiful mate. He could feel Cody's admiration. He shook his head, but still he ran toward the trees. "Think you can catch me?" he shouted. As if he had even the smallest chance of getting away. It was a good thing he didn't want to. Cody chased slowly, giving him a head start, a chance. It made him laugh, made him put on as much speed as he could. He could feel his mate's breath on his thighs, his knees. Damn, Cody was fast. He put on a last burst, trying to get clear of the patch of rocks he was running over -- looking for a soft place to land. It meant something that Cody let him go, let him land on the soft grass. His initial instinct was to curl up to protect his belly, even though this was his mate, but because it was his mate, he didn't. Instead, he wriggled around so he was lying on his back, looking up into Cody's furry face. "You got me."

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Love you. That cold nose touched his belly, then Cody offered him the long neck. "Oh, mate." He grabbed it with his hand, squeezing just the barest bit before turning it into a good scratch. Cody's eyes rolled back, back leg thumping on the ground. He laughed, the sound turning into a growl as the change came over him. MATE! That sound was pure joy. He leaped up and pounced on his mate, muzzle rubbing along Cody's. Cody's paws nudged him, batted at him. He pushed back and nipped at Cody's haunches. The happy bark had him chuffing, rolling his mate under him. He put his head back and howled, the pleasure running between them. The moon was fat and full, his mate's voice harmonizing with him. They leaped up and started running, the ground flying beneath their feet. They barreled through the trees, heading for the creek, for the water. He caught the scent of a rabbit and called to his mate. Food! Cody crouched down, hunching and slowed, nostrils flaring. He was so proud of his mate -- Cody hadn't been hunting very long, but he was a natural. He circled around one side, making the barest bit of noise to distract the hare while Cody inched closer. As he watched, his mate pounced, grabbing the rabbit at the neck and shaking it, a quick, clean kill. Marked - 186

Teeth bared and bloodied, Cody brought the prey to him, bowing deep. He licked along Cody's jaw and then took his share of the organs before leaving the rest for Cody. Cody pounced happily, almost puppy-like. He pranced around his mate, tail up, keeping an eye on the forest around them. Cody nipped his heels, bouncing back, wagging hard. Chuffing, he pretended to be headed the other way and then pounced to the side, going for his mate. His muzzle grabbed Cody's ribs, his mate scrabbling on the ground. He rolled them, still chuffing, mock fighting. He felt Cody's paws batting at him, the happy snarling making him pant. He loved this, loved playing and just being, the freedom intoxicating. Cody's scent filled his nose, his heart. He put his head back and howled out his happiness. Another wolf howled back and Cody stilled, whimpering softly. Barker fell silent, head tilted. He put his head back and howled again. a warning this time. This was his land. His and Cody's. The howl came again -- one of the Clan, he thought. They'd chased him. Harry had lied about them being safe here. Maybe the man had just wanted them out of the city, where they could take him and Cody down without anyone else knowing.

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They're here. Cody would need to decide what he wanted to do. Stand and fight, run, go find Riana: the choices were limited, but they were there. Cody sighed, tail dropping. You should go if you want to. If you suggest I go one more time, I'm going to beat you, mate. The air went electric. You can try. He snarled. We don't need to fight each other right now. Cody ducked his head, submitting immediately. Good mate. We should go. He hated the thought of running from his land, from this place that was his, but if the Clan had come out in full force, he and Cody couldn't stand up against them. Not and survive. Which way? He didn't have a clue. North? It would take them the farthest away from the city, from the Clan. Cody sniffed the air, nose wrinkling. You'll be human in the morning. You'll need your things. They'll be here by then. There was no time. They would be trapped if they stayed. What? You'll wander around naked tomorrow? Marked - 188

If it keeps you safe. Cody tossed his head, snorted at him. He growled and started trotting off, heading north. Cody headed for the cabin. He snapped and snarled. The Clan would be looking for them there. Cody just kept moving. Asshole. He went after Cody, snapping at his mate's heels. Wrong way. No. Your truck is there. Hello. Wolf. Can't drive. Where was Cody's head? Cody's eyes met his. Hello. Freak. I can. He stopped. Yipped. Cody could be a man during the moon? Why not? Cody stared at him. You're my mate. I won't leave you helpless in the sun. I just never thought... What would it be like, to be the wolf while Cody was a man? Cody didn't answer, just kept moving. Growling, he followed his mate, nipping at those haunches. We'll get the truck, head north. Hell, we can go back to your place, grab supplies. The Clan would be all wolfed out and Cody could get right by them. It was ingenious, really. Marked - 189

His mate. His stunning mate. He howled to Cody, putting his admiration into it. Cody's eyes danced, twinkled for him, then his mate started to run.

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Chapter Fourteen Hurt. It hurt to be human during the moon. It hurt, but it worked, and he had Barker, Barker's things, his bag, money, food, and supplies all packed in the truck. Now he just had to drive until the sun was up. The Clan could travel hard at night as wolves, but they'd be stuck during the day, and it wasn't like there'd be cars or weapons or anything waiting for them when the moon made them change. Barker kept sniffing him, backing off and huffing. Smell funny. I know. I'm sorry, Mate. He took a handful of pain pills and kept driving. Don't be sorry. You rescued my clothes. He chuckled. Clothes, iPod, Barker's shaving kit -things they would need on the run. You still smell funny. Still, Barker moved closer, head resting on his thigh. He stroked Barker's head, breathing shallowly. You hurt, mate. I'm... He couldn't lie. Not mind-to-mind. The sun will be here soon, and I can drive. Barker growled a little and licked his hand. Or we can stop, "We'll be safe. Beautiful wolf."

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A bark answered him, Barker licking his hand again, moving closer so more of his body pressed against Cody's thigh. "You're so warm." Barker chuffed for him, gave a soft woof. He found his mate a smile, fingers rubbing the fuzzy ears. Breath leaving him in a huff, Barker moved, pushing against his hand. He could hear the whine of pleasure caught in his mate's voice. "Such a good wolf." He loved his mate with a fiery, burning passion. Barker's low growls were happy, pleased, and the long tail thumped hard against the truck's seat. He hummed, focusing on the road, on keeping it together. Sun's coming, mate. Maybe you should pull over. "So soon? Has the night gone so fast?" He was starting to waver. Barker growled softly and nudged his arm. Pull over. He managed to get the truck to the side of the road, killed the engine. Barker stood and pushed the great muzzle into his face. He draped his arms around Barker, buried his face in the soft fur. Love you, mate. So strong. Only wolf human during the moon. Marked - 192

Love. Hurt. Tired. I know. I'm sorry. It should be me taking care of you. Barker licked his face. "Shh." He closed his eyes, trying to rest, trying to avoid the questions. Why would the Clan care if he could change? Barker kept licking, wetting his face. "I don't know, what if they don't want me? What if it was a lie? Why do they hate me?" Another jolt of pain rocked him, and the urge to change was huge. I don't know, mate. Because they're assholes? I'd rather figure it out from a distance, though. "I've ruined your life." The bark he got was short, sharp. "Don't argue with me." Barker bared his teeth, a low growl sounding. He chuckled. God, he loved that noise. Don't laugh at me! That made the laughter worse, more hysterical. Barker barked sharply, and then the sound morphed as Barker began to change, the sun peeking up over the edge of the horizon. "Mate." He watched, smiling through his pain.

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Barker growled and stretched, head going up and shifting, nose sliding back into his face, body lengthening. In a matter of moments, his mate lay next to him, human and utterly naked. "Hey. We made it." "Yeah. Thanks to you. You got us far. And now we've got the day to put more distance between us and the Clan." Barker rose up and kissed him hard. "Guess I'd better get dressed, huh?" He nodded, too tired to even more. "Are you sure you're okay?" "I'm fine. What about you -- you looked wiped. Go ahead and change, mate." "Yeah?" His wolf battered at him, desperate. "Kiss me?" Leaning in, Barker took his mouth again, tongue pushing between his lips. He sank into this kiss, trusting in Barker to ease him. Strong fingers slid along his spine, rubbing and touching. Better. He leaned harder. Better. Barker responded eagerly, the kiss going deeper. He backed off, panting, the wolf knocking at his door. "It's okay, mate. Go ahead." "Sorry." He tore out of his clothing. "It's okay. I can't imagine what it was like, holding the moon off like that." Marked - 194

By the time he was changed, Barker was pulling on clothes. He curled into the seat, panting softly. Better. Better. Better. "I'm sorry you had to go through that." Barker petted him, fingers rubbing through his fur, at his skin beneath it. His eyes dropped closed. Protect my Mate. "Yeah, you did a good job of that. This part would have sucked without clothes. Not to mention, we'll get further with the truck." Barker started the engine up and steered the truck back onto the road. Music filled the cab, low and comforting, and he settled, his bones relaxing. "So how far did we get, mate? We're well past the cabin, yeah?" Yes. I headed due north, outside the Clan holdings. Toward the Northern Packs. Only the City Pack called itself a Clan. "Smart wolf. I don't know what we'll find up north, but it'll give us time to think. Figure things out a little." He panted, tail thumping. "See what you can really do. I mean, you can change when you want. Even when the moon's on you, you can be human, and when it isn't, you can be furry. There's the telepathy thing. God knows what else you've got up your sleeves." Marked - 195

He stretched his paws out playfully. Barker laughed, hand rubbing his head. The scratches felt so good. So good. "You picked up the money from my stash in my underwear drawer, right?"

He chuffed softly. That. Your safe from the bottom of the

closet. Your checkbook and your laptop.

Barker's eyes left the road for a minute to look at him. "You thought of everything, mate." Cody preened. He was a good mate. He was.

"Hopefully we can find someplace out of the way where

we can take time to figure some stuff out."

He rested his muzzle on Barker's leg. They would. They

had to.

Barker's hand landed on his head, stroking, petting him.

"I'm not letting them hurt you anymore, mate. They'll

have to come through me."

His eyes closed, so heavy. So tired. So tired.

It must have leaked through the bond, because Barker

petted him. "Go to sleep, mate. I've got this."

He licked Barker's wrist, then boom.

Heavenly, healing sleep.

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Chapter Fifteen Barker tried to find a place to stop for the night, but in the end, he drove the truck into a field off the road, hoping the tall grass would keep them hidden from what little traffic there might be. He pulled off his clothes, feeling the moon about to take him; he'd cut it close. Cody was awake and bouncing, staying close, encouraging him to hurry. He managed to open the driver's side door, and then he was bounding out, barking as the wolf took him. Cody sniffed him, nose nudging him. He turned and smelled Cody in return, nipping at his lover's muzzle. He loved the happy bounce, the yips of welcome, of admiration. He paraded up and down a little, showing off for his mate. Look at me. Forever. My Mate. Yes. Forever. Come on, mate. Let's run. Cody took off like a shot, paws digging into the ground, tail up. Chuffing, he followed, going all out to follow his mate. He was stronger than Cody, tall, but his mate was running flat out, making him work for it. There was nothing like this feeling, like running freely through the fields, the trees with his mate. He wasn't going to give this up. Not for anything or anyone. He finally had wholeness, life. Love. Love. He put his head back and howled it out to Cody. To his Mate. Cody's voice joined his, alone this time. Perfect. He howled once more and then gave chase. Marked - 197

The air was cooler here, almost crisp. It would be a good place to stay, to live. If they were both wolves all the time. He didn't know how much there was to do when they were non-furry. He shook off the thoughts -- they sat heavily on his shoulders when he was wolfed out. Now was the time to run and play and hunt and be with his mate. Cody circled him, heading to nip at his heels. He spun around, chuffing, going for Cody's in return. His mate was fast, light on his feet. Barker kept up the chase, trying to get in there, to get the bites in first. It made him chuff and bark and nip. Cody leaped over his back, paws barely ruffling his fur. He barked in surprise, twisting to face Cody. Cody chuffed softly, tail wagging. He leapt forward to nip at Cody's muzzle. He almost got it, but Cody danced away in time. He gave chase, getting more serious now. He would get Cody. Cody's head lowered, the wolf careening to the left, trying to fool him. He matched the move, though, leaping in the same direction. Cody was unpracticed, and Barker took him down fairly easily, rolling him to nibble at the soft fur of his belly. He growled softly, telling his mate how good he was. Then he remembered the bond. So good, mate. Cody wagged happily. Good. He rubbed their muzzles together. Why can't we just do this forever? Marked - 198

I don't know. Cody panted, eyes happy. He licked his mate's muzzle this time, pulling all the scent of Cody in. The smell was home and happiness, sex and pleasure and comfort. He woofed and licked one more time before bouncing away. It was Cody's turn to chase him. Cody ducked his head and came, claws digging into the dirt. Barker ran, dodging low-hanging tree branches and some roots, rocks on the ground, just going all out. They breathed together, panted together, learning how to move as a pack. He heard something to the right and turned, Cody right there with him, not missing a beat. It felt amazing. It felt right. This prey was larger than a rabbit. A small deer. They would need to work together, to coordinate. Mate. Deer. Cody's eyes were fastened on it, focused. Go right. I'll flush it that way. He didn't wait to see if Cody had heard him, simply circled around to head the deer toward his mate. Cody panted, nodded, crouched low. Now! He sprang forward, running for the deer, chasing it toward Cody. Cody bounded just at the last minute, springing up, teeth sinking into the deer's throat. Marked - 199

He stepping forward to help when a click sounded, a red-hot pain searing through his back leg. His back end went out from under him, a surprised whimper coming from him. He heard Cody barking, snarling, taking the deer down, but he couldn't get free. He snarled, looking back, trying to figure out what had him. A snare. Clamped around his leg. Panic filled him. Mate! Run! Go! Cody needed to go, to get away. Mate? His lover's attention was on him, fully, suddenly. Go! Don't get trapped. What if it was the Clan? That didn't make sense, but he couldn't shake it. He yanked on the snare. A part of him knew he couldn't just pull out of it, but he still couldn't stop himself. Cody came to him, not listening, growling low, sniffing his leg. Mate! Careful! Go! He growled and twisted back, trying to push his mate away. Cody had to run, to get away. Be still. The words were snapped, rough. Then Cody began to try and shift. No, mate. Go. Be safe. Someone could be coming. If they saw Cody, they might shoot him. He started panicking again. I will never leave you. The pain began to grow -- his pain, Cody's pain. Mate. He whimpered, cried out. Marked - 200

Cody knelt before him, naked, human. "Okay, Barker. I'm going to get you out, then get you to the truck and check your leg. Okay?" He whimpered, worried for his mate's safety, hurting. "Shh. Here. I'll open it." The human hands worked the snare open, then his mate lifted him like he weighed nothing. You hurt, mate. Don't hurt. Change back. "Hush. I have to look at your leg." Hurts. Maybe even more now that he was out of the trap. "I bet. We'll wrap it up, look at it. I don't think it's broken."

He licked Cody's face. He had a good mate.

Cody had to stop, twice, and ease him down, catch his

breath. "I'm sorry, mate."

I can make it the rest of the way. He could ignore the

pain for Cody.

"I've got you." The care his lover took of him made his

heart soar.

He stopped arguing and let Cody do what he was going

to do. He tried to ignore the throbbing in his leg.

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He was placed carefully in the bed of the truck, Cody's hands so gentle. "It didn't get the bone. I need to clean it." Hurts, mate. He whimpered softly, the pain filling his head. "I know. I'm sorry." Cody found a bottle of water, the cool splash almost helping. His back end twitched and he rested his head on his front paws with a sigh. Cody kept murmuring to him, spreading a cream, tearing a shirt to make a bandage. So good to me. Cody had to be hurting, stuck as a man again during the moon. "Hush. Your poor leg." His fur was smoothed. "Thank the Moon I was here." He barked his agreement. Who knew what would have happened if he'd been out here on his own? It was just one more advantage of having his own land. Would they ever be able to go back to his grandfather's cabin? "Damn trappers." Cody leaned against him. "I need to feed you." He didn't want to make Cody have to work, but he hadn't really had much to eat while human -- they'd focused more on the distance driven than physical comfort. Cody rested their heads together. "You stay here, quiet. I'll be back." Marked - 202

Careful, mate. There's traps. Who knows what else? "I will, but you need food."

He wagged his tail for his mate.

"Stay put." Cody shifted back, yelping at him, then his

mate ran back into the grass.

Careful, Mate! Shh. Hunting. He chuffed and thumped his tail once more before settling his muzzle back on his paws. He tried not to worry, but he couldn't help it. If Cody tripped another snare, his mate would be trapped until sunrise. Trapped, hurting, bleeding. Cody's mind brushed over him. Safe? He needed Cody to be okay, far more than he needed to eat. Come back. You need food. I'm being careful. He growled. Such a stubborn mate. The sun was barely lightening the sky when Cody returned, a haunch of the deer dangling from his jaws. Barker could feel the change coming, and he snapped up the meat, knowing he couldn't eat it once he'd changed. Good. Good, mate. Cody rested beside him.

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He'd barely finished the meal when the sun crested the horizon and Barker felt himself change. The leg hurt about five hundred times more as a human, and he clenched his teeth hard, holding back a cry. He looked down at it, where Cody was licking it, cleaning it. Fuck, he was torn up. It could be worse -- a lot worse. His leg was whole, the bone was whole, but... He let Cody wash it, knowing it was the best thing for it -- it would heal quicker. "Shit, that's not going to make driving easy." He even maybe was going to have to let Cody take care of it. I'll drive. You'll rest. "Yeah, I think it's going to have to work that way." He hadn't even tried walking on it, but it hurt like a son of a bitch, and he was sure any sort of pressure on it was only going to add to that. "You wanna change and help me get into the cab?" He felt Cody's soft sigh, then watched as Cody changed, slowly losing his fur. "It doesn't hurt when the moon's not up, does it?" It took Cody a minute to answer. "No, Mate. Let me help you." "That wasn't very convincing." Cody winked. "Up, oh growly one. I need to get us to a town, a pharmacy."

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"Yeah. just don't hurt yourself." He sat up and swung his legs over the side of the truck bed. Oh, he was not looking forward to standing. Cody walked up between his legs and lifted him, grunting under his weight. "Cody! Put me down, you fool." "Your fool." Cody panted. "Open the fucking door." He got the door open and grabbed onto the sides of the truck, helping get himself into the passenger seat. He nearly passed out when his leg hit the side of the truck, the pain shooting through him. "Easy! Easy. Fuck." Cody growled, eased him in. "Do you have any painkillers?" "I don't know -- you're the one who packed the truck up." He could sure use something, though. Painkillers, getting knocked out, a shot of something strong -- he wasn't feeling particularly picky. "I grabbed that bag in the bathroom." Cody started rummaging, eyebrows furrowed. He nodded, leaning his head back against the seat. "Yeah, yeah, I think there's something in that..." "Bingo. Here's a Vicodin and an energy bar. Oh, dude. Penicillin. You get all three, lucky bastard." "I'm not feeling very lucky just now." Marked - 205

"Why not? The leg's not broken; the muscle looks bruised but whole." "Hurts like a mother. I tell you what, I'll feel lucky when it's better, okay?" "Okay." A lukewarm bottle of water was handed over, and a pair of shorts. He took the water and drank half the bottle down before grabbing the Vicodin and penicillin, swallowing them dry and following them with the rest of the water. The shorts he just looked at. He wasn't sure he wanted to fuck around with pulling them up over his bad leg. He settled them in his lap so they covered him up and gave Cody what he hoped was a winning smile. Cody didn't argue, just nodded. "That works, man. Let me get us to a town." "Okay." The engine came on and the truck lurched forward. Barker closed his eyes, breathed deep through his nose. He was going to find the asshole who'd set the snare and put him in it. Possibly put him in two of them. Fucking hunters. Cheating. He knew he was growling, but he couldn't seem to stop and he was too pissed off about the snare to care. "Barker?" Cody looked at him, worried. "What?" he snapped, pain and anger making him short.

Marked - 206

A flash of emotion bled through their connection, then it

went silent. "Do you need me to stop?"

"No. Sorry." He growled. "I just need fucking hunters to

get caught in their own goddamned traps."

"I hear that. We'll get you a hotel somewhere, let you

sleep."

He shook his head. "We need to keep moving, mate."

"They won't chase us." Cody sounded as unsure as he

felt.

He shook his head; he knew better. If they'd lied to him about being safe at his grandfather's, then he would bet they'd chase Cody even farther. "We can't chance it. I can sleep here." In fact, the pain was beginning to ease off a little as the Vicodin kicked in. "It'll be okay. I'll protect you." He could feel his head roll on his shoulders. "No. I can't

protect you. Keep driving."

"I am driving. You're a turd."

"Fine. I'm a turd. Don't stop for this turd. Just drive until

you can't anymore."

Cody's fingers twined with his. "Rest, Mate. Please."

"As long as you keep driving, I will."

"Okay. Okay. I'm driving."

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"Just keep on doing it." He closed his eyes and sighed. Cody's chuckle was wry and quiet, easing his nerves a little. He squeezed the hand holding his and let the sound of the engine lull him into a doze. *** Cody drove until he found a town big enough for anonymity, then he searched for a pharmacy. He needed to clean Barker's leg, get food, find somewhere for Barker to rest, find work for a day or two for cash. Barker blinked awake when the truck stopped at a stop sign. He growled softly. "Why are we stopping?"

"I need food. Caffeine. You need antiseptic." Butthead.

"We have to keep moving. I can't protect you."

"I don't need protection. I'm fine."

"I'm your mate. It's my job."

"Uh-huh." Barker was being crazy.

"We move on as soon as we've got those things."

"Stop it. You need to bathe. I need to sleep. We're

getting a fucking hotel." He'd take on the fucking Clan if they came. Marked - 208

Barker shook his head, started growling. "No. We keep moving. I'll fucking drive if I have to." He growled right back. "Listen to me." "When you start making sense, I will." This was not working for him. "We're getting a hotel room." "Why are you being so fucking stubborn? The Clan is coming for you, get it?" "We've driven eight hundred miles. The Clan doesn't leave the city." He stared at Barker, then pulled over. "They drove me out, I'm leaving. Shit, you asshole. If they're coming for anyone, it's you." Barker shook his head. "No. You don't understand." Barker sighed and rubbed his face. "They came to me before we left for my granddad's place." "Came to you? Who did?" What had Barker been keeping from him? Barker grimaced. "An old friend. Or so I thought. He came to warn me. To get you out of town." "Why? Why do they want me?" Hell, he'd been skulking in the city off and on for years. Someone would have seen him; they would have had to. "Word got out that you can change now, Cody. From when you got mugged. Had to be. They want to know why and they won't stop at killing you if that's what it Marked - 209

takes to figure out why. You staying alive is not on their agenda." Cody shook his head. Monsters. They didn't deserve to be animals. "I won't let them hurt you, Cody." Barker looked at him, eyes full of pain, and also fire. "They will have to kill me first." "No one's going to hurt me, Mate, but we have to get you somewhere to rest." Hell, he needed rest. "They want to. Assholes. Afraid of anyone different from them. God. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, mate. I should have stood up to them." He shrugged. "And I should have died, committed suicide, but I didn't." "I'm not going to let you do that, either." "No, you're going to let me find a hotel and get a room for a day or two." "Now you want to stop for a day or two?" Barker growled. "Damn it, Cody, I'm worried about you." "And I'm not worried? You're hurt! I'm hungry and tired and it's not supposed to be like this!" The wolf hit him, hard, square, and he fought the change. "Mate! Fight it!" Barker growled. "Okay. We can stop. No changing until we're in a hotel, though. Hold on." Marked - 210

He nodded, panting, head bobbing as he did.

Barker's hand wrapped around his thigh. "Sorry."

"Not your fault." It was so much easier to be fuzzy.

"Just get us somewhere private, huh?"

"I'm trying." He found Barker a grin, a wink.

Barker's smile looked a little forced.

"We're going to be fine. You need a shower, a bed."

"I need the fucking Clan to back the hell off. They didn't

want you back then, they can't have you now."

"I can agree to that."

"Hey, we agreed on something today." Barker winked

and then winced as they went over a bump, the truck

jostling.

"Don't get used to it." Despite the words, he winced, too,

hating that he was hurting his mate.

Barker's laugh was strained. "We're stopping soon,

huh?"

"I promise. There's a motel up there. Not a chain. One

story."

"Thank fuck, I think I'd rather die than face stairs."

"Well, then. No stairs." He wasn't sure what else to say.

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Barker just grunted. He was looking a little white along the edges. Thank God they were coming up on the motel. "Stay. I'll be back." He parked, jogged up to the office, and tapped on the window. It didn't take a second to get them a room, a key. Barker was where he'd left him, eyes closed, head back against his seat. "We have a room in the back." Cody started the truck up, moved them around. "Good. Shit, get me a towel or something to throw around my waist. I'm pretty sure I'm not getting these shorts on." "I'll carry you in, but I have to get the door open first." "You are not going to carry me in." Barker was growling again. "Quit growling at me." He bared his teeth, puffed up a little. "Then get out of my fucking way so I can get in and lie down." "Fine." He tore the door open, carrying in supplies and ignoring Barker completely. Once the man was in and settled, he'd go look for food, for a place that needed a dishwasher for the night or something for a little underthe-table cash. Marked - 212

By the time he came around from the bed of the truck, Barker was a few steps from the truck, pale as a fucking ghost, looking like he was about to pass out. He arched an eyebrow, then grabbed the man and carried him into the room. "Hurts, mate." The sounds coming from Barker's throat were more like whimpers than growls at the moment. And he was hot, hotter than usual. "I'll get you in the tub and get you another antibiotic." He didn't panic. He wouldn't. If Barker got too bad, the man would succumb to the wolf, even without the moon, and start healing faster. "Sorry," muttered Barker, letting Cody manhandle him. "Shh." The tub was small but clean, and he got the lukewarm water going. Barker sat on the edge of the tub and put his hand in. "Feels cold." "It'll help your fever. You want a little more hot?" "Whatever you want, mate." "I think you need to cool off, then we'll make it more comfortable." "Sure." Barker slipped into the tub at his urging, gasping as his body slid into the water.

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He looked at Barker's leg. It was ugly, but not as bad as

it could be.

"I gonna live?" Barker asked, already looking slightly

better for being in the cool water.

"You are. You're going to be sore, but it's not bad enough to make you change, huh?" He poured the water over Barker's chest. Barker shook his head. "No. I would have already." He got a weak grin. "Just bad enough to make me miserable." "I'll find food, money. I'll take care of you."

"I should be taking care of you."

"You can tomorrow." Silly mate.

"'Kay." Barker closed his eyes and leaned his head

against the lip of the tub.

He let Barker soak while he found more meds, a drink of

water, some clothes.

"I'm getting cold." God, Barker could whine when he

was hurt.

Cody turned the hot water on, let some of the cold water

out.

"Good to me."

"Love you."

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Cody dressed in his work jeans, a flannel shirt. "I'm going to find food, see if I can't find a place that'll give me a few hours' work." Barker frowned. "You're leaving?" "Don't we need some cash?" He lived hand to mouth, at best. "You said you brought the safe as well as my stash from the underwear drawer, right? We've got money, mate." "Yeah? I can find work for you." His shoulders relaxed, though, the tension easing. "Let's wait until we start running low. Besides, I don't want you to go." "Okay." He went to switch the water out again, suddenly exhausted. Barker shook his head. "No, I just want out. I want to lie down and go to sleep and not be moving for a bit." "Okay. Let me help you up." He got Barker upright, got them both moving to the bed. Barker leaned on him, head on his shoulder. "I'll be back to normal tomorrow," growled Barker. He licked Barker's jaw, his chin, the wolf trying to come again.

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Barker pushed their lips together, the kiss lazy, more a

press of skin. "My mate."

"Yes. I'll guard you." He swore it. No one would attack

his mate.

"Trust you." One of Barker's eyes opened. "Only you."

"Good." He kissed the closed eyelid.

Barker kissed his fingers. "Yes, Boss."

He waited until Barker was sound asleep before he

changed, let himself relax, watch.

Stand guard.

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Chapter Sixteen Barker's sleep was troubled by dreams, nightmares. The Clan chasing them, the Elders tearing Cody open to see how he worked. He ran and he fought, his leg dragging behind him, hindering him. He woke up, barking, the sound strange in his human throat. Cody was on all four legs, snarling, bouncing from window to door, checking for threats. He looked around wild-eyed, going into a crouch and ignoring the pain. Mate! What is it? His heart was pounding, pounding. Are you okay? You were screaming! Did they come? Cody's exhaustion poured from his mate, his lover clearly tired to the point of near insanity. Dreaming. I was dreaming. He thought. He was pretty sure. Cody blinked for him, then the soft nose brushed his leg, tongue cleaning it. Again. He let his hands drop to Cody's head, fingers digging through the fur. "Mate." God, his voice was rough, rusty. Cody cleaned him, then eased him back onto the bed, sniffing him, scenting him. "I'm good." Better, anyway. His fever was gone and the pain was... well, he needed some fucking painkillers, but he was gonna live. Marked - 217

Cody whimpered for him, nuzzled him. "I don't suppose this place does room service?" He needed food. Of course, the town was big enough there might be a pizza joint. Cody chuffed softly, laughing at him. "Aren't you hungry?" Cody had to be as hungry as he was, maybe even more so. Hungry. "You're going to have to change, mate. Wolves don't eat pizza." Cody chuffed again, headed to him, muzzle on the bed. "Come on. Let me feel skin instead of fur." Cody's face started to change, to stretch. "Mmm. Come on, Mate. Skin on skin. So good." His lover tried so hard for him. Slowly, painfully, Cody changed for him, eyes staring at him over huge dark circles. He knew how tired Cody was, how much his mate wanted to just lie down and sleep, but instead, Cody had changed for him. For him. He leaned in and pressed their foreheads together. "Mate." Cody kissed him. "Mmm..." He let his pleasure at being with his mate purr from him. Marked - 218

When their lips parted, he tugged Cody up onto the bed beside him. "Pepperoni, bacon, and hamburger?" "Mmmhmm." Cody pressed close. "You feel better." "I guess. I just know the fucking ache in my leg has turned into a huge hole in my gut." "There are some protein bars to tide you over 'til the pizza shows." Assuming they ordered it. "Oh, yum." He gave Cody a grin and nodded at the little table holding the lamp and phone. "There should be a local phone book in there." Cody rolled over, letting him see the long, lean back. He reached out, unable to resist, fingers sliding along Cody's spine. Cody's muscles jerked and trembled, responding to him. He kept touching as Cody opened the drawer and grabbed out the phone book. "You call -- I sound like something died in my throat." "Hey, I killed the squirrel before you ate it." That had him laughing, and it felt good to do it, to release some of the tension the dreams had left in him. Cody called, ordered them two large pizzas and a twoliter of Coke, both of them periodically cracking up.

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He lay back on the bed with a sigh, feeling more tired than he liked to admit. "How long did you pay for?" They needed another day of sleep, both of them. "Three days. I thought you needed sleep." "Good. I don't think we should stay that long, but we can sleep until tonight." He was past the change; he could drive. "We'll see. I can't drive yet, man, I'm seeing things." "I'll be well enough by this evening to take it on." Hurt or not, they had to keep going. He knew what the Clan would do if they ever caught up with Cody. He wasn't going to let that happen. "Maybe." Stubborn mate. Barker snorted. "Go get some clothes on, mate. You don't want to answer the door naked, trust me. We're trying to fly below the radar, not make some poor pizza boy call the local cops." "Yeah, yeah." Cody looked exhausted, droopy, but the man dressed quickly. "Sorry, mate." He hated having to lean on Cody as hard as he was -- he was supposed to be taking care of his mate, looking out for Cody, not getting injured and making Cody do all the taking care of. "Shh. You'll eat and rest."

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"And so will you -- you look like you went ten rounds with Sugar Fists McLean." Cody nodded, dismissing him. He stuck his tongue out at his mate. Cody chuffed softly, rolled his eyes. Grinning, he opened his arms, wanting his mate close. "I have to wait for the pizza." Still, Cody pushed into his arms, careful of his leg. "You don't have to wait for it by the door." He nuzzled his mate, rubbed their cheeks together. "You smell good." Cody moaned for him, eyelids heavy for a second before they popped open. "Yeah? Not like sickness?" "No. No infection." "Good." He nibbled at Cody's lips, at his cheeks. "Mmm." He could feel his mate leaning close, then jerking awake. He needed Cody to stay awake until he'd eaten. Waking up hungry was a lousy way to start the day. He kept touching lightly, nipping sharply now and then, keeping his mate from falling asleep. "Not sleeping. Watching." Cody panted softly, eyes glowing. "So strong, mate." He let his pride and admiration show. Marked - 221

"Love you. Will protect you." "My job." He growled a little. "Not right now." No, but soon. His mate was exhausted. He stroked his fingers through Cody's hair, thumb rubbing along the side of one eye. They both jumped when the knock at the door sounded. "Pizza." Cody got some money, went to the door. Barker tensed, stood before Cody got the door open. "Check before taking off the chain," he growled. "I know." Cody growled back, eyes flashing. He didn't care if the reminder had pissed Cody off, it was too important. "Just fucking check." The knock came again. Cody nodded, checked the door, shoulders taut. Barker stayed tense, ready to leap to Cody's defense until his mate relaxed marginally. It was the pizza boy. The smell made him growl and rumble, made him toss his head. So good. Cody traded cash for pizza boxes and drinks, and got the door locked again, the chain up on it. "Come on, come on. I'm hungry enough to eat the damn box." Marked - 222

Cody tossed the pizzas to him, double checked the locks on the doors, and sucked down a quarter of the Coke straight from the bottle. "Don't drink so much of that it keeps you awake. Unless you want to go ahead and get us moving after we've eaten." He tore open the first box and grabbed two slices. Cody flipped him off, nostrils flaring. He was too busy shoving pizza into his mouth, taking a bite from one slice and the other, to reply in any manner at all. Cody grabbed the other box, eating quickly, quietly. He wolfed the first three slices down like he hadn't eaten in days, and then finally slowed down long enough to take a few long gulps of the Coke and wipe his mouth with the back of his hand. "Good pizza." Cody grunted, eyes glowing gold at him. "Finish the pizza before you shift, mate. Pizza and wolf stomachs are not the best match -- trust me on this one." Cody's answer was a nod. He'd eaten nearly the entire pizza before he was full, his stomach feeling like it was bulging. He drank some more Coke and then collapsed onto the bed with a sigh. "You think there's anywhere we'll be safe?" They were headed north, but exactly where, he didn't know. Mostly, he didn't know who to trust.

Marked - 223

The Clan and whoever answered to them were a distinct and definite threat. Cody's sister and whoever else was in the mountains with them... He didn't know if he could trust them, either. He'd bet they wouldn't want much to do with him -- he was normal, he was Clan. He was pretty sure they wouldn't hurt Cody. The Northern Packs... he didn't know how suspicious they'd be of Clan, even Cast Out Clan. "They can't keep coming." Barker nodded slowly. He wasn't so sure about that. "I don't think they know about the bond." He wasn't sure if Cody being able to change whenever he wanted would set a high enough price on his head that they'd never be able to stop running, but the bond thing -- he was pretty sure if they found out about that, he and Cody would never be free. What Cody could do was something special. What they could do together was... sensational. "Good. The less they know, the better. Wolves are territorial. They shouldn't follow us." "Unless they decide we're part of their territory." He shook his head, though. "No, I think you're right. I think if we stay away, far away, we'll be okay." He still wasn't sure where they were going to go, though. He'd never lived anywhere else, his grandfather's land the farthest he'd ever been from home. "Okay. You should rest." Cody's distress was leaking through the bond, making him tremble. Marked - 224

It immediately put him on the alert. "Sure. After you tell

me what's wrong."

"Wrong? Nothing." Liar.

"You can feed that shit to someone else. I'm your mate,

Cody. Not to mention I can feel it your worry in my

head. What. Is. Wrong?"

"Nothing!" Cody snarled softly, teeth bared.

He pushed the pizza boxes out of the way and latched

onto Cody, dragging his mate to him. "Don't feed me

that bullshit."

Cody snapped at him, teeth clicking.

"What is wrong with you?" he growled.

"Nothing." Cody was trembling, eyes rolling. His mate.

Mate! He cried out through their bond, pretty sure Cody

wouldn't be able to hide from him when they

communicated like this.

Tiredtiredtiredtiredsleepsleepsleep. Seeing things. His

mate was hallucinating. Damn it. Why hadn't Cody just

told him? Stubborn asshole.

Growling, he pushed Cody so his mate was lying down.

"Get some sleep, mate."

"Protecting you." Cody fought him, crying out.

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He stretched ignoring the pain in his leg, and lay mostly on top of his mate. "You're done for today. It's my turn. Go to sleep before you do something crazy." "Protecting. Keeping watch. My mate." Cody wasn't even seeing him. Sleep. It's safe now. I'll watch. He growled softly. Change and sleep, mate. "I'm watching..." Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. "I'm watching. You sleep." Stubborn mate. "No." "Don't you make me knock you out." He growled and glared down at Cody. Cody growled back, almost wolfy again. "Go on, change. Sleep. I need you with it when we start moving again." Cody's head rolled, poor eyes staring at him. He kissed his mate, tongue pushing in, demanding Cody's surrender. The kiss was toothy, sloppy, and Cody fought him, but only for a moment. He found Cody's cock with one hand, jacking it, determined to do what it took to send his mate to sleep. Mate? Cody sounded surprised. Yes. Mate. Making you come. Making Cody sleep. Marked - 226

Have to watch... He could feel Cody's need like an ache. No. Your mate will watch. He tugged harder, thumb rubbing across the head of Cody's cock. Mate. Mate. Cody's need hit him. He groaned as his own cock firmed, responding to Cody's need. Cody hummed, growled, head tossing. He went back to kissing, to jacking, pushing at Cody to come. He could hear Cody, hear the desperate, shattered little thoughts. He bit at Cody's bottom lip, tugging on it. Gimme. Mate. Love. Need. Yes! Heat sprayed over his hands. He growled happily into the kiss and then slid down Cody's body, licking the come from his mate's belly. Cody moaned, boneless, quiet. He kissed Cody's face. Sleep, mate. Love. Safe. "Yes, mate. Safe. Sleep." Those eyes held his for a second, and then he was holding a wolf. A deeply asleep, limp wolf. Sighing in relief, Barker laid his own head down on the pillow and held on as he drifted off, one ear still tuned to the noises around them. Marked - 227

*** Chasing him. They were chasing him. "Brother." He looked over at the woman, his sister. "What? Can't you leave me alone?" "I'm trying to help you, you ingrate!" "Ingrate? Where the hell have you been?" She snapped at him. "Banished. Just like you!" Mate? Wake up, mate, you're dreaming. His sister gasped. "Who is that?"

"My mate. You can hear him?"

"I'm in your head, in your dream, Brother, of course I

can hear him!" Her eyes narrowed. "How come you

can?"

"What?" He scrambled away, back. Fuck. Wake up.

Wake up.

"Cody. Come on. Wake up." Barker shook, him.

His eyes popped open. "She knows."

"Cody? Who knows what?" Barker stared down at him,

growling, bristling.

"My sister. She heard you in my dream."

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"In your dream." Barker blinked and then relaxed down beside him. "You were dreaming, mate. Having a nightmare, really." He nodded, heart racing. "She knows about us. Our bond." "But it was just a nightmare, mate." "I..." He shook his head. No. No, it was her. "You think it was real?" "I... I don't know. It was weird." He was so tired of nothing being normal. Barker growled. "I hate not knowing what the hell is going on. Is there anyone we can trust? Anyone we can talk to?" "I don't know. You're the only one I trust. You're the one with friends, Barker. Family." "Family who advised me to stay away while you were being run off, who advised me to forget you. And yes, friends -- who came to warn me the Clan was going to grab you and tear you to pieces trying to figure out how you work. I wish my grandfather was still alive." "I do, too." He wished things weren't... broken. Maybe he was cursed. Barker pulled him close. "We'll get through it." Marked - 229

"You think so? I didn't mean to bring this on you."

"You've had it hard way longer than I have, mate. This

isn't your fault."

"How can it not be?" How could it not be?

Barker shrugged, frowned. "Because... because I came

after you."

"What?" That didn't make sense.

"I followed you, made you come up to the cabin with

me. So it's not your fault, 'cause I did it."

"You don't regret it?"

"Are you kidding? I got to see you change. I have a mate

who's with me now. A beautiful wolf who can be a wolf any time! Shit, babe, you're something special." Barker gave him a hard kiss. "Besides, my life was fucking boring." Warmth filled him up, pushing the sick, sad loss aside. Pushing him onto the bed, Barker kept kissing him. My

mate. Mine. Love you. Won't give you up. Won't.

Your leg? The kisses made him dizzy, made him hard.

Better enough to ignore.

Need. He needed.

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I know. Me, too. Barker kept kissing, one hand sliding on his skin. His cock filled, his body tight, needing. "I can feel your need through the bond." Barker met his eyes, and it felt like his mate was looking into him. "Do you like it?" "Mmmhmm." Barker kissed him again, tongue twisting with his. He could feel Barker's need through the bond as well, hungry and all for him. He needed this, needed to feel wanted, mated, whole. Barker rolled them so he was on top, legs on either side of Barker's thighs. "Ride me, mate." "God, yes." He sucked his fingers into his mouth, wet them, then wet his hole. Barker groaned, then growled, hands wrapping around his hip. He pressed two fingers inside, the stretch sweet, deep. Deep, but not enough. "Want you," Barker told him, the need filling their bond as well. "Take me." He was Barker's. Barker shifted him, pressed the tip of the hard cock against him. He let his fingers slip free, let Barker press in. Marked - 231

"Oh, fuck, you're tight." Barker pressed up, hips pushing

the thick prick into him.

He threw his head back, throat working. "More. Please."

"Uh-huh. More. Lots and lots more."

He fought the urge to howl as Barker buried himself up

to the root. Then Barker pulled out and thrust back in,

hands pulling his hips up and bringing them back down.

"Mate. Again." He drove himself up, slammed himself

down.

Barker met his thrust, adding his power to it.

"Yes!" His toes curled, their skin slapping together.

"Mate! Mate!" Barker's voice rang out.

He nodded, grunting. Yes. Mate. Please.

Barker's hand slid around his cock, his own movements

driving it along his lover's palm. Pleasure so sharp it was

almost pain shot up his spine.

I feel you, mate! He couldn't answer. He simply felt and moved and rode. They moved together for a long time, the pleasure building, twisting. Barker's gaze burned into him, the need there echoed by their bond. For the first time in days, Cody felt whole. Barker's skin became limned Marked - 232

with sweat, his, too, the sound of their bodies coming together loud. "Need." More than breathing. "Take," muttered Barker as love and need and Barker's strength pushed toward him. "Yes." He slammed back, his ass hitting Barker's thighs. "Fuck!" Barker cried out, the hand on his cock going so tight Cody thought the skin might split. Spunk shot out of him, his ass squeezing Barker's prick. Barker's climax followed his almost immediately, heat spraying deep inside him. His howl rang out, filling the air, rejoicing. Barker's met it, the sounds not quite right from their human throats, but heartfelt, real. He leaned down, cheek on Barker's shoulder, panting hard. Barker's hands slid around to hold onto him, his lover matching him breath for breath. "I don't know what we're supposed to do, mate." "I say we run until we feel like we've put enough miles between us and the Clan. Then we can think without it hanging over us." Barker's voice rumbled up along where their chests were pressed together, almost like a purr soothing through him. "Okay." He nodded, relaxed down against his mate, hummed softly.

Marked - 233

Barker kissed the top of his head. "It is okay, mate. No one will hurt you, I swear." Just then, the door of the motel room burst open, the sting of a dart in his neck sending him winding into a sudden, undeniable blackness.

Marked - 234

Chapter Seventeen The sound of the door slamming open startled Barker, making him jerk as Cody became a dead weight on top of him. Howling, snarling, he shoved Cody off him, putting himself between his mate and the door. Ignoring the pain in his leg, he went to his haunches, snarling as he faced the threat. He saw faces he'd grown up with, friends become enemies. "Let him go, Barker. He's not one of us." "He's mine." He reached behind him, pushing Cody until his mate's body fell onto the floor with a thump, the entire bed between Cody and these assholes. Mate! He called out through the bond. He needed Cody to wake up. Barker... The thought was distant, fuzzy. "He's an abomination. Unnatural. He'll expose us." He stayed crouched where he was. "Expose us?" He snorted. His mate was special, better than the rest of them. Wake up, mate. "Yes. He's abnormal. We cannot accept him." Harry looked at him, the Elder's eyes actually sad. "Please, friend. Move." Trying. Marked - 235

Now, mate. I need you to run. "We aren't hurting you. Leave us be." They knew what being mates meant; they should have known better than to even ask. "We're going to take him. If you walk away now..." "You can't have him. He's mine." He snarled. "My mate.

Leave us before I tear you to pieces."

The rifle lifted, pointed at him. "Don't make us kill you."

He barred his teeth, growled softly. Mate. I could really

use a distraction about now. You got it. Cody growled, leaping from behind the bed, caught between human and wolf. Shit. They were going to be lucky if they weren't both shot. Growling himself, he launched himself at Harry, going for the arm holding the rifle. "Brother!" "Get back, you silly bitch!" Three more people pushed into the room, and Barker didn't know how they were all fitting. The rifle went off -- pointing at the ceiling, thank fuck -and Barker wrestled Harry for it, wanting the gun out of the asshole's hands before Cody was hurt. Marked - 236

He heard Cody's snarl, heard barking and the sounds of flesh hitting flesh behind him. He finally got the rifle out of Harry's hands and knocked the butt of it across the man's head, hard. Then he stood and shot the fucking rifle at the ceiling, on purpose this time, before aiming it at the crowd in general. He had no idea who some of these people were, and he wasn't taking any chances. "Everyone fucking freeze." Cody -- who was fully fuzzy, along with a painfully pregnant wolf and a huge gray male -- trotted over to him. Harry was passed out on the floor, another Clan member whimpering and curling over a badly mauled arm, while the third man had indeed frozen where he stood. Dirk was his name, if Barker remembered rightly, and he was mostly kept around for his muscles. Mate. Who are these wolves? Hadn't there been more people just a few moments ago? Sirens sounded in the distance. Shit. He'd bet the manager had called the cops after the gun shots. My sister. Let's go. Both other wolves barked, and a large, gnarled man who looked oddly familiar peered through the door. "We have to move. Now. Mate. Now." The pregnant wolf's head bobbed. Marked - 237

Barker didn't know if he was ready to entirely trust Cody's sister, but she had come to their rescue and he suspected she was their best bet. They certainly couldn't stay here; the sirens were getting closer every second. "My truck's just outside." He grabbed the duffel bag Cody'd brought in. "We're in the Jeep. Follow us." The man looked at the Clan, growled. "You three stay." Barker waved the rifle at them. "You try and follow us, and I'll stop you with your own fucking piece." Cody panted, nipping at his heels. Go. Go. "I'm going." He growled a little and got to the truck, tossing the duffel bag into the bed and opening the passenger door for Cody. Cody leaped up, and he could see the big man lifting the pregnant wolf into the Jeep. He ran around to the other side of the truck and started the engine, pulling out and heading for the exit, glancing back to make sure the Jeep made it out, too. He'd let them pass him once they were away from the motel and the cops who were descending upon it. Can you drive? Your leg? "I'm fine." In fact, until Cody had mentioned it, he hadn't even felt his leg. Now, of course, it was starting to throb like crazy. He had a hunch they were going to have to swap out when the adrenaline wore off. You were so brave. There was a wealth of pride in that thought. Marked - 238

"I was just protecting my mate." It made him smile, though. He pulled to the side of the road a few blocks from the hotel, letting the black Jeep pass him. "How did she know where we were? How did the Clan know?" I don't know. "More unknowns." He growled. "We don't even know where we're going." And his leg was really starting to throb. A wave of regret flooded him, coming from his mate. He glanced at Cody. "I'm not sorry, mate. I'm pissed off -- fucking angry as all hell at the Clan, but I don't regret having my mate with me for a second." Cody didn't answer, muzzle on the seat of the truck. He followed the Jeep out of town and toward the mountains in the distance, the throbbing in his leg getting worse by the second. He clenched his teeth together, hands gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles were white. Let me drive. He wasn't even sure that Cody could change back yet. "Four paws, remember?" Right. Cody chuffed, head bobbing gently. Let me try to change. "It's okay if you can't, mate. I'm good for awhile longer." What did they put in me? Marked - 239

"It knocked you out for a bit, right?" Yeah, and when I heard you, I was fuzzy. He glanced over and frowned. "Are you trying to tell me there was something in whatever they shot you with that turned you fuzzy?" Shit. That wasn't good. He was going to have to refocus and deal with the driving on his own. I think fuzzy is where I go now. "Like when you're hurt? So you should be able to change back, right? Try."

He could feel Cody trying, struggling, and slowly, so

fucking slowly and painfully, the change started.

It made him wince, feeling that struggle. "Stop. I don't

need you to drive yet."

Cody whimpered, panted. Sorry. Sorry. Trying. For you.

Cody would do anything for him.

"Let's wait until I'm a little more desperate, huh?" He

wouldn't let Cody sacrifice or hurt himself for him.

Cody slumped to the seat, panting harder.

"You need anything, mate?"

Cody groaned, eyes closing.

"Food? Painkillers?"

Marked - 240

I'm okay. "Yeah? You sure?" The black Jeep moved faster, and he

had to speed to catch up.

Cody didn't answer.

He growled. "Mate..."

Cody's mind was quiet, still.

"Mate?" Mate!

Shh...

"What's the matter?" He needed to know Cody was all right. Damn it, he'd just promised Cody he'd protect his mate when the Clan had come in and done something to him! Stoned. The thought was distant, fuzzy. "Oh." He relaxed a little at that. Stoned wasn't hurt, and it could explain the inability to change. And it would wear off, right? Right. The Jeep ahead signaled, and he followed it as it turned off the highway and then onto a small, two-lane road. He didn't see any signs as they continued to zoom along in the growing twilight and the landscape became more and more forested. Where the hell were they? He was getting fucking tired of not knowing what the hell was going on. Marked - 241

Cody's muzzle landed in his lap, his mate's head heavy. He dropped one hand to Cody's head, rubbing the soft fur there. "It's going to be okay, mate." He kept the worry out of his voice and tried to believe his own words. A soft, hot tongue brushed his wrist. "Mmm..." He continued petting, let his feelings for his mate push through their bond. They all slowed, a huge gate opening, letting them all drive inside. He tried to tell himself that this wasn't a trap, wasn't fucked up. He couldn't stop the worry, though. He didn't know these people, what they wanted, what they'd do to his mate. Men came out of the car, then the super-pregnant Riana. She headed for them. "How's he doing?" "They shot him up full of something -- he's pretty groggy." He didn't make any attempt to get out of the truck yet. "Poor baby. There's a cabin. It hasn't been used in a couple of years, but it's solid and we have generator power." She sniffled. "You need a doctor?" He shook his head. "Just a day or two off my damn leg." "We can do that." She pointed to a cabin -- the thing wasn't beautiful, but it looked solid. "You can rest there. I need to..."

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The large man from earlier wrapped his arm around her waist. "She needs to rest. She's carrying twins. If you need anything, we're in the red house." "We just need to be left alone." He was about done. Really. The guy nodded, smiled. "See ya." "Thanks." He managed to remember his manners at the last minute. He stayed where he was, though, until he and Cody were alone, everyone else having scattered. Mate? There's shelter. He'd carry Cody if he had to. He was really hoping he didn't have to. Cody's eyes opened, and his mate sort of... fell out of the truck before scrambling to his feet. He growled, fingers curling into the fur around Cody's neck. Okay, mate? Good. Cody panted, almost laughing. You really are stoned. He pushed Cody toward the dilapidated cabin. The laughter got worse. He rolled his eyes and kept heading Cody in the right direction. The door needed a hard tug to be opened, but it was solid and there was a lock on the inside. The cabin was simple: a little dusty, but decent. Solid. There was a couch, a table, a chair, a rug. Like a house. Marked - 243

He looked for a bed and, when he didn't find it, checked the couch. Sure enough, it was a pull-out. He opened it up and patted it. "Come on, Mate. You need to sleep it off." Cody leaped up, turning around and around in the sheets. Jesus. He threw himself onto the bed, wrapping his arms around Cody and pulling the wolf close. Cody groaned, went boneless, and he could hear laughter and singing, random joy leaking from his mate. At least it was a good trip. He rubbed at Cody's fur, petting and stroking and digging his fingers in. The place was quiet and felt safe. Felt like a sanctuary. He started to relax, the throbbing in his leg backing off a bit now that he wasn't using it anymore. He curled around Cody and held on, letting his mate's giddiness roll through him. Home. Home. Home. The word hummed and buzzed through Cody. Home? Mate? Smells so good here. He breathed in and sneezed at the dust. The wolf must have caught the scents beneath that. I'll take your word for it. The soft laughter made him want to beat Cody. "Some of us are stuck in our skin for another month." He buried his nose in Cody's fur -- that was much better than the dust. Marked - 244

Cody snuggled back against him, boneless and relaxed. At least his mate wasn't hurting, though it bothered him that Cody couldn't change. A little niggling voice said, what if they'd shot him up with something that made it so he couldn't ever change back? Shh. You saw. In the truck. It was hard, but I was getting there. "What?" He hadn't said anything out loud -- or through the bond, at least not deliberately. Cody's eyes stared at him. What what? I didn't say anything. How did you know what I was thinking? Cody's head tilted and he could feel the confusion. "It's okay, mate. Don't worry about it." He rubbed the spot on the top of Cody's head between his ears. "Probably just some weird side effect from the drugs." Cody's eyes crossed, tongue lolling out. He chuckled, rubbing his mate's fur again. "You're stoned, mate. Out of your brain." Still, it was adorable, and for the first time in weeks, he felt like he could breathe. He lay there, petting and loving on Cody, his body relaxing, easing.

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Chapter Eighteen He slept hard, his dreams vague and distant, happy, and when he woke, Barker was beside him. Cody sniffed and licked, cleaning his mate gently. So beautiful. Barker made a chuffing sound, a half-laugh, and shifted, sighed. He nuzzled the soft balls, then cleaned the scabbed wounds on Barker's leg. "Mmm." Barker's hand dropped to his head, fingers sliding through his fur. "Mate." He chuffed, nuzzled Barker's wrist, so happy to have Barker awake and easy. "You feeling better?" He nodded, focused on his skin, his long legs. "Oh, yeah, that's it, Cody. You can do it. Be a man for me." The change happened -- not fast, but it happened, and he was sprawled across Barker, smiling. "Mate." Chuckling, Barker drew him up a little more and brought their mouths together. He wrapped around Barker, diving into the kiss with a happy growl. Barker opened up for him, tongue sliding along his own. He could feel Barker's body responding to him, prick going hard, pushing up against his belly. His cock swelled, and they started rocking together, finding a lazy, rolling rhythm. He could feel Barker's Marked - 246

pleasure through their bond as Barker's hands landed on

his ass, pressing him down against the strong body.

"Feeling better?" He bit Barker's bottom lip.

"Yeah. It's just a little sore now. Easy to ignore." Barker

grinned, fingers digging in, lips reaching for his once

more.

"Good to hear." He arched into the touch, moaned into

the kiss.

Barker's agreement was more a sound in their kiss, the

strong body moving beneath his. His fingers wrapped

around Barker's cock and he loved that the man was

dripping for him.

"Cody!" Barker arched, beginning to pant.

"Hmm?"

"More, mate." Don't stop. Don't stop.

"I won't." Why would he?

"Good." Groaning, Barker moved faster, cock sliding

through his fingers.

Good. Mate. He licked a line down Barker's throat.

"Uh-huh." Barker groaned, head going back further to

give him more room. He nibbled and licked, sucking up a dark mark. His. A low, rumbling noise came from Barker's throat, pleasure Marked - 247

emanating from his mate. Yes. His. He groaned, sucked

harder.

"Marking me," muttered Barker, hips jerking, pushing.

Yes. Mine. My mate.

"Cody!" Barker cried out, heat pouring over his fingers.

"Mine." He snarled, bucked against Barker's hip. He

needed.

"Yeah, mate. I am." Barker's fingers slid down along his

hip, down to his prick.

"Please." His entire body bucked, rolled.

Barker growled softly for him. "My mate."

"Yes." He bared his throat, his belly, his balls.

Barker rolled on top of him, working a mark into his

throat, his belly, sucking on his balls. Sharp yips left his

throat, his whole world spinning. Barker's mouth moved

from his balls and wrapped around his cock.

"Mate!" Heat poured from him, pulsed from him, and he

pushed deep into Barker's throat.

He could feel his lover swallowing down around his

cockhead, taking him all in. So good. So good.

He was suddenly so fucking happy, he couldn't bear it. Barker let him go, sliding up his body to take his mouth, Marked - 248

share his taste with him. Cody licked at Barker's mouth, lazy and easy in his bones. You're happy. "Mmmhmm." He was. It smelled real here. "Good." Barker seemed content to lie there, holding him, stroking his skin. His cheek found a resting place on Barker's shoulder, and he listened to the man's steady heartbeat. "I want it to be like this. Just this." "Okay." He could handle that. He didn't believe it, but he could handle it. *** Barker closed his eyes and held onto Cody and tried to keep everything else out. He could feel how happy Cody was in this moment, and he didn't want to let it go. His leg started throbbing, though. And he needed a shower in the worst way. He probably could have ignored all that if his shoulder hadn't started itching. He couldn't scratch it without moving, and he just knew that once he moved, the moment would be over. He tried very hard not to let it get to him, but he could feel himself slowly getting tighter, the itch intensifying the harder he tried to ignore it. Marked - 249

Cody looked up at him. "Hopefully, this place has a bathroom." Oh, yeah, he had to do that, too. Laughing, giving up on being able to hold onto the moment forever, he shifted Cody and scratched his shoulder, all but drooling as the itch was relieved. "Yeah. And a kitchen." You never knew, and if everyone could change at will, maybe they didn't have amenities for humans. Of course, all these wolves had mates, just like Cody had him. There had to be... There was. A kitchen, a bathroom, even a tiny bedroom in the back that they'd missed the night before with a regular bed. He opened some windows, a rush of fresh, clean air pushing into the place. It was no wonder Cody's wolf had been excited. From there, he went to the kitchen, making a face when the tiny fridge proved not only to be empty, but not running. A try at the light switch confirmed it was the electricity that was missing. "You have to flip the breakers in the back." A young man's face appeared at the window. "I can show you." The initial flash of panic at a stranger at their window faded slightly as the words sank in, and Barker nodded stiffly. He found a door in the kitchen leading to the outside. It had three locks on it, and he undid each one carefully, noting that they were well oiled and worked easily. Someone had built this place with ease of escape Marked - 250

and defensibility in mind. It made him wonder if all the homes here were like it. And how soon they'd need those defenses. Would the Clan come here? He'd seen the look in Harry's eyes, on the faces of the others who'd come; they wanted Cody, dead or alive. "I'm Caleb, by the way. That's my uncle in there." "Cody?" It was true, then. Cody's sister was still alive and had come to their rescue. He could see the truth of Caleb's words in his eyes -- so like Cody's. "Yeah. Can I meet him soon? Can he change like Mom? I can't wait to find my mate and change, too." "Yeah, he can change whenever he wants. That's when it's supposed to happen, huh? When you find your mate?" So how come Cody hadn't changed ten years ago? "Mom says you have to, uh..." Caleb pinked. "You know, mate, with your mate, during the moon." He grunted. That could explain it. He and Cody had mated before their first change, and then Cody had been sent away. When they'd gotten together this time, they'd mated between full moon nights. God, if they'd only known. If someone had told them. "The breaker box is back here. There's going to be a grocery store run today, for flour and potatoes and things. The hunters are out, too." Marked - 251

"Is there someone in charge I can talk to?" "My dad is the Alpha. He said to tell you to come see him when you're rested and settled." Those eyes that were blue like Cody's twinkled. "Mom is very, very grumpy today. The new babies will be here soon. I wouldn't see her." "Ladies with babies in their bellies." He nodded. "I know well enough to leave them alone." "Yeah. Me, too." The breaker box was opened, the fuses clearly marked. Barker chuckled and watched. "Thanks. I don't suppose we can borrow some steak or something." "You'll have to talk to my dad. There's like a pack store of food, but I don't know how that works, really." "Okay, we'll have to go see him now, then." They hadn't eaten since pizza yesterday, and that felt like forever ago. "Okay. Can... can I meet him? Please?" "What? Oh. Cody. Sure." Mate, he called softly. Someone wants to meet you. Okay. I'm dressed. Cody sounded relaxed, easy. "Come on in." He held the door open for Caleb. The boy headed in and Cody's eyes went wide. "Uncle?" Marked - 252

Cody blinked. "Are you Riana's boy?"

The kid nodded. "You look like me."

"No way. You look like me."

Barker chuckled. "He's got you there, kid. He's older

than you."

"I think it's so cool that you're here. Mom talks about

you a lot."

Cody shrugged. "She was my only sister."

"If she talks about him so damn much, why didn't she

ever come see him, help him?"

"We all thought he was dead." Cody's sister -- who was

the most pregnant woman he'd ever seen -- leaned

against the doorframe.

"Why? How did you find out he wasn't?" He hated

bullying her in her condition, but Cody was his mate,

damn it.

"One of your people sent a message. A sympathetic

family member."

"So you still have ties back to the Clan. You knew they were coming after us, after Cody." How could they know they were safe here? "No. Cody told me." "What?" Marked - 253

Cody looked shocked. He growled, putting himself between Riana and his mate. "What are you talking about?" "You told me. You came into my dream and you told me." "That was real?" She nodded. "Yeah. Didn't it feel real?" "Mom can dream me, too." Caleb smiled. "It's her gift." Her gift? Is our bond your gift? Out loud, Barker asked, "So did you instigate the dream or did Cody?" "I have no idea. I was dreaming and there he was." She smiled. "I'm glad, you know. Even if I never see you again, if you leave. I'm glad you are whole and that you have your mate." "You might want us to leave," Barker pointed out. "We've got trouble following us. The Clan thought you were dead, but they know Cody isn't. I'm not sure they're going to stop hunting him. It could ruin your safe place here." "We protect our own. This is our land, our place. If they want to fight, they have to leave the safety of the city to do it." "And you're taking us in as your own?" He didn't want to get blindsided if they were in the middle of a fight. Marked - 254

"You are our own. You are Pack. I can smell it." He nodded. He'd take that. This was Cody's family; they would accept him because he was Cody's mate. Just like his Clan should have accepted Cody because Cody was his. Fuckers. Cody's hand slipped over the small of his back. Easy, mate. We don't have to make any decisions now. We just need to eat. The teasing laughter trickled through the bond. He growled softly, nodded. "We need to raid your fridge, Riana. We're starving." "Of course. We're, obviously, fairly self-sufficient here. We hunt, grow vegetables, buy odds and ends. It's a group thing." She winked, hand rolling over her belly. "Come on. I'll show you to the food." He held out his hand for Cody, waiting until his mate's fingers slid along his before following her out. "When are you due? Yesterday?" "I think so, yes. Sally says any second. Mick wants to meet you, by the way. I don't know if you pups are old enough to remember him." "We're hardly pups. Mick's your mate? The Alpha?" "Yes. The big guy with the bushel of hair."

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"Is he like you and Cody?" Could the man change whenever he wanted, too? She shook her head, blonde hair swinging. "No. Only one in a pairing, and the one who changes needs their mate. When you die, he'll come with you in short order. You only function fully together." He could understand that. How could he share what he shared with Cody and then have it suddenly disappear? Cody's fingers squeezed his as they came to a little warehouse. Riana opened the doors, showed him a stash of food. "We're stocking for the winter, but the meats are in there, vegetables, milk." Her eyes danced at them. "Please try to avoid eating the goats and the chickens in the pen." "I'm not furry for another month. Talk to the one who'll be beastly before then." He grinned at Cody. Cody growled playfully, snapped at him. He laughed as they followed Cody's sister, feeling better than he had in days. "This is the dry stores. Take what you need. We'll ask that you contribute. We all do. It keeps us going." "Contribute how?" A deep, rough voice sounded. "Some of us are hunters, farmers. Some of us make things to sell. We all have something. Riana, you need to go sit down." Marked - 256

"Boys, Mick. Mick, this is my brother and his mate." Mick nodded, the powerful force making Barker want to give the man his belly. "We've met now. Baby, go. You're tired." "Thanks, Riana." Barker nodded to her before facing Mick again, noticing she didn't go. "I'm Barker. This is Cody." "Welcome. How's the house? It's little, it needs work." "It does, but it's solid. We can do the work on it if we stay." He wasn't promising anyone anything right now. Mick nodded. "She would have come back for him, but there was no guarantee he was like her. She cried over him for years." "Uh-huh." Barker didn't want to be mean, but he wasn't willing to just ignore the last ten years when Cody could have used her help. He was guilty of not being there for Cody, too, but at least he hadn't known what was possible, what weirdness ran in the family gene pool. He couldn't just pretend everything was all sweetness and light now. Mick nodded like he understood, eyes on his mate, nostrils flaring. Maybe he did. "I can pay for the food we eat," Barker noted as he started going through the fridge, picking up red meat. He Marked - 257

didn't know if Cody would go fuzzy to eat or stay human. Either way, they both preferred the red stuff. "Okay. That works. If you need medical attention, that's Sally." "We're good." His leg wasn't bad now that they weren't moving. Between his ability to heal quickly and Cody's cleaning of it, he'd live and not limp. You good, mate? Cody'd been pretty quiet. Mmmhmm. Cody was staring at his sister, eyes wide. You can see the babies moving. Eww. He did not want to see that. He didn't want to think it. Cody's laughter was soft, warm. "We're going back to the house. Resting. Eating. Okay?" Mick nodded. "This isn't a prison camp. People will be interested to meet you, but they'll give you time." "Thanks. Soon as we settle in." He carted their groceries out of the storeroom. The little guy followed them, jabbering at Cody, asking questions, curious. Cody answered a few, but before it could become really irritating, Mick growled, drawing Caleb away. Barker looked over at Cody. "You like it here, don't you?" Marked - 258

"It smells like home." "Yeah? I hope it is, mate. I really do." "I do, too." Cody closed the door behind them, eyes a little desperate. "Hey." He put the food down and pulled Cody into his arms. "As long as we're together, the rest doesn't matter, right?" Cody sucked in a deep breath nodded, arms around him. "Right." He pushed their mouths together, tongue sliding between Cody's lips. Cody pushed into the kiss for a heartbeat, then he leaned back. "Food." "Uh-huh. Before our stomachs crawl out and eat us." He winked at Cody. "Grr." Cody growled softly, eyes twinkling. Laughing, he found a pan in one of the cupboards in the little kitchen and set it on the stove, put the steaks in it. "We should explore later. See what all is here, how many people." "Mmmhmm. We can make friends, wander. Piss on trees..." Cody was teasing him. He stuck his tongue out at his mate. Cody's laugh made him feel sixteen again. Marked - 259

He bumped their hips together as the steaks started to sizzle. "Rare?" Like Cody wanted them any other way. "Mmmhmm." That was a happy growl. He forced himself to pull the steaks off the heat and plate them instead of pouncing on his mate. Cody stayed human, humming and growling and rubbing against his side. He cut their steaks up quickly, offered Cody a bite. If Cody didn't stop that, they weren't going to get much to eat. He didn't ask his mate to stop. Cody nipped the beef from his fingers, teeth teasing his fingertips. Groaning, he rubbed his finger along Cody's teeth. Cody sucked his finger clean. "Your turn." He grabbed a piece of steak, tossing it into his own mouth, and then held another piece out to his mate. "Yummy." Look at his mate. Playing. Fuck, it was hot. He leaned in and licked the juices from Cody's lips. Cody hummed, making him chase that amazing mouth. He grabbed his mate and pushed him against the counter, "Now I have you." Grabbing another piece of meat, he put it between his own lips and offered it over. The happy sound made his cock jerk, and the press of lips against his didn't help.

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"We need to finish the steak." He wasn't sure if he was telling Cody or himself. "Uh-huh." Cody fed him two more pieces, chasing them with soft kisses. God, eating had never been so fucking sexy. He returned the favor, his fingers rubbing along Cody's lips as he popped the meat into his mate's mouth. He was keeping this forever -- this lazy, relaxed happiness. This place was good for Cody. He licked his mate's mouth, one hand finding and sliding on Cody's belly as he grabbed another piece of steak for his lover to eat. Cody snapped the bite up, leg sliding up along his thigh. He wrapped his hand around Cody's leg, holding it there. He could feel Cody's desire, the need like a drug. Want you, mate. He pushed a couple more pieces of steak into Cody's mouth, popped three into his own. His hunger for food was quickly abating. I'm yours. Cody nipped at his fingers again. Yes. Mine. Growling, he pushed Cody harder against the kitchen counter, his hand squeezing his mate's leg, pressing them close together. Cody lifted himself up onto the edge of the counter, the offer clear. His mate was better than any steak. He pushed Cody back a bit, bending to flick his tongue across the sweet little hole. Marked - 261

"Fuck. Fuck, Barker." The words were little yelps. He nodded and licked more firmly, hands moving to the insides of Cody's thighs, spreading his legs wider. "Want you. Need you to take me." The words were sand-paper rough, Cody's hands clawing in his hair. "I will." He pointed his tongue and pushed it into Cody's body. The scent of the beast was strong here, the musk pure Cody. Cody's howl rang through the air, the lust like a drug. He fucking loved that sound, and he wanted more. He fucked Cody's ass, tongue pushing in over and over. Cody was driving down onto his tongue, head back, cries echoing out. So fucking beautiful, sexy. It made him want. Made him need. His mate. His heart. When Cody was good and wet, he stood up again, pulling off his sweats and pushing his cock into his mate. "Yes!" Cody's biceps bulged as the strength was added to his. He pulled most of the way out, then back in again. Cody took him in and in, taking every inch and then demanding more. "All mine," he growled. Marked - 262

Cody was too far gone to answer; his mate just nodded, grunted. That worked for him. He began thrusting, working his prick into Cody's body again and again. That heat wrapped around him, dragged at him, tried to keep him in. This was the best thing ever, being buried inside his mate, being joined. Being buried inside Cody, touching him deep inside. He wrapped his mouth around Cody's throat, sucking hard. He could feel the blood under the surface of the tanned skin, raising up for his lips. He was going to leave a dark, lurid mark. Right where everyone could see it. His mate. His man. His wolf. His. He thrust harder, taking his mate. "Mate. Yes. Fill me." He grabbed Cody's ass, pulling his mate into each thrust. Cody's hand pushed between them, fingers tight around that needy prick. He bit at the mark he'd made, teeth scraping along his skin. Heat sprayed up between them, Cody's ass like a fist around his cock. "Fuck! Mate!" He pushed in hard, come pouring from him into Cody. They stayed there, Cody perched on the edge of the counter, both of them panting, shaking. He let his pleasure and love go through the bond. "Bed. This counter is biting into my butt." He laughed as he slid out, picked Cody up to carry him to bed. Marked - 263

"Do you think we can stay?" "Maybe." He'd do his best for his mate. Cody deserved to be somewhere he was happy. Cody curled around him, human and melted for the first time in his memory.

"As long as I'm with you, that's the important part."

He squeezed Cody tight, nodded. "Love you, mate," he

said quietly.

"Love." Cody kissed his jaw.

He pressed their foreheads together, smiling into his

mate's eyes. The happiness there, that was worth

fighting for.

After the last ten years, they fucking deserved it.

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Chapter Nineteen They stayed in the cabin -- eating and resting and making love -- for three days. Then Cody slipped out while Barker was sleeping and went to explore. Riana was at one of the larger homes, a young girl in her

arms, resting on the porch. "Brother."

"Riana."

"Finally came out of hibernation, hmm?"

He grinned, shrugged. "Winter is coming, isn't it?"

"It is." She gave him a sharp look. "Are you staying?"

"I hope so. This smells like home." He arched an

eyebrow. "If Barker's uncomfortable, I'll go with him."

"Where? Where would you go? You fit here. You

belong here." She rubbed her belly.

He nodded. "How are you feeling? You're the size of a

house."

"I'm ready to pop. I don't know why they're waiting."

"Are there two?" He came closer, surprised as the little

girl slid from her mother's arms into his, cuddling in. He

must smell like Pack.

"Yeah, there are. Two boys." She reached out and

touched his cheek. "I didn't know you could get the

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change if you mated with another male. He makes you happy?" "He's amazing." Barker was perfect. Riana snorted softly. "You wouldn't be biased at all." "No more than you are. I thought you were dead." She nodded. "It's easier for the rest of the Clan if everyone believes that." "They know Cody's alive, though." Barker came up behind him, arm looping around his waist. "What's more, they know he doesn't need the moon to change." He felt a soft stroke through the bond he shared with his mate. He leaned into Barker's warmth. The little girl in his arms looked up to Barker, smiled, and settled back down. "Yes, and they'll come for him." Mick came out of the house with three other men and one tall, lean woman. Great, this is where they asked him to leave. Barker stiffened slightly next to him, puffing up a little. The hand around his waist was solid, and Cody could all but hear Barker's growls through their bond. "They will," Barker agreed, voice rough. "Well, then. We'd all better get prepared." The Alpha's voice made him shiver, just a bit. "Because I'm not giving up a single one of my Pack." Marked - 266

Barker met Mick's eyes. "You're counting Cody and me in that number?" "Yes." No waffling, no doubt. Mick sounded sure. They want us, mate. You're sure this is where you want to be? He nodded. Yes. Yes. "Thank you." Barker looked at Mick and then tilted his head back, making himself vulnerable to Mick. "I'll fight proudly by my Alpha's side." He vibrated a little, when Mick's lips touched Barker's throat. Then everyone looked at him. He nodded. "I'm in." Mate. There was a wealth of pride in Barker's thoughts. Mick's lips touched his throat, a gentle welcome, then the touch was gone. He'd felt Barker tense, but his mate quickly relaxed. "We're going to need a plan." "First, we need some introductions. You have a Pack to meet." Mick winked, lips quirking in something that could be a smile. "Sure." Barker's arm tightened around his waist. His mate was making his claim very clear. As if the lurid mark on his throat wouldn't do that. Marked - 267

"No." Riana's voice was sure, if a little breathless. "First, someone find Sally. I think my water just broke." "Oh, man." Barker actually took a step backward. "No offense, but I am so glad I'm not female." "You and me, both." An older man drew them to the side as Mick sent a young girl to another cabin. "I'm Vince, by the way. You're Cody and Barker. Welcome." "Thanks." Barker shook the man's hand, replying for both of them. "Who are you related to?" "My lady and me, we're from the Northern Hill Pack. Well, we were. I was the Alpha until Mick came." "Are you like Riana?" Cody could see Barker putting people together, figuring things out, how things worked. "I am, and Leeah grows things. Everything she plants, it thrives." "Yeah? I'm good at guarding things." Barker growled a little, baring his teeth. "Excellent." Warm brown eyes turned to him. "And you?" He shrugged, suddenly worried. What if he didn't have anything to offer? What if... Wait. Wait. "I worked in construction for years." Marked - 268

"He hunts. He's strong. He can be human when everyone else succumbs to the wolf." There was that pride again, shining from Barker. "Excellent. You don't know how much we've needed help just keeping things up." "You'll never regret inviting Cody to be a part of your Pack." "Of course not." Vince laughed. "Come meet Layla and Ben, Mark and Hettie. There are ten families. You'll learn about all of them." "Ten!" Barker grabbed his hand and they followed Vince. "And all of them have a wolf who can beast out whenever they want?" "Yes. You're the only same sex pair, though. No one knew that could happen." "Cody's special," Barker suggested. "Yes." Those eyes met his. "I can't imagine going for ten years, suffering. You've got to be the strongest man I know." Cody could feel Barker's pride in him wash over him. Before he could answer, a group of kids all younger than Caleb came barreling over. "Are you new?" Marked - 269

He looked down at all of them -- there had to be nine of them -- and nodded. "I'm Cody." "Wanna come play hide and seek?" He chuckled. "You know what? I do." He grinned at Barker, at Vince. Barker rolled his eyes and shook his head. Crazy, mate. He could hear the fondness in the thoughts, though. Going to play! He waved, ran, roaring playfully and chasing the kids into the trees. It was home. *** Barker knew he and Cody could contribute more than their share to the Pack; that wasn't what worried him. They were bringing trouble with them. They hadn't asked for it, but there it was -- the Clan wasn't going to just let Cody go. While Cody was off playing with the kids again, he searched Mick out. Riana had given birth to two beautiful boys two days ago, and mother and babies were doing fine. Mick was sitting on the front porch of his house with a lazy, tired smile on his face.

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"Hey," Barker called out as he approached, moving to sit in the empty chair next to Mick's. "Hey. Your mate is good with the kids. They love him." "I think he likes them because they're uncomplicated. They say what they mean, and they just want to have fun." There was an ease about Cody here that had been missing, even in the first days after Cody's change. "That they do. How are you? Have you seen my sons?" "No, I..." He grinned sheepishly. "I've never been too good around babies." He'd never really been around babies, what with being a bachelor and all. "Would you like to? Riana is sleeping, but they're in their cribs." "Oh, uh. Sure?" He wasn't going to insult the Alpha by not wanting to see his new pups. Of course, he'd better make sure he didn't insult the Alpha by dropping said pups on their heads, either. He was led into the house, which was filled with decorations and toys -- obviously a home. There were two bassinets in the main room, two beautiful boys sleeping away. "They're so little. And perfect. Little perfect people." Mick nodded. "They're going to be strong wolves." "They're going to need to be protected until then." Marked - 271

"They are." Mick met his eyes. "I dare anyone to come take what's ours." "Do we have a plan? Because before Cody and I left the city, I was warned. About what they would do to Cody. They want to take him apart and see what makes him able to change whenever he wants." "They can't, and if they try, we call in the Northern Clans. No offense, Barker, but your Alpha's a dickcheese and there's not an Alpha one that won't stand with us, against him." He laughed out loud, surprised by Mick's words. "No offense taken. And he's not my Alpha anymore, Mick." "Good." Mick drew him out of the house, letting the babies sleep. "I think we ought to make it clear, though, that we aren't open to negotiations. They banished Riana and Cody. They don't get to claim them." "Exactly." Barker nodded. "I think if we've got the threat of the Northern Clans behind us, they'll be reasonable." He hoped so, anyway. He didn't want to have to take a whole bunch of packs to war, but he was willing to do it if he had to. "So we'll meet on neutral ground, bring Dorian and Kerry, Harrison and Starla from the Northern Packs. We'll make a show." "You want me to contact them?" Although he had a hunch William would be more likely to treat it as a real meeting and not just a chance to snatch Cody if it came from another Alpha. Marked - 272

"No. I want you to make sure the Pack is safe while

we're gone. Make sure there's enough coverage. Tell

Vince that he'll be in charge here."

"If I'm not going with you, neither is Cody." Mick might

be their Alpha now, but Cody was his.

Mick's eyebrow arched. "I didn't say you weren't

coming. I said you were in charge of assuring our Pack

is safe when we go."

"Oh." He blinked. "I'm the security? Are you sure I'm

enough?"

"You're going to have to be."

He nodded. "Okay. Okay, I will be."

He would do it. He would prove to his new Pack that he

could protect them.

"Good." One of the babies started wailing, the sound lost

and scared. "I'll leave you to it."

"When are we going?"

"Let me make some calls. I'll let you know."

"Okay." He held his hand out and shook with Mick.

Then he let the man go tend to his family while he

wandered toward the forest that surrounded the clearing

holding the Pack's houses.

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Mate? Hmm? Cody was near water, walking, the children gone. Want company? He closed his eyes and... felt for where he thought Cody's thoughts had come from, started

walking in that direction.

The bond was getting stronger with every passing day.

Yes. What have you been up to? Working on getting us free of the Clan. He kept walking,

following that feeling that said "Cody."

Good. Every day, Cody looked healthier, less haunted.

You were right. This is a good place. Better than the city

he'd thought he loved. It was funny, only not, how

things changed.

He met Cody's eyes as he walked into a clearing. Cody

was human, lazing in the sun. Beautiful.

"Mate." He spoke the word out loud. Or maybe through

the bond; he didn't know, and it didn't matter.

"Barker." Cody smiled at him, stretched.

"Look at you." He growled a little and started stripping

as he admired the sun-kissed skin.

"I'll look at you. Mate."

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It made him strut and flex, showing off for his lover. The deep moan was gratifying, low. Appreciative. He pulled off his clothes, lying down with his mate. "Barker." Cody's face was relaxed, tanned. Barker was watching his lover age backward. "Cody." He pressed their lips together, the kiss slow and sweet. They rested together on the blanket that Cody had brought, both of them breathing into the kisses. His mate's skin was so soft, calling to his fingertips. "You taste good." Cody's words were warm on his lips. "Good." He wanted Cody to love everything about him. "What did Mick say?" "We're going to meet up with William and the City Clan. Us and representatives from the Northern Packs. Work out a truce, make it clear that they mess with you, they mess with everyone." He gave Cody a toothy grin. "Apparently there's little love lost between William and the Northern Packs." Cody frowned. "They'll go to war for me? That doesn't seem right." "Why not? We're a part of Mick's Pack now. Would they go to war over the littlest pup? Of course they would. So why not you?" "I just..." Cody shrugged. "Guilt, I guess." Marked - 275

"You've more than paid your dues, mate. You were alone and hurting for ten years. No more. You've got a mate who's really present in your life now, a pack, and you can change at will. Take it -- it's yours." "It doesn't seem real, sometimes." It's real. You're real. He touched Cody, showing his mate how solid he was, how there. We're real and I can change.

Yeah. Not right now, though. He rolled on top of Cody,

fusing their mouths together.

Cody's laughter was surprised, happy, tickled as hell. Skin warm from the sun, Cody felt so good under him. Cody's cock firmed, swelled, pressed against his thigh. Groaning, he deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding between Cody's lips. Horndog. The tease was easy, lazy. Don't we have work

to do?

This first. This is important stuff.

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Chapter Twenty The Packs were meeting -- there were three couples from different packs coming south, coming to get Mick and Barker and meet with William. The autumn was threatening to become winter, too, and sooner than normal. His first winter with Barker, with this Pack. Cody was feeling a little on edge. Barker growled at him. "Why aren't you sleeping?" "Huh? I... I'm nervous, I guess? The meeting, our first full moon here. Everything." "Then come here." Barker dragged him close, hands sliding on him. He kissed Barker's nose. "Are you ready for the meeting?" "Yes. No. I don't know. I have good men at my back, but William is... a creep. I don't trust him." "He's worse than a creep." Cody sighed, stretched. "It'll be good to have it over, though." "It will. Then we can settle." They'd already done a bit of settling. Cody had worked on the roof, shored up the foundation, and resealed the plumbing in the bathroom. He had a feeling he would Marked - 277

learn a lot about septic systems, too. More than he ever wanted to. Barker had gone around, patching up the Pack's defenses, making suggestions for places to put fences, guards. They were a part of this. Real. Have you told anyone about this? Barker waved a hand between them. No, but I think they've guessed. All the pairs have a... gift. What makes you think they've guessed? Do other pairs have this gift? He shook his head, but Riana had been in his dream. I don't want to share it. It's ours. Special. Like you. It's you. He'd seen the other couples -- the ones that had

to change with the moon, they had something special.

Barker snorted. You're the special one, mate. Barker's

fingers slid on his cheek, eyes shining for him.

He shook his head. He didn't think so. He thought it was

them, together, something about their chemistry.

"I'm just a growly old wolf, mate."

"My growly old wolf. When do we leave?"

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"As soon as the last couple from the Northern Pack get here." "Okay. That sounds..." The alarm whistle went off from guards on the east side. Barker growled and they both leaped out of bed, heading for the door. Cody was fuzzy before he hit the door, just like a goodly portion of his Pack, their hackles raised. "What is it?" growled Barker, fingers in the fur on Cody's head. Mick came out, shotgun in hand. "I need someone to stay with Riana, guard the children." Barker nodded. "I can't wolf out, so I'll do it." Stay safe, mate. I will. If it was William, they'd be there for him. "Go with the others," rumbled Mick, pointing to where three other wolves were already loping out toward the eastern edge of the property. "Careful. They'll be human, and they could have weapons." A battered truck filled with several men with guns in the bed stopped by Mick, and he jumped into the passenger seat. Cody ran with the other wolves, the four of them moving fast and low, nostrils working overtime.

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They soon found the interlopers, four men at least, all werewolves. Clan from the City. Cody would know the scent anywhere. He snarled softly, sniffing. Guns. They had guns. More of the weird darts, too. Taking Vince's lead, they spread out, circling the men. Mate? If you can get a message to Mick, there's four of them and they're armed. I see Hannah; she's down. The eastern guard was awfully still. Walkie-talkie. I'll tell him. Be careful. He could feel Barker's worry through the bond, but he could also feel his mate's pride -- they were going to have the upper hand in this because of him and his ability to report back. On it. They moved closer, creeping toward the invaders. "Which way's their base, William? This shit's creepy." Another nodded, spoke. "We're not used to the woods." Cody heard Mick and the others before William and his men did, before Mick made their presence known, so he was ready for the sound of the shotgun cocking, for it to come out of from the cover of the trees. "We are. And they're our woods. You're trespassing." Cody and the others came forward, four fully grown wolves, teeth bared.

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William and his men all brought their own guns up, some of them aiming at him and the other wolves, William himself aiming at Mick's head. "You might have the animals on your side, but they're no match for guns, and you're just one man." Mick chuckled as Vinnie and the men from the Northern Packs who'd already arrived slid out from the forest. They were all armed as well. Cody snarled, teeth bared, drawing the man's attention. Here. Right here. So his pack could attack. William's gun shifted to him, the man sneering. "There's the abomination." "Back off and leave now and no one gets hurt." Mick's aim never wavered. The others slid around and he barked. Pay attention. Over here. "If you don't kill him, I will. Before he sullies our bloodlines." Mick's reply was simple, clear. "Fuck you." The others were close, ready to attack, and he growled deep in his throat, giving them a chance, keeping the rifles trained on him. "I'll kill him, don't think I won't." "You can try," Mick said softly, a dangerous note in his voice. Marked - 281

William shouted, finger squeezing the trigger.

Fire burned into Cody's side and he cried out, legs

collapsing underneath him. Oh.

Mate! Barker's worry filled his mind.

More gunfire sounded, William going down.

Mate. Are the babies safe? He could hear his heartbeat,

so loud.

There's no one here. They're fine. What happened?

They have guns. Mick came.

Are you safe?

Mick and the men he was with swarmed around the remaining interlopers, pulling the wolves off them. Love you. He couldn't lie. Mate. He could hear Barker growling as if his mate were right there. I'm coming to you. No. Your Pack. You protect the pups. They'll bring me to you. He panted through a wave of pain that was followed by bitter cold. The winter was coming. Barker's answer was simply a growl, low and worried, angry.

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Vinnie came over, hands gentle on him. "We've got them, Cody. You did good. Where does it hurt?" He cried out when Vinnie touched his side, his chest, and he heard the muffled curse. Mate! "Mick! We need to get Cody to Sally. Now."

Love you. Always. He needed Barker to know that.

Hold on, mate, I'm coming.

You protect the pups.

Somebody lifted him and he barked, whined.

Mate! Mate! Barker felt frantic in his mind.

Love. He hurt. He was placed in the truck and they took

off, each bounce bringing with it a fresh pain.

Mate. Mate. Mate. So tired. So cold. Mate. Love you. Don't you leave me. Home. Finally came home. He sighed, muscles going lax.

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They went over another bump, and the last thing he heard as the pain disappeared into darkness was Barker yelling out his name.

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Chapter Twenty-One Barker was fucking beside himself. He could feel Cody through the bond, knew his mate was hurt, and then nothing, absolutely nothing. He paced up and down on Riana's porch, howling brokenly until the truck came bouncing into the clearing. He was off like a shot, making for the truck before it even pulled to a stop. "Sally! We need you!" Vinnie's voice rang out. "Cody's been shot!" "Fuck!" Barker climbed onto the truck bed and pushed Vinnie out of the way. "Cody!" Mate! He screamed through their bond. He felt something, a flutter, a whimper, a whisper. Yes. That's it, mate. Don't you dare leave me. He barely noticed Sally joining him in the truck, all his focus and concentration on Cody, on connecting with his mate and lending his strength to Cody's. His mate was breathing slowly, tongue out, blood pooling under him. "We need to move him, anesthetize him." Sally's dark eyes met his. "We have to stop the bleeding, see his heart." "I'll do it." He ground the words out; he wasn't letting anyone else take his mate. I swear, Cody, you better stay here with me. Marked - 285

Mate. The word was there when his slid his hands under the limp body. "Yes!" He gathered Cody's body close, the fur matted with blood. Stay with me. Stay with me. He chanted the words over and over through their bond. "In here, Barker. Someone get me more light!" The makeshift clinic was a room in Sally's house, with a set of cabinets and a covered table. Riana came up. "Oh, no. Brother!" "He's going to be fine." Barker snarled the words; there was no lamenting, no worrying. Cody was going to live. "Did they stop them?" They sure as shit better have; he was going to be even more pissed if Cody'd been hurt in vain. "Yeah." Vince nodded. "William is dead. Mick has the other three. Danny's going back with rope and the truck." Satisfaction went through Barker at Vince's words. A small part of him would have liked to have dispatched William himself, but his Pack had done the job and that was good enough. "What can we do?" Riana asked, going with Vince. Barker looked at Sally. "What are you waiting for? Fix him!" Marked - 286

"Get the hell out of the way. I'll need someone to stay, hold him." "That'll be me." He wasn't leaving Cody's side. The Pack would have to finish up whatever they needed to without him. "Are you sure, Barker?" Sally's eyes met his. "It will be messy." "I'm not leaving him, Sally. He's my mate." You hear that, Cody? I'm not leaving you, so you're just going to have to get better. No response. None. "Okay, I'm giving him something to keep him out. The bullet's in there, and we'll have to dig it out." Barker closed his eyes and nodded. "Just do it." "Talk to him, huh? It helps." She shaved Cody's leg, started an IV, and then started working. His poor mate. "Sally's going to make you better." He babbled away, hardly paying any attention to his words. The whole time he kept murmuring, Mate. Love you. Love you, Mate, through their bond. "There. There it is. Jesus. Don't let him move, Barker. Don't let him fucking move. Pray." Marked - 287

He held his mate down, using both hands. "Stay still, Cody. Just lie there and let Sally fix you." Don't move, Mate. For me. Don't move. Barker? Love! Oh, mate. Don't move, mate. Sally is helping, but it might hurt. Don't move. Barker, it's dark. He almost chuckled. Cody's eyes were closed. It's night, mate. And your eyes are closed. Keep 'em closed. "I've almost got it. Please, Mother Moon, don't let him move. Please." No moving, mate. You'll piss Sally off if you do.

Love. Cody whimpered.

I know, mate. I know. It'll be over soon, I promise. And

then you'll heal and we'll go romp in the woods.

"There. Oh, fuck. There." Sally held up a bullet, almost howling. "Here. Look." He did, growling as he saw the metal that had injured his mate. "It's out. I'll pack the wound, bind it, but... it's the best case scenario, Barker." Marked - 288

"Good." You're going to be okay, mate. He couldn't keep the relief out of his thoughts. Hurt. Hurt. Sally was washing the wound, Cody whimpering. "Shh. Shh, I have you mate." He pushed strength and love through the bond, trying to take the pain from his mate. "I'm going to put him deeper into sleep, now that I know the bullet's out." "Okay." You're going to sleep now, mate. Sleep and heal. I'll be here when you wake up. He might never let Cody out of his sight again. Sleep. The words were fuzzy, distant. Yes, mate. Sleep. Love. Heal. Mick's head popped in. "Barker, we need you to identify these men with the other Alphas present. We need this over." "I'll be there in a minute." He stroked Cody's fur. Sleep, mate. I love you. Cody's thoughts were quiet buzzes.

He kissed his mate's muzzle. "Thank you, Sally."

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"He'll be fine, you'll see. Go make sure they never come back and bother our Pack." "Yeah." He growled, the corner of his upper lip curling. "If they do, I'll kill them myself." With one last stroke to Cody's flank, he headed out to identify the Clan members who'd come to try and take away his heart. There were four of them, three standing, one on the ground. The Alphas that had arrived today were snarling, pacing, and Mick was right in the middle of it. Barker pointed at the man on the ground, spitting. "That's William, Clan Alpha." "Was." Mick's lips twisted. Barker couldn't contain his fierce grin. "That's right. Was. That's Harry O'Neal and Junior." He pointed to each of the others in turn. These men used to be his Clan. Harry had been his friend. "Traitor." That was Junior. "You let them kill our Alpha." Dorian, from one of the northern packs, snorted. "Seems to me your Alpha waged war on another pack. They didn't invade your lands." Barker crossed his arms and held his ground. "You tried to kill my mate. You didn't, though. He's going to live." "He's an abomination, Barker. His whole family." Marked - 290

Mick snarled, the rifle butt popping out, taking Junior in the chin and felling the man. Yeah, that was definitely the wrong thing to say on the Packland of a Pack built around "abominations" like Cody. "Maybe he's the next evolutionary step, Harry. But that would never occur to a bunch of dinosaurs like you, would it?" "I don't give a fuck what they think. I want them gone." Mick growled deep. Barker wanted more than that. "I want them on trial for attempted murder." "We could just kill them all," Mick suggested, with a wicked grin. "Or we could move the seconds from the pack and the eastern pack in," Harrison said. "They're mated, they're strong, and they both have sibs in this pack." Harry started sputtering, and Barker snarled. "I want you on trial, Mick wants you dead. I think this is a compromise you should take and be fucking grateful." "Jenna and Dean are strong, savvy, and both were educated in the city. They're a good choice." That was Rosa, Vinnie's mate. It annoyed Barker that Harry and the others were going to get away with what they'd done, but if this meant the Marked - 291

Clan would leave Cody and the Pack alone, he'd swallow his need for further vengeance. William was dead. It would have to do. Harry opened his mouth again and the rifle butt swung out again. Mick chuffed. "Oops. Slipped." Rosa looked at Mick. "You're not helping." "No?" Mick growled. "They shot my packmate. They threatened my family, my pups. They invaded my home." "And they aren't even sorry," added Barker. "They'll do it again if they think they can get away with it." "They won't. They'll have new Alphas." Rose was one strong bitch. Harry looked like he was going to protest again, but Junior grabbed his arm and tugged him back. "William is dead. We need a new Alpha -- you really want all the young bucks fighting each other for it? The city would be a mess." "I just..." The men started talking hard, but Barker could feel it in the air. They were going to break. Finally, Junior and O'Neil pushed Harry forward. "We'll swear loyalty to the new Alphas." The words were grudgingly spoken, but Barker knew, they all Marked - 292

knew, that once loyalty had been sworn, a wolf wouldn't go back on his word. "Barker?" Sally came over, touched his arm. "He won't settle. Can you come?" He nodded and sent one parting shot in Harry's direction. "If you come near my mate again, I will kill you." Then he turned and headed for Sally's house. I'm coming, mate.

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Chapter Twenty-Two Every time he tried to wake up, Barker was there, hushing him, holding him, petting him, and easing him down. The dreams were simple -- running and hunting, the moon calling to him. Good dreams. Barker was in his dreams, too, running with him, chasing him over fields and through the forest, always whispering in his ear of love and home and their life together. It was hunger that drove him up out of the dreams finally. Hunger and the scent of steak. Barker chuckled as he blinked his eyes open. "I thought some raw meat might tempt you back to life." He panted, grinned, and tried to move. There was an ache, a pull in his side, but the burn was gone. Mate. They shot me. "I know. They've paid for it, though." Barker's grin was positively evil. "William is dead and two Northern Pack members are now Alpha." They're gone? A fierce relief swept him. Good. I'm hungry. Barker laughed and set a bowl with two -- two! -- raw steaks on it. "All yours, mate." He got to his feet, snapping the first steak up before starting on the second. Good. Good. Meat.

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Barker's hand slid over his head and down along his body, rubbing his fur. He vocalized softly, so happy he couldn't bear it. "You feel well enough to change, mate?" Barker said it casually, but he could feel his mate's need through the bond. Barker needed to know that he could. He licked the bowl clean, then crawled close to Barker. Talk to me. He concentrated on his human form, his breath, his mate. "I've been talking to you for days, mate. While you healed. Now I want to see my human mate. I want to kiss you and touch your skin and see the scar." I dreamed about you. He felt the change coming, and he reached for his human self, for the pleasure and the sensations that form gave him. "Good. You're almost there, mate. I want to see your face with those beautiful blue eyes, and feel your hands on my body. I want arms and legs and your lovely, ripped belly." Barker. He wanted that, too. "I want to kiss you, mate. I want to lick you all over and fuck you and make you come." He moaned, landing in Barker's arms, naked and bare and shuddering. "Mate."

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"Cody!" Barker beamed at him, relief in his lover's eyes as the strong arms wrapped around him and tugged him close. "Barker." His mouth found Barker's jaw, sliding along the skin, tasting salt. Barker growled softly, head tilting so their mouths pressed together. Barker's hair tangled in his fingers, and he moved closer so that their bellies rubbed. Mate. Mate. Mate. Barker's joy and happiness surrounded him. He held on, breathing as Barker began to tremble. He was safe. Whole. Home. And so was Barker. "Mine," growled Barker before taking his mouth again, hard this time, harder than ever, their teeth clacking, mashing against their lips. He agreed wholeheartedly, and he relaxed and let Barker in, let Barker taste. Barker was clearly starving for this, for him. For them. One kiss followed the next, the need building sharply. Barker's hands on him were gentle, though, careful on his chest, on the mostly-healed wound. Mate. Safe. Home. Whole. Mine. More thoughts than words, they filled his mind with Barker. Cody nodded, melting into each thought, soaring with them.

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Barker rolled onto his back, pulling Cody up to straddle the strong body. Ride me, mate. He licked at Barker's lips, nibbling, pulling at the bottom lip with his teeth. Teasing. Barker humped up beneath him, hips moving, sliding. That wet-tipped cock bumped his hole, demanding entrance, Barker's need a tangible thing. Mate. Let me in. Need you. I'm right here. Whole and healthy and home. He eased himself down, panting as Barker stretched him. Here. My mate. Barker's hands wrapped around his hips. "Yes." He met Barker's eyes. "Home with our Pack." "Yes!" Barker's hips snapped, driving his mate's cock deep. "Home to run. The moon's coming soon." For the first time, they'd run together with a pack. Barker put his head back, a decent howl coming from his human throat. Cody threw his own head back, his call joining his mate's. From outside their cabin, many other voices -- wolf and human -- joined in. Their Pack.

Home.

They were home.

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They were home and safe. End.

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