Shifting

Shifting by Rob Knight

Torquere Press www.torquerepress.com

Copyright ©2003 by Torquere Press

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Foreword There's something primal about the shapeshifter; something that sparks the imagination. They appeal to the side of us that hasn't come down out of the trees yet, the side that's more animal than it is human. It's more than animal attraction, though. If it was just that, we'd be happy with Tarzan and Mowgli. The fascination is in the spark of magic, one that draws us as much as it frightens us. For centuries, werewolf tales have circulated through nearly every culture in the world. The man who becomes a wolf who becomes a man is a myth rooted deeply in the collective subconscious, for there is a man who has the best and worst of all things human and bestial. The werewolf is a creature who can shed the human skin, who can kill at will, who is not bound by the social mores that limit a mere man. So, the shapeshifter, then, is a creature of endless possibility. Add the erotic element in and you have an irresistible combination. The character of the shapeshifter is already naturally sexual, with the animal instinct so close to the surface. When relationships are brought in, when the human notions of sex and romance are mixed, the stories gain a charged atmosphere, one that opens a whole new realm of sexual exploration. The stories in the Shifting anthology exemplify much of what makes the shapeshifter so alluring, so interesting, and 3

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at times, so frightening. They have humor and grit and raw sexuality, all wrapped up in characters that are all the more human for being half animal. Read them. You won't be disappointed. Rob Knight November, 2003

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Outcasts Chapter 1 So enamored was Anneal Vere Faolin of the high country he explored that he did not notice the changes in the air about him until it was almost too late. The great flocks of birds overhead, going in the direction opposite of he were what finally made him see that winter was on its way. There was no chance of him making it back south in time to winter as he had his first year out of the city, doing translating work for the trading caravans on the south road, doing scribe work for petty nobles. He had worked his way too far out of the reaches of man, had wandered too far. So Anneal began to look for a place to spend his winter alone. He had little food and no shelter, and judging from the looks of the leaves upon the trees, he had all of a few short weeks before he would need it. There would be time enough for gathering wood and food if he could find a place that would shelter him from snows and ice, and provide him with water. So he began with the creek that ran through the crags, working out from it in ever growing circles, searching the hillsides for hollow trees or caves large enough to move about in and store his belongings. Three days later, Anneal thought he saw, up the slope of one scrub covered hill, a gap that might be the opening of a cave big enough to hold him. It could easily be traversed 5

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even in the snow, was close to the creek, and would receive afternoon sun for warmth. He climbed, hoping against hope that his eyes were true, and he was indeed favored, for the opening was the mouth of a cave, deep enough that he could not see the far end, and a quick once over told him that the mouth of it would not fill completely with snow even if the winter was harsh. Or at least he hoped not. The scent of the cave was sharp and musky, and as he took out his flint and knife he hoped that the prior inhabitants had moved on. He was not one to go where he was intruding, and many animals were far larger than he at any rate. The bright spark of the tiny flame he blew into life in a pile of needles and twigs illuminated the cave, and it proved to be empty. Thank the powers above and below. He laid down his pack and blanket roll. It grew late. Tomorrow he would begin making his home here. Later in the evening he would get water, eat a meal. Now, he would rest. He lay down to rest, and fell asleep very quickly, relief exhausting his energy. He had no idea how long he had been asleep when a low growling woke him. The sound was angry and deep, filling the cave with noise. His first instinct was to sit up and look about wildly, but he stifled it with what he thought was admirable aplomb. Instead, he opened his eyes slowly, barely daring to breathe. A huge cat stood just inside the cave, blocking the entrance. His eyes glowed preternaturally in the light of the fire. It was a great mountain cat, coat a reddish gold, teeth 6

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sharp, paws huge. The muscles beneath the fur were ropey and solid. The beast did not look happy to see him and the growling continued, took on an edge. Oh. Well, it would appear that his new home did belong to someone else after all. Anneal was not sure whether he would simply expire from the fear, or if unholy curiosity would keep him conscious while the beast ate him. The big cat took a step forward and roared. Its teeth were indeed very big and very sharp. Its mouth was large. The roar echoed in the cave, making his ears ring, making him scramble back against the wall of the cave. Perhaps not the brightest move, but it put space between them. His movements seemed to give the cat confidence and it moved slowly toward him, giving the fire a wide berth. It stopped no more than three feet from him and roared again. The hysterical urge to roar back was strong, but he did not. Instead, Anneal began to look about for something to use as a weapon or distraction, just enough that he could take his things and run. The growling settled into something low, the beast seeming to relax as he looked away. Oh. Well that was good, he supposed. Except that his search proved fruitless, there was nothing but the fire, and that was on the other side of the cat, along with his pack. What a magnificent animal, really. Pity it was going to kill him. He moved along the wall, sliding slowly, trying to get to the entrance of the cave. The great muscles tensed again, the growling increasing, but the cat let him move, watching him closely. 7

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Perhaps there was hope yet. Perhaps the big animal wanted a fight no more than he did. Or perhaps the animal was simply like the cats his father kept in their home to rid it of vermin, playing with his food. He froze and the growling got louder, the cat stepping toward him. With not the faintest idea what to do next, Anneal snapped. It was inevitable. Yelling loudly, waving his arms, he crawled toward the mouth of the cave as quickly as he could, expecting sharp claws and teeth any moment. The cat roared and snapped at him, but didn't hurt him. Once he was out, the way in and his pack and the fire were barred from him, the cat protecting the entrance to its home. Damn. He would not survive the winter without the things in his pack, which also carried the few small memories he had of home. He could not leave it. But he could not chance the cat again. He would simply have to wait until the next time the cat left his den, and go back in after it. In the meantime, he would find a sheltered lee of rock where he could watch, and try to stay warm. He would not rage as he wished to. He simply would not. It did no good to act like a spoiled child, as he had learned too often in the last months. He found a spot, near the mouth of the cave, but upwind, where he could see, and curled up, miserable and chilled, and tired as well. He did not mean to at all, but he soon drifted off to sleep, the cat seeming to have decided he was not worth pursuing. **** Growling. Pacing. Invader. Man. 8

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Man. Roaring. Man smell everywhere. His smell under man smell. Man smell! Wrong. Bad. Growling. Kill. Make gone. Wrong. Danger. Feris shifted, growling even as he took on his human form. There was a man here, in his territory. The man had been in his cave and it was wrong. He couldn't kill though—that would bring other men. Men with weapons and who hunted in packs and he would have to move further north, further into the wastelands. He had to make the man go. Go and not come back. Winter was coming. He had things to do. No time for man things. He took the pack to the mouth of the cave and searched for the man. There he was, downwind but in plain sight. Sleeping. The man was not afraid of him, but the man had looked away, had submitted, why did he do that if he was not afraid? Why did the man leave, but stay close? The pack. Right. The man wanted his things. His man smelling things. Even in his human form Feris could smell the strong scent of the man on the pack. He climbed to the man and stood, watching. The man was asleep. It would be so easy to kill him. But then the others would come and drive him further into the wastelands. 9

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Growling, he put the pack next to the man. The man stirred, shivering in the night, but did not wake. So easy. So little instinct for danger. If they did not hunt in packs, they would not survive. This one would be dead if he himself were only mountain lion, killed while still caught in his cave. He curled his lip and growled contemptuously. The man woke to his growl, eyes flying open, squinting into the dark, even as the man scrambled away from him. Except that the man fell over the pack beside him, landing hard. He chuffed, the laugh strange in his own ears. This one was going to be dead without any help from him. “Who.. who are you?” The man sounded more afraid of him now than he had when he was himself. “Who are you?” he countered. This was *his* place. The man was the invader here. “Are you not cold?” The man clapped a hand over his mouth, looking amazed at his own words. He growled. “You should go.” “I should? I should. I ... I simply don't know where to go.” The man looked sad now. He growled again. Was this his problem? No. This was his territory though. And the man had to go. Maybe he should shapeshift back into his other form. The man seemed ready to run then. “Yes. I should go. I will.” The man nodded firmly. “In the morning. When I can see.” He supposed that would have to do, but he didn't like it. 10

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He was about to let the man know that when he heard the bear. It made the skin on his neck stand up. This was his territory and first the man and now a bear invaded! The man must have heard the bear as well, for he looked scared again, the scent of fear heavy on him. “Shh. Be still. Safe that way.” But would they be? The bear was far into his territory, he must be desperate for food before the cold began. Nodding, the man sat very still, hardly breathing, pale in the darkness. The bear continued to come toward them, snuffling and growling and rumbling. He tensed, ready to shift and to spring. At least the man was bright enough not to impede him, not to get in his way, simply freezing where he sat, hands on his pack. The bear broke through the tree line and started toward them. Right for them. There was nothing else for it. He shifted back into himself. Bear. Bad. Wrong. Kill. Leaping. Snarling. Tearing. Bear down. Throat. Tear. Finish. Kill. Bear. Dead. Good. Blood, food, good. Soft noise of man, still there, wrong. He turned back. Growled. Mine. My kill. My place. Mine. Kill man. 11

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He shook himself. Shifted. No killing men. It was too dangerous. His face and hands were badly bloodied, the rest of him spattered. The kill was his. The man should go now. He glared. “You ... I. You. You killed the bear!” The man was not going, was not moving at all, except to point at him. “He would kill us!” He growled. This man was stupid. He could not remember all men being so stupid. Maybe he had made them worse in his mind than they had really been. Maybe he could kill this one. “Yes. Of course. I ... thank you. How do you do that?” The man clutched his pack, fingers turning white, moving back with tiny pushes of his feet. He frowned. Definitely stupid, had the man not seen? “I went for the throat. Clean kill. Less risk of getting hurt.” “Well, I could see that.” Brows as black as the tip of himself's tail drew together as the man frowned at him, voice turning snappish. “I meant the cat. How do you change back and forth? Or am I dreaming?” The man nodded. “Yes, of course. I must be dreaming.” Oh. The shapeshifting thing. Yes. The men were always interested in that. “My kill,” he said, standing in front of the bear. Better to turn the man's attention to other things. “Of course.” The man stood suddenly, holding his pack in his arms, swaying back and forth. “I should go, as you said.” After which the man promptly fell down, passed out cold. 12

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He growled. He had a bear to dispose of. Himself to clean. And now there was an unwanted man, in front of his cave. And it was going to rain soon. He would deal with the easy things first. The bear. He shifted back to himself. Eat. Bear. Good. **** The first drops of moisture on his upturned face woke him yet again, and Anneal groaned, sore body protesting as he tried to move. One wrist throbbed, and his head ached, and he was freezing. He blinked, wetness clinging to his eyelashes, and Anneal gaped, realizing it was not rain or tears, but snow that fell upon him. Snow! Already. And he had nowhere to go. No place to escape the storm. His internal time sense, which was quite good, really, told him it should be day, but the clouds were so thick, and the snow coming down so heavily, one could not tell. Then to add insult to injury, his stomach growled. There was no choice for him but to go back to the one place he knew had food and fire. Back to the cave, with his dream catman, who he feared as much as he wondered about. There was no other option. Anneal dragged himself to his feet, cradling his sore arm, almost forgetting his pack in is haste, but remembering it at the last moment. 13

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The mouth of the cave was where he remembered, luck with him as he retraced his steps without actually being able to see. The fire he'd built in the cave was down to embers, the cat-man obviously not feeding it. It was enough, however, to see by. The cat-man, or maybe just a cat, maybe he had dreamed the man part, for the beast curled near the back of the cave was definitely a cat. Mountain lion really. A low growl sounded, the big head coming up, eyes gleaming, looking right at him. Such an amazingly beautiful animal. Glorious, really, and tremendously intimidating. He hoped he had not dreamed the man, he truly did. “I ... I need your help. Please. Let me stay until after it stops snowing, at least.” The beast growled, staring at him. He looked away, distraught. He was in trouble if he couldn't stay here. When he looked up again, the man sat in the beast's place. “And then you will go.” Not that the man was any easier to deal with, but at least he could talk. “Yes. I promise. When the storm is over and I can find my own place to winter, I will go.” “Fine.” He slumped, nodding, and carefully entered the cave. He set his pack aside and scooped up the rest of the wood he had gathered before to start the fire, feeding it lightly to get it going again. 14

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The man watched him carefully, making a show of moving back from the fire. He felt unaccountably guilty suddenly. “I am sorry. I am just so cold.” The man's eyebrows twitched. “Die cold?” “I just need the fire to warm me. I am sorry if it bothers you.” He warmed his hands over the small blaze, feeling his teeth stop chattering. His stomach rumbled again, loud in the quiet that snow always brought to the world. “Take off your clothes.” He stared. “I beg your pardon?” “They're wet.” The man looked at him like he was an idiot. “They make you cold.” “Yes, well I cannot simply assume a thick fur coat at will. Without them I would be even colder.” He sounded ridiculous, he knew, formal and stuffy, like he was in his father's drawing room. But he was cold and tired and hungry and miserable and his only company was this magical being who might well be a figment of his fevered imagination. “Skin is warmer than wet clothes.” The man glared at him for a moment. “You may lie with me. I will warm you.” “Oh.” He tried very hard not to blush. And not to notice what the man who was also a cat looked like, which he suddenly seemed very interested in. How utterly stupid he was being. He would be warmer that way. Anneal stripped off his clothes, laying them out by the fire to dry, but not close enough to burn. Then he paused, looking at his reluctant rescuer. 15

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He thought the man rolled his eyes, though he couldn't be sure and then the man was shimmering, shifting, disappearing beneath the costume of a cat. A great big dangerous, albeit warm looking, cat. He was supposed to lie with that? Gingerly, he scooted close, closer, until they were touching. Oh, the warmth! Lovely. The cat gave a growl that he would swear was long suffering and then the beast rolled closer, almost curling around him. He ignored the rumble in his belly and sank into that amazing heat, letting it soothe him once more into sleep. **** Purring. Warm. Not warm. Hot. Smells. Fire and Man. Belongs here man. Hot. Good. Feris shifted into man form and sat up quickly, pulling away from the man. Belongs here man? No. The man did not belong here, no matter how familiar the scent was growing. That was it. The man's scent was familiar, non-threatening. The fire and extra body heat were making it hot for him as himself here. The man would go soon and take the fire with him. He crawled to the edge of the cave and pissed outside, marking the white snow with yellow. His cave. It was still snowing. Late day. Hunting would be poor, it was good he had a bellyful. 16

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Behind him the man muttered, shifting, waking. Movement, and the fire got bright. “Is it still snowing?” He turned and walked back to crouch in his place, away from the fire. “Yes. Winter is early this year. I did not feel it coming so soon, but now I think it will not stop for hunting. It is here.” “Oh.” The man was quiet for a long time, then got up and went out, coming back shivering and blue a few moments later, reaching for his clothing. Once he was dressed, the man got his pack, digging in it and coming out with a skin wrapped packet, meat smell strong. Dried meat. A flat piece of bread joined the meat, and the man ate slowly. Men were strange. Dried meat. He shook his head and watched, not shifting back to himself, the man seemed more comfortable with man him than himself. Once the man ate, he took a cup and went back to the door of the cave, carefully avoiding the snow right in front. The cup was filled up and put next to the fire. He measured out a batch of dark, dried leaves, ones that smelled sharp and sweet. The man did not speak the whole time, until suddenly the man looked right at him. “Do you have a name?” “Ferrrris.” “Feris. Very well. I am Anneal.” “An neal.” The name sounded strange in his mouth. 17

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Not that it mattered. When it stopped snowing the man— An neal—would be gone. “Yes.” An neal looked at him as he stirred the leaves into the melted snow, heated by the fire. Then An neal set the cup aside and smiled, looking into his pack again. “I thought I still had ... yes. There they are.” An neal opened a bag, the scent making his nose twitch. “Here,” An neal said, holding out a small, yellow pebble. “Would you like a lemon candy?” He looked and sniffed suspiciously. The “lemon candy” looked like hardened piss, but it smelled ... tangy and sweet. He reached out and took it from An neal, bringing it to his nose and sniffing more. “Like this.” Anneal took one as well, putting it in his mouth and sucking on it. Well he supposed if An neal would put it in his mouth, it was not piss. He carefully put it on his tongue. He growled, startled, as flavor exploded across his mouth. Sweet! Tart! Good! He sucked like An neal did, rumbling as the flavor continued to come. An neal smiled. “You like it?” He purred, nodded. “Good.” “Yes.” The man, An neal, was silent again, seeming easier with him, sipping at his leaves. “There are more men south,” he told An neal, feeling generous. “You should go that way when the snow stops.” 18

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The hand not holding the cup went to An neal's face, touching the black and red marks upon his cheeks. “Yes. I suppose I should.” An neal did not look at him, eyes carefully lowered. He growled, the scent of untruth in the air. “You needn't worry. As soon as the snow lets up enough to see well I will leave you alone.” “Winter is early. You will have to hurry.” The man was not so bad, the scent becoming familiar already, non-threatening. “I know.” An neal sounded sad again. What a very strange man. He growled. He did not understand men, they made his head hurt. It was easier being himself. He shifted back. Man scent. Sweet tangy taste. All good. No threat.

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Chapter 2 Three days later, the snow had not stopped. Anneal was starving, having hoped he would have time to put away food for the winter, thus having little in reserve. He tried very hard not to bother his host, but he could tell his presence grated, as did the constant rumble of his belly. Anneal had never considered himself weak, after all of the things he'd been through, but he was beginning to feel apathy stealing through him. What sort of man was he if he could not survive his first true winter on his own? He could not even find his own place to stay, sharing space with this man-cat, a magical creature to be sure, who obviously did not want him there, and was he not a thoroughly pathetic example of a puling infant? He looked out at the still falling snow, light and fluffy and depressing. It was time he took determined steps to get out of there. Even if it killed him. His bag took only moments to pack, and he wrapped old pieces of skin about his feet and legs. He would go while Feris, his host, slept. No doubt the big cat would not miss him at all. The heavy sleeping breathing changed and he glanced back to see one golden eye looking at him. The cat growled, as if in warning. “I am sorry I woke you.” His voice sounded very formal to his own ears, and very small. 20

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The cat growled again, rolling up onto his paws and stretching with a huge yawn. Casually, the big cat walked to the mouth of the cave, blocking his entrance. He stared. He could neither help it, nor hide his surprise. “Surely the thought of my leaving makes you glad.” The cat looked back out at the snow still falling and then back at him, face implacable. Unused to feeling like a scolded child, Anneal strode purposefully toward the mouth of the cave. “Yes, I am well aware it is still snowing but I am out of food and I can keep myself company as well as you do.” A chuffing noise came from the beast, its tongue lolling out of its open mouth. It made no attempt to move out of his way. The damned cat was laughing at him. Somehow, that just suited the entire situation. Still, he had been wallowing in his own defeat for three days. It was time he reclaimed the Anneal he was accustomed to being. Time to storm the gates. “Your concern is duly noted. Now, if you would kindly get out of my way.” The cat morphed into the man. “Don't be stupid.” The words were rough, as if the voice were unused to speaking. Or perhaps the words were unwelcome in the man's mouth. “Why not? It is the one thing that continually defines me, my stupidity. I've quite grown used to it.” And the man was more intimidating than the cat, if for no other reason than he was completely nude. 21

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“You'd rather go out in that than take what was offered? Bah. Fine. Go.” The man stood aside, glowering at him. Sighing once more, Anneal held out his hands in appeal and appeasement. “It is not that I do not appreciate what you have done for me. I do, truly.” He did. He simply could not think of the next thing to do, so the logical thing seemed to be leaving. The man continued to glower, not looking at him, merely radiating anger, perhaps dislike. A moment later the man morphed, the cat again appearing and blocking his way. The big head tossed and a low growl sounded. His stomach rumbled, and it was all he could do not to simply sit down and cry. So much for priding himself on being capable and strong. The cat nudged him, bumping his hip with the big head and sending him down in a heap. One big paw rested on him and the cat gave a short roar. Feris morphed for a halfsecond, the word “stay” lingering in the air as the cat took off. Well certainly. What else was he to do with a broken back? Which was a terrible exaggeration, but he rubbed his hip and shoulder, staring out into the snow after the damned cat. Some moments later Feris came back, a hank of halffrozen meat hanging from the great maw. It was dumped next to him and the cat went and sat in his customary spot, beginning to groom, licking away the blood. Blinking, Anneal resisted the urge to eat it raw, which would surely make him sick. Instead he picked it up gingerly, and began preparing it to roast over his tiny fire. 22

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“I.. thank you.” The big cat stopped it's grooming a moment to look at him, a soft growl sounding before it went back to its task. The meat took only moments to ready, and the smell of it as it roasted made his mouth water. Perhaps if the snow slowed down he could find some root vegetables and buried grasses. Perhaps he would make it through the winter after all. And perhaps sharing space with his enigmatic host would teach him to take what was offered and be grateful. **** It was early enough that it was too hot in the cave with the fire going for himself, so Feris took to lounging in man-form. It made him grumpy. Himself the cat had invited Anneal to stay, he had not. The stupid fire smelled of ashes and burning meat and man. It made him stay a man and then he was hungry—the cat's body was made to go long periods without food, the man's was not. He had spent most of the last ten days glaring at the man, his frown becoming deeper and more heartfelt with every day that it became clear that winter was going to be long and hard and was here already. For his part, the man spent most of the time sleeping. Or keeping the fire going. He did not speak much, after the first day or two. “Why are you here?” he asked suddenly, breaking three days of silence. 23

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The man raised his head from his knees, staring at him with dull grey eyes. “Because you would not let me leave.” He growled in annoyance. “Why aren't you with other men,” he clarified. He didn't like talking, his vocal chords unused to the effort of anything other than the guttural purrs and growls of himself. “Oh.” Resting his head on his knees once more, the man sighed. “Other men do not want me among them any longer. I am a banished one.” “Banished?” This was something he understood. He tilted his head. What made this one special enough to be banished? “Yes.” One hand came up, the man touching the red and black marks on those hollow cheeks. “Why?” “I ... I did something against the laws of the men I lived among. Something bad.” The hackles on his neck raised and he growled. It was not often his instincts were better than himself's, but it seemed this time they were. “What bad?” “Must we talk about this?” The man sounded very tired. Very sad. “Yes,” he growled. “I.” The man began, but stopped, taking a deep breath. “There was a young girl. I was to marry her. I did something my people find very offensive, and rather than marry me, she ... she took her life. Her father was a very important man.” He frowned. He didn't understand. “You killed her?”

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“No.” A hollow laugh echoed in the cave. “They would have killed me for that. She killed herself. But it was my fault, truly. I deserved it.” “She killed herself instead of marrying you?” Men were stupid. Really, they were. “Yes. She said she could not bear it.” Small, miserable, the man's voice practically disappeared. “What did you do to her that was so offensive?” “That is none of your business.” Stronger now, at least. He growled. His place, his. How could he share with a man who would not trust. “Please. I didn't hurt her, or steal from her, or anything like that. And I surely cannot do the same to you, if that is what you are worried about.” He wished to protest, to growl and bully. Maybe make the man leave. Himself growled, shifting. Man smell upset. Hurting. Go. Head on leg. Purr. Not be upset, man. Man put hand on his head. “I do not understand you at all, I vow.” Man not bad. Man safe. Right smell. Purr. Man stroke. Good. **** Anneal had not been so miserable since he had left the city gates behind, new tattoos still burning upon his cheeks. He 25

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was hungry, his limbs felt weak from disuse, and for the last two nights, ever since the man Feris had forced his strange confession, he was plagued by bad dreams. Thoroughly pathetic. He did not think he would ever understand his mostly feline companion, either. The big cat seemed, if not content, then at least accepting, going so far as to comfort him. The man was less content, more suspicious, less patient with him. It was the cat who fed him, who kept him warm, and was a comfort to him when he woke up, flailing and screaming, face throbbing. The man simply stared. Anneal was not certain which was more disconcerting. Right now the cat and the man were both gone, out into the snow, presumably to eat, so he took advantage of it, building up the fire, heating water in the big bowl he hanging from his pack, and stripping down for a much needed bath and shave. He was just barely done when Feris returned, the big cat rumbling, nose twitching. Feris came over to him, scenting him and then rubbing furry cheeks against first one hip and then the other. Which was most terribly disconcerting, as he was through washing, but still unclothed, because his clothes needed airing in the worst possible way. His train of thought still left him avoiding the thought that a large cat was rubbing against him while he was nude, which was simply absurd.

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“What in the world are you doing?” Feris rumbled, sniffing and then rubbing against his thighs. What an odd creature. “I just got clean!” Feris’ head lifted the sniffing continuing and then the cat walked around him and rubbed the back of his legs, licked his buttocks, tongue sliding just beneath the swell of his ass. A most undignified noise escaped him and he jumped, coming down a few feet away. “Stop that!” That was most ... odd. The cat came back around and rose up, paws on his shoulders. Once again Feris rubbed against him, cheeks on his cheeks and then licked his scars. Anneal was simply astonished, and somehow warmer than he had been since he'd shed his clothing. A deep flush rose on his chest and neck, rising to his face. “I do not understand you at all.” The cat rumbled, not quite a purr and walked to his customary sleeping place, pawing at the ground several times before settling. The cat looked at him, tongue lolling out, golden eyes unblinking. Shaking his head, Anneal closed the unwanted feelings away in a box in his mind and started scrubbing the worst of the muck off his clothing, laying it out on the rocks near the fire to dry. Only when he was done did he realize he'd left himself no place to sit where he could be warm. With a wary look and a sigh, he went over to Feris, silently asking if he could sit with him. Feris shifted, moving to make a space for him along the cat's belly. 27

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He curled into the incredible softness of the lush fur, thinking how strange his life had become. For his life to get more strange was something of an achievement. Feris curled enough to rest the great head upon his leg, purrs vibrating his body. Oh, that felt nice. Soothed him. He dozed, letting the big body beneath and around and on him keep him warm, one hip going numb on the rough stone. The fire was down a good bit when he started awake, his own shout ringing in his ears. Feris was growling, the big muscles tense against him. His heart pounded so hard that his ribs hurt. A hand went out without his express permission, stroking Feris’ ribs. “I ... I am sorry if I startled.” Feris rumbled, licking his hand. He could almost read sympathy in the golden eyes, though surely it was his imagination. Surely it was. Though he did wonder how much of the man the cat retained. Still, he was cold and clammy, and he would take whatever comfort he could find. Feris wrapped closer around him, purring softly. Every now and then the great cat would lick his skin. Strange and yet relaxing, and Anneal allowed himself to relax once more. Only dreams. Phantasms of another life. His reality was strange enough. Perhaps he should simply focus on that. Day by day, until the winter was over

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Chapter 3 Feris shifted into man to speak to An neal. He needed to see what An neal needed. Four months they had spent together in his cave and still the winter continued. He had begun to grudgingly accept the man's presence; himself was much more enthusiastic and the man's scent had grown into the cave, become a part of home. “An neal. You need?” “Hmmm.” An neal looked up at him, sleepy and bleary. “Food? Water? Warmth? You need?” “No. M'fine.” An neal did not look fine. Did not smell fine. Hardly moved, just slept. He growled. “What need?” “I do not know, Feris. I am sorry. I just do not feel well.” An neal held out a hand to him, like he would to himself. He took An neal's hand, growling, unhappy. Maybe it was not just himself who had grown used to this man in his cave. An neal laughed. “I truly did not mean to become a burden to you. You should have let me leave.” “If you die in here, yes, I should have.” He sat on his haunches, touching the concave belly. “What need?” “Things we cannot get? Grains. Vegetables. Cheese.” An neal's hand covered his. “I promise not to die on you. I will wait until I can wander off while you're not looking.” It was meant to be funny, he thought. 29

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He growled. “Caught without what you need for winter. Stupid.” He sat and stroked An neal's head. “Sleep. I will find.” “Well, yes. Certainly I've never denied that. I was about to start putting things away for the season when the snows came.” “I will find,” he repeated. Himself did not want An neal to die. He did not want An neal to die. He shifted. Growling. Rubbing man's face. Find greens. Man patted his neck, smiling. “You're very good to me, Feris.” Purr. Rub. Man good. Man belong. Find greens. Make man stay. **** Anneal woke with the feeling of someone staring at him. Not unusual these last months, something he had, in fact, grown used to. This was a look at me stare. A wake up, you lazy slug look, and Anneal swam to the surface of consciousness, trying to at least do that much for Feris, who had done so much for him. “Oh. Good. You came back.” Feris growled low and nudged something toward him. Bark of a willow tree, three wizened tubers and a handful of sweet grass, dry and brown. 30

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“Oh.” His throat tightened. They looked wonderful. “Oh, Feris, thank you.” He pulled himself to a sitting position, slowly and carefully, trying to avoid the ever-present nausea. Then he reached out and touched his gifts before petting Feris’ back. The big cat purred, rubbing against him for a moment before settling down, watching him. His fire was all but burned out, nothing but embers. He rarely felt cold, so he'd been neglecting it. He fed it the dried tinder he'd managed the last time he'd left the cave and went to get some water. The grasses and tubers would make a good soup, and the bark would make tea to ease his aches. It was slow going, and his hands shook, but finally the pot was on the fire and the tea was steeping. When he was sure he had everything set to cook without him watching, he crawled back to Feris and stretched out beside him. “Thank you.” The cat purred, Ferris rubbing their faces together. Amazing, what one got used to. He'd learned that meant comfort, meant you're welcome. The cat was very possessive of him, he'd noticed. It was ... rather nice. His scars were each given a lick before Feris settled again, the low vibrating purrs threatening to send him back to sleep. He could not sleep yet, though. He needed to eat his soup, drink his tea. He amused himself by playing with one big paw, pushing the pads, watching the claws go in and out. Feris let him play and then growled, batting at his hand. Chuckling, he rewarded Feris’ patience with a good hard scratching, right at the start of that long back. He was so 31

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used to touching now, something he was unused to since he left home. Indeed, before that, as his family was most reserved, and only in his brief liaisons had he had any sort of lasting contact. Feris’ eyes closed, the purrs deepening, the long back arching. It was something so small, but something he could do for Feris. And it made him smile. He knew not how long he worked, but he was sweating when he stopped, and breathing deeply, and his stew smelled lovely. Feris gave him a look and licked the sweat from his cheeks and belly before looking at the fire and growling. “Yes, of course. I need to eat, don't I?” He went back to the fire, moving the tea away to cool a bit, and lifted his soup off the fire. The scent was amazing. He did not gulp it down as he wanted to, instead sipping only a tiny bit, waiting to see if would stay down. Feris’ rumbling purrs sounded approving. His stomach rolled, but he did not lose what he had taken in, so he tried some of the tea, knowing it would help as well. So good. Astonishingly good. He smiled at Feris. “You continually surprise me.” Feris lifted his head and roared, settling back down and watching. Always watching. The soup went down easier after the first bites, and he carefully covered the pot to set it in the snow just to one side of the cave entrance. It would keep until his next meal that way. The tuber he had not used and the willow bark he'd save 32

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were carefully wrapped and put in his pack. He would use them next time. When the tea and soup he allowed himself was gone, his stomach heavy and the light-headedness fading, he sat, watching the fire. He felt better than he had in weeks. Feris moved until his back was warmed by the great cat. Low, contented purrs filled the cave. He felt contented himself, hopeful, which was a long forgotten feeling. Spring would have to come to them soon. And then they would see what the world held for him

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Chapter 4 Snow. Melting. Dirt. Scent of green things. Snow going. Winter going. Nose twitched. Flower. Take in mouth, careful. Find man. Give him. Show spring. Make happy. Man smell good when happy. Running, muscles stretching. Cave. Man inside. Give flower. Man look, eyes bright. “Feris! It's a bloom! Do you think ... is it nearly spring?” Happy man smell. Purr. Good. He shifted. “Spring,” he said. “See? Lots of green things soon.” “Oh. Oh good.” An neal reached out, touched the flower. “So soft. Thank you, Feris.” He nodded. “Many green things will come soon. You will collect for next winter, yes?” “Yes.” An neal laughed. “Or perhaps I will just go back among people to live next winter. Where I do not have to worry about my stupidity being a burden to someone.” He wrinkled his nose. “You want to live with men?” He looked around his cave. Why would anyone choose men over this? “I do not. Not really. But I promised I would leave you when the snows were gone, did I not? And I clearly have 34

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difficulty alone.” An neal gave him a look, one he could not decipher. He growled, fighting the words. Himself made him shift. Growl. Stay. Man stay. He shifted back to man-form, growling the word. “Stay.” An neal stared. “You want me to stay? With you?” He growled again. “Yes.” “But ... why?” An neal looked so confused. He shrugged, trying to express what himself wanted. “Your smell belongs here.” Himself was right, too. The cave smelled good, was right with him and An neal. Something bright and fierce lit An neal's eyes for a moment, then faded. “I must go back to the city, Feris, by midsummer.” He growled, hurt. Turned his back on the man. “Do what you want.” Shifted. Growling. Going. Away from stupid man. “No! It is not like that, Feris. I ... I want to stay with you.” An neal following, slow, weak, but following. “It is only that I gave my word to spend one day there each year. I would be back by the autumn.” Growled. Man stay? Stop and wait. Growl. Man's hands touch, pet. “I do not wish to leave you, Feris. I ... you have become. Important to me.” Man stay. Good. Rub man's legs. Purr. 35

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Man push against him, rub ears. “But I must leave long enough to do what I have promised, do you understand that?” He shifted. “You'll be back?” “Yes. Yes.” An neal meant it. No nervous lie smell came from him. Just sadness, and affection. “If you want me here, I will be here.” “You smell right here.” “I feel right here. Despite all the hard things, I feel at home here. Thanks to you.” An neal smiled at him. “Though I will put away so much food this year that we can barely move in here.” He growled. “I will find you a close store.” That got him a true laugh, pure and right. “Thank you. You make me feel as though I belong here.” “You smell right here,” he repeated. He had no other words to say it. Warm fingers found his skin, An neal's hand resting against his chest. “Thank you.” An neal did not touch him often, only himself. He purred, liking the feeling as much as himself did. The light touch stayed against his skin for a long moment before An neal turned away, going to take up the flower and put it in his cup, putting in snow to keep it fresh. Saving his gift. He purred and crouched by the entrance, watching the snow dripping from the trees.

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Chapter 5 The cave was empty. Empty and dark and musty, the only sign of previous habitation the dark stains of his own fires on the floor. Anneal dropped his pack, looking about, shoulders slumping. Well, naturally it was empty. Feris was a territorial creature, but his territory surely ranged for a great distance, and with Anneal leaving him to traipse off to the city, Feris had no reason to stay. That logic did not stop the ball of unhappy disappointment from forming in his belly. He had missed Feris more than he'd thought possible. All of that traveling. All of that time among the trade caravans, and then the disastrous visit to the city. Anneal touched his fingers to his cheeks. He truly had hoped to see Feris immediately upon his return, to see if the comfort he gained from the cat-man's presence was all the result of faulty memory. He would rest, just for tonight, and then he would start putting away for winter. It was late summer, harvest time, and Anneal had only just regained his full strength and physique. No sense in losing it to the winter once more. Perhaps when the leaves began to change, Feris would return. He spent the day cleaning out the cave, ate a spare meal, and when darkness fell, he curled into the groove in the floor that Feris had worn over the long winter last, and slept, dreaming of glowing golden eyes. 37

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He woke to growls and a rough tongue licking at him, big paws trying to pull his clothes off. “Feris?” His own voice sounded rough, unused. Since he had left the caravan some two weeks before he had spoken to no one but himself. “What? What are you doing?” The big cat rubbed their faces together, still trying to get rid of his clothing, still growling unhappily. Oh. Oh, he remembered how Feris had rubbed against him whenever he'd bathed. He imagined he smelled wrong. Which was when it hit him that it was indeed Feris before him and not a dream. He threw his arms around the big cat's neck. “Feris!” Feris purred and then growled again, clearly still disturbed by his scent. He took off his light tunic, hesitating over his leggings, but soon took those off too. If it made Feris more comfortable, what did it hurt? Feris’ growls grew less angry and the big cat began to wash him, licking him everywhere with the long, rough tongue and rubbing the soft cheeks against his skin. It tickled, and scraped and the contrast of the soft, furry cheeks was somehow titillating. He fought the response, as it was probably terribly inappropriate. When Feris’ tongue slid over his prick, there was little he could do to stop his body from reacting. Jumping, he pushed Feris away, turning to hide his suddenly hardening shaft. It had simply been too long. That had to be it. 38

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Feris seemed unconcerned, working on his exposed backside, licking and rubbing along his spine and his legs and his buttocks. The last lick of the long tongue slid along his crease, making him jump and his shaft twitch hard. Then Feris lay down next to him, pressed close and purring loudly. There. Obviously he was overreacting, as Feris was completely uncaring of his state, simply happy to see him. As happy as he was to see Feris. He fought his body, finally conquering by thinking of his father's disapproving face, and turned to snuggle up against the big, furry body next to him. “I thought you had left.” Feris looked at him and growled and then licked his cheeks, settling again with their faces close. Feeling at home for the first time since he'd left, he scratched Feris behind the ears, nodding. “I know. I am the one who left you. I missed you every day, though.” Feris licked his nose and then those golden eyes half closed and the purrs started, Feris pressing into his scratches. The soft sounds and warmth soothed him, let him shed the last months like a healed scab. How this strange creature had worked his way into Anneal's heart was still a mystery, but he knew it was true. And he knew that somehow, he had become important to the cat-man as well. Anneal actually looked forward to the coming of winter this year, to spending more time in the intriguing company of his cat. And between now and then they had the autumn, where he would perhaps get to know Feris even better by simple observation. Once again, Feris gave him a feeling that so 39

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often abandoned him when he went among men. He gave Anneal hope. **** They worked well together, himself and An neal. Well, he and An neal did, too, but it was more strange that a man would work so well with himself. Most men were scared of himself. It was the big teeth. And the claws. Himself had found a small cave close to their own for An neal to fill with greens and roots and berries. Himself found the best roots, too, the ones that made An neal exclaim happily and say they would last, staying tasty until spring. Then he would become man again and help An neal pick and carry. The only thing himself didn't like was the stack of firewood in the back of the cave. It made himself growl. He knew though why An neal did it. He understood winter on skin—it was why he was himself for most of the winter. What surprised him was himself wanting the man to stay, to be in the cave all winter again. Well ... if he were honest— it had surprised him at the start but it was nice, having someone else to sit with, to sleep with. The winter passed nicely with another to share. He was not used to having another. Men did not like himself and other cats ... well they did not like the man. An neal though ... he was different. An neal liked himself. A lot. An neal gave himself back rubs and ear scritches and belly rubs. An neal made himself purr. It made him like the man and, slowly, he was coming to trust the man. 40

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He picked another root. He did not understand this eating of roots though. “Wonderful.” An neal smiled at him like he was very smart. “I would never be able to find so much on my own.” He made a face. “You really like these?” “Well, they're not bad. And certainly better for me than just meat. Besides, I can make a sort of cake out of them.” “Cake!” He liked cake. And lemon candy. He sniffed the tuber suspiciously. “This does not smell like cake.” A soft laugh came from An neal. “No. Of course not. Much has to be added to it to make it cake. Perhaps I will make one for you tonight, since you have been so good at finding them.” “I can find more.” If there was cake at the end of it, he could find many more. Shifting to himself he sniffed. Nose on ground. Sniff. Sniff. Funny roots smell. There! He shifted back to man and began to dig. “Many more here, An neal.” “Oh, good.” An neal began to dig carefully, so as not to break the roots. “Tell me, Feris. How did you come to be here? Where do you come from?” He growled a little. Where he came from? “I was in the cities. In a cage. Lots of people. It was not good.” 41

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“Oh.” There was silence for a moment, An neal not looking at him. “I am sorry, Feris. I did not mean to remind you.” He shrugged. “It was a bad time. But I left. Maybe I killed men.” He looked at An neal. “I killed men and came here.” There. Would An neal still like himself now? “If they put you in a cage maybe they needed killing.” An neal looked at him, and those grey eyes were hot and fierce. “No one should cage anyone as magnificent as you, Feris.” He purred, more pleased than he could give voice to. He reached out, petting An neal's arm. He could understand why himself liked this man. He liked this man. An neal looked startled, then pleased. Him the man rarely touched An neal willingly, but perhaps he should if it made An neal so happy. “There. I think I have enough for today. My back hurts and I need to get these roots cooking if we're to have cake.” “An neal hurts?” He frowned. He did not like that. “Only a bit stiff, Feris. I am not as strong as you are.” Another smile was his as An neal rose, stretching. He tilted his head. “Maybe your clothes are too tight.” He did not understand An neal's love of clothes. Fur was best and skin was quite good, too. “Oh, I doubt that. Though they are not as loose as they were last year.” It was true. An neal was much better to look at than he had been at the end of winter. “Fattening up for winter is good.” He took An neal's pack and put it on his back. It was heavy, full of the roots. An neal's basket was lighter, full of grasses and leave petals and mushrooms that An neal said you could eat. 42

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An neal led the way to the cave, more sure footed now than he had been last winter as well. Good. This winter would be easier. Now that he had accepted that An neal would be share his home, it was good to know that the man would not be poorly again. And he would go collect more of the roots after An neal went to sleep. In case the man wanted to make lots of cake. **** The cake came out better than Anneal expected. He still had a good deal of honey, Feris having shown him where to get it, and he still had milled flour from his trip back to the land of men. Mixed with the cooked tubers and some chopped nuts, it all made a dense, rich cake that he cooked over the fire. He managed to melt some of the lemon candies in more honey to drizzle on the top. It was wonderful, if he did say so himself. Not that he had to use his own reaction as a guide. He had Feris'. Feris ate the cake as if he'd not eaten in days, which he very well knew was not true. He smiled, watching Feris lick crumbs from his lips. The man-cat truly loved sweets, and it was gratifying to be able to do something for Feris as Feris so often did for him. Feris looked over at him longingly. “Is there more?” “Yes. You greedy thing.” He shook his head, handing over the second small cake he'd set aside just for that reason, just to make Feris smile. 43

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And smile Feris did, looking at him as if he were a god. Feris took the cake and was about to take about half of it into his mouth when he stopped. “Would you like some?” Oh. Perhaps Feris really had accepted his presence there. “No.” He patted his belly ruefully. “I am quite full. You have it.” Feris beamed at him and the cake was quickly devoured. “It is good, An neal.” “There. You see? I told you roots could make cake.” He quickly scoured their few bowls and pots, then caught a whiff of himself. Oh. Terrible. The edge of the air now it was late evening made it impossible to go to the creek, but he could heat some water and air his clothes out. Anneal stripped off his tunic, spreading it on a rock just outside the cave entrance, sprinkling it with a few pine needles, then put on water to boil. Feris frowned at him. “You groom all wrong.” “Oh? How am I supposed to do it?” He could not but laugh. Feris thought many of his ways strange. Feris shifted in front of him, the smooth skin of the man replaced by the golden fur of the cat. Feris began to groom, licking his paws and using them to clean his face. He laughed. “Well, maybe that works for you, Feris, but my tongue isn't big enough.” With a wink, he took the hot water and a soft cloth and moved away from the breezy entrance of the cave. Feris growled softly and continued to groom, watching him closely. 44

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He scrubbed his chest and belly, and what he could reach of his back, using the soap he'd gotten from a toothless old woman at the last trading post he'd seen. It had no scent, and thus would not offend Feris’ sensitive nose. The entire time he washed Feris continued to watch him, eyes following the movements of his hands. Somehow, lately, it was very difficult not to be uncomfortable under that unblinking stare. Once he might have worried that Feris was deciding whether or not to eat him. Had, in fact, worried over that when they first met. Now there was a different kind of tension to it, one he hesitated to name. Turning his back, Anneal stripped off his leggings and washed the lower half of his body. Feris’ purring began soon after that. He loved that sound, though he would not admit it. It resonated in him. It was comfort. The purrs continued even as he was done, moving to sit with Feris as he would in the evenings. Feris raised his head and scented him, then licked his arm and his thigh before settling down again, content. He settled as well, leaning against the big cat's side. Feris was always so warm. How odd, that he should find contentment in this place. Yet he had, far away from the people who had sent him away for the crime of finding pleasure in an otherwise bleak life. Anneal touched his tattoos. They meant nothing to Feris, took nothing away from the unexpected acceptance he'd found. And Feris even liked his cake. 45

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Chapter 6 Anneal woke to a warm body mostly on top of him, rough purrs vibrating through his body. A smile stretched his face. Feris. He pushed and pulled and prodded until the lax, sleeping cat was off him, then headed to the cave entrance to do his business. He came up short at the edge of the cave. Oh! He would need his boots. Snow. The ground was covered in a thick, sweet blanket of snow. It was lovely. How strange that what seemed so threatening last season was so intriguing now. He quietly got his boots and tiptoed out, but on the way back, some evil impulse made him grab a handful of the wet stuff on the way back in. He stopped directly in front of Feris, and with a smile that he could feel tickle his ears, he planted the snow right on that whiskered snout. Feris leapt up at once, knocking him onto his back on the ground and straddling him with a low roar. Wheezing, breath gone, Anneal patted Feris cheeks. “Me. Feris, ‘Tis me.” Feris scented him quickly, rubbing their cheeks together and then circled the cave, growling warningly. The cat finally settled at the mouth of the cave and shifted into the man. “Where is he?” demanded Feris. “He who?” Carefully, Anneal sat up, rubbing his back. “The attacker.” Feris gave him one of those looks that said men were stupid. 46

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“Oh.” He stood, edging toward the mouth of the cave, trying to get past Feris. He would need room to run. Anneal made a great show of peering out, looking left and right, and Feris let him pass. Then he grinned. “That was me.” “You!” Feris roared, the sound not as impressive as when he was the cat, but it still made him run as fast as he could. Despite his advantage over Feris, having boots and clothes, his companion was far quicker and he found himself tackled to the ground, the snow breaking his fall. “Cold!” He squealed like a child, laughing and thrashing. “Oh, that's cold.” Feris kept him down, pushing snow into his shirt. “Feris!” He grabbed a double handful of snow, pushing it against Feris’ bare bottom. Feris yelped and shifted, growling at him playfully, batting snow in his face with one of those huge paws. He pushed back, knowing he would barely budge the big cat, but spraying snow everywhere. Feris fell heavily on him, tongue lolling out, purrs and mock growls vibrating against him. He was panting as well, and his back and buttocks were freezing. The laughter made it all worthwhile. “I think you have had your revenge, Feris. I am getting quite frozen.” Feris chuffed at him for a moment and then the big cat licked him, first one cheek and then the other. He had no idea why his scarred cheeks fascinated Feris so, but it made him smile. Made other feelings rise in his as well, but those were best ignored. “Let me up, Feris.” Feris licked his cheeks again and growled, paw sitting heavily on his shoulder. 47

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“Please. I ... it's cold.” He squirmed, trying to hide from those glowing eyes. Feris put his head back and roared, then got up on all fours and moved away, toward the creek. He had the distinct feeling he had hurt Feris’ feelings. Sighing, he got up, brushing the snow off his ass, noting that his fingers were faintly blue. Apologizing to Feris would have to wait until he got warm. The big cat would come back soon. He went back to the cave, building up the fire just enough to warm him, but not the whole cave. It would not hurt to try to accommodate Feris some. It was some time before Feris returned, slinking quietly into the cave and sitting as far from the fire as possible. The golden eyes did not watch him like they usually did. Oh. There could be no doubt that Feris was hurt. Not angry, he knew the lines of that lean body when Feris was mad. This was hurt. He hit upon an idea, rummaging in his pack a moment before taking a spare tunic over to where Feris lay and spreading it on the floor. “May I join you? Feris didn't look at him, nor did the cat give voice to any sounds, but one big paw slid over the edge of his tunic, holding it in place on the floor. Nodding, Anneal sat, placing a lemon candy next to Feris paws. “For later. I had forgotten...” Anneal paused, searching his store of words. “I got this for you while I was in the city of my home. ‘Twas the one good thing about the trip. I'd forgotten it until now.” 48

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The brush he held out for Feris to sniff was short bristled and soft, handle wrapped in thin hide. Feris growled softly, nose twitching. The brush was sniffed thoroughly and then the golden eyes settled on him again, another soft growl sounding, this one curious, inquiring. The big paw casually covered the candy, pulled it toward Feris. “May I?” Certainly Feris would voice his displeasure if the brush felt bad against him. Anneal smiled and pretended not to notice the candy disappearing under that huge appendage. He started at the neck, sweeping the brush down Feris’ back. Feris’ body rippled. The purring began with the second stroke. Oh, good. Feris liked it. So did he, truth be told, having Feris’ strong body under his hands, short, heavy fur tickling his hands, tail curling about them. The purrs got louder, Feris’ eyes three quarter's closed, his mouth open, tongue protruding slightly. The expression was one of pure bliss. It made him happy, deep inside. He had thought of Feris often while he was away, had spent precious time while in the city searching for just this brush. He stroked it down, to the strong base of Feris’ tail, over the round of one back leg. The purrs changed in tenor, grew even deeper as another ripple traveled the length of Feris’ spine. Hypnotic, the motion of the brush mixed with the sound of those purrs. He could do it for hours on end. If his arm did not give out first. ‘Twas wonderful. Every now and then Feris would twist back, head rubbing against his thigh. 49

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Finally his arm muscles gave out, he rested his hand on Feris’ neck, scratching lightly. “Better?” Feris’ purrs got a little bit louder and that head came back again to rub against him. The golden eyes looked up at him. It seemed that all was forgiven. Which pleased him greatly. It was not Feris’ fault that he had feelings of an utterly inappropriate nature, and that he was uncertain how to deal with them. “Snow, Feris. Winter is here again. Thank you for sharing your home with me yet again.” Feris leaned up and licked both his cheeks. He stroked Feris’ face, not hiding this time. There would be precious little hiding now the snow was here. Still, the winter filled him not with dread, as it had the previous year. But with hope, something only Feris could have brought back to his life.

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Chapter 7 He had started spending more time as a man. Just a few hours every day to sit with An neal. He would even eat a little bit of An neal's man food. Well, and cake. An neal made very good cake. An neal was good to himself, liked lounging with himself, but also seemed to enjoy having his company. Today his belly was full of cake and he was quite happy to stay and be company for An neal. He was also curious. “An neal.” “Hmmm?” An neal looked up from the needles from a nearby tree that the man wove into a basket. “Why are you banished?” He was not a subtle man. The clear grey eyes went dark like storm clouds. “I told you, I did something wrong.” One hand came up to touch the red and black marks on An neal's cheeks, as the man always did when he talked of it. He looked straight into the grey eyes. “What?” A harsh sigh sounded, and An neal stared at him for a long while, saying nothing. Then An neal shrugged. “There are laws among the people of my city. Certainly they govern things like property and behavior, but they also govern ... morality, I suppose.” He looked at An neal with confusion. That wasn't an answer. 51

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Attention back on his basket, An neal continued very quietly. “There are laws, Feris. Laws about who a man may lie with. It is not so important if your family is not well off, and therefore not closely watched. But it is important if your father is a high member of the city government.” He was more confused than ever. Rules about who a man may lie with? Surely An neal was making up a tale to avoid telling him the truth. But there was no lying man smell. “I do not understand,” he admitted with a growl. Shoulders hunched, the sad look Feris began to recognize on his face, An neal nodded. “It is perhaps difficult to understand unless you were raised there. There is ... a strong taboo, Feris, against a man loving a man. Where I come from, it is a terribly unclean thing.” That was stupid. “Men are stupid.” An neal laughed, looking surprised. “Yes. Yes, we are. But it makes no difference what I think. Were it not for my young betrothed killing herself I might have gotten a reprimand, perhaps house arrest. But they decided to make an example of me.” “She killed herself because you and another man mated? And then they banned you?” He shook his head. “Men are really stupid.” He would not have reacted so. “If you were mine and you slept with another I would kill you and this other, not myself.” An neal looked at him from under long eyelashes. “Yes. I imagine you would. You always protect your territory, Feris.” There was a flash of a smile, An neal teasing him. 52

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He rumbled and rose to the bait. “What is mine is mine, An neal.” Nodding, An neal set the basket aside, folding his hands in his lap. “Yes, well, ladies of the court are not taught to be territorial, Feris. They are taught to do nothing for themselves, frankly. Villia was not as strong as her training was. I fear I quite pushed her to desperate measures.” “If you did not wish to lie with her, why were you to be hers?” Men's ways had always confused him so. They paraded and pretended among themselves in ways that made no sense at all. “Because our fathers thought it a good idea.” An neal shook his head. “And it was not so much Villia I was opposed to, as it was women in general. I have never been drawn to them,” “Living alone is better than having such stupid rules, An neal. It is good you are here now.” He thought his words would be a better comfort if he did not think that men and their rules made no sense and were stupid, but An neal was a man he liked, so he tried. “Yes. I am glad I am here, too, Feris.” No lie smell for that, either, though something flashed in An neal's eyes for a moment, something odd. “Himself likes you very much.” It was true, himself did. Very, very much. He did, too. “I know. I like you both.” An neal held out a hand to him, like he did much more often these last weeks, holding his when he gave it over, squeezing for a moment before letting go. 53

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He liked that and shifted to sit closer, feeling the warmth of An neal's body along his side. He liked that very much. The man leaned against him, quiet and still, heart thumping slow and steady as they sat together. It was nice. Maybe even nicer than cake and lemon drops. **** Anneal was happier than he could ever remember being. Feris was a quiet, but excellent companion. Life was simple, full of small tasks that meant something, rather than a series of useless fetes and meetings. Even more importantly, Anneal had learned to make his own crude paper, and ink from various plants, and was busy recording his adventures. He wondered if Feris could read. Of course, when one was clinging to a tree branch, attempting to get to a beehive in order to extract honey, it was rather a pointless thing to wonder about. Feris would, no doubt, growl at him for risking life and limb for honey, but he wanted to make cakes. Feris liked cakes, and it pleased him to please his friend. He only received two stings, having practiced enough in recent weeks to know how to get in and out without doing so, and he wrapped the honeycomb in his small dish and hide, clutching it to his chest as he inched backward. Which was, naturally, when he lost his balance, rolled out of the tree, and landed on his back on the ground, a cry bursting out of him with his breath.

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He was just catching his breath, trying to assess the damage when Feris bounded up, low growls worried. The big tongue licked at his face. Wheezing, Anneal put up the hand not still gripping the honey and patted Feris’ head. “I am quite all right, Feris. Simply winded.” Bruised. Humiliated. But only winded. The cat nosed along the length of his body, Feris obviously checking for himself. All the way down, then back up, Feris licking at his honey—obviously he was found to be whole. “Stop that. I almost killed myself getting this for cakes.” He grinned, pushing Feris’ snout away. “The least you can do is let me make the cakes.” Feris growled and nuzzled his hand before ducking the big head and taking another swipe at the honeycomb—the man loved the cakes, but obviously the cat preferred the honey. “Ow!” Anneal would be content to let the cat have it if his ankle had not been stung. “Feris, I am getting stung. Please, can I move now?” Feris growled and backed off, swatting at several more bees that were buzzing in annoyance at having been disturbed. Slowly, Anneal got to his feet, limping off toward his cave, Feris trailing behind. Oh, he would be sore tonight, paying for that fall. When they got back to the cave, Feris morphed, the man taking the place of the cat. “You're sure you're alright?” 55

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“Yes. I am simply sore. I feel very silly.” He smiled in the face of Feris’ obvious concern. “By the by, can you read?” “What?” Feris frowned at him. “Are you sure you didn't hit your head?” Feris’ hands went to his head, big fingers sliding gently and then pressing a little harder. “No no. I was wondering that before I fell down.” The touch felt good, though, soothing, and Anneal leaned into it. “I could. A little. A long time ago.” Feris’ hands moved down along his body, checking his limbs slowly, carefully. “I could teach you.” So nice, to have someone touch him. It had been so long. “So do you remember anything about where you were born, Feris? How you are the way you are?” Feris shook his head and didn't answer until he'd been felt up from head to toe and then the man crouched down next to the fire. “I do not remember anything before the cage. We would go from place to place. I was displayed in the...” Feris frowned, searching for his words. “Freak show.” Feris growled, the sound unhappy. “If I did not change back and forth they would hurt me and not give me food. I did not like it. Himself hated it and hurt many people when we ran.” “Then I am glad you got away.” He was. Fiercely glad. No one deserved a cage, least of all his proud and wild Feris. Feris nodded. “Yes.” Then the man looked up at him, the gaze intense. “I am glad you were banished.”

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His cheeks heated, and he would have looked away, but Anneal felt compelled to hold that golden stare. “I ... I am as well, Feris.” Feris made a purring noise and then shifted, the big cat coming to him and putting that large head on his leg, the purrs louder now, deeper. He scratched Feris’ ears, his neck and back, feeling warm and happy, even though his back ached. They were together through an extraordinary set of circumstances, but Anneal was grateful for it nonetheless. He would make cakes and save some honey for Feris himself and they would go on. For the first time since it had happened, Anneal was glad he had been banished, just as he'd said.

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Chapter 8 Winter. Snow. Cold. Cave warm. Man warm. Man good. Smell good. Purr. Rub. Good. Clothes not good. Man skin better. Paw. Growl. “Feris. Stop it.” Man growl. Growl louder. Paw harder. Clothes wrong. Man smell stronger with no clothes. “Oh, for...” Man sit. Pull off shirt. Purr. Rub. Better. Purr. Purr. Purr. Lick. Man smell grow stronger. Musk. Good. 58

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Lick more. “What in the world are you up to?” An neal push. Growl. Want lick man. Want rub man. Man good. Man scratch ears. “You are odd, Feris.” Purr. Scratching good. Rub. Lick. Scratch. Purr. Good. **** There was one problem with living in a single chamber cave with someone; it afforded no privacy. Anneal had grown used to bathing in front of Feris. He had become accustomed to frequent rubbing and tongue bathing and sharing a sleeping spot with the big cat. He was even somewhat at peace with the fact that the man Feris went nude constantly. What he could not figure out was what he should do when he awoke hard and needing. In the past he had simply changed the pattern of his thoughts from remembering sweet hands upon his body to remembering the men setting the tattoos upon his cheeks. That would deflate even the strongest passion. But what was 59

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one to do when one woke from a dream and one was snuggled up against the object of that dream? Quietly, furtively, Anneal tried to slip away. Feris growled lightly, pushing back against him again, fur warm and unbelievably soft against his most sensitive skin. Oh dear. This would never do. He was so hard he hurt, and it was not going down no matter what he thought of. Anneal rolled, putting his back to Feris, hands covering his hardness. Feris seemed happy enough with that, the big cat rubbing and pushing and finally settling again. He was not as happy, trying once Feris settled to again move away. Feris’ growl was louder this time, the sound one of annoyance. Well. He tried. Truly he did. But Feris was hot and soft against his back and no thought could banish his need, so Anneal began to touch himself, slow and quiet, hand barely moving. Feris purred gently, sending soft vibrations along his back. That only added to his pleasure, the purrs ringing down his spine and into his balls, making him throb. A whimper escaped him, and his hips pushed forward as he stroked harder, faster. Feris rubbed against his ass, soft purrs continuing. Lords above and below. His skin was so sensitive that the slightest touch made him shake, Anneal kept rubbing, pushing back against the unbelievable softness that was Feris, pushing up into the hard grasp of his own hand. The big cat seemed quite happy to have him rubbing, the purrs increasing. That simply was too much to bear. Anneal spent 60

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with a soft cry, whole body shaking as seed pumped from him. So long. It had been so long. Feris got up then, warm body moving away. Then Feris was in front of him. First his face was licked, followed by his belly and hands, cock. Feris cleaned him and then settled down against him again, purring. Oh, dear. Surely there was something perverse about that, something he should feel was worse than the act that got him banished. But he could not seem to worry about it. He was too sleepy and sated. He would simply have to worry about it later, when he and Feris woke from their nap.

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Chapter 9 Big snow. Cave safe. Cave good. Too much cave. Growl. Sleep. Groom. Purr. Bored. Man smell good. Man make sleeping noises. Pounce. Man scream. “Feris!” Lick. Rub. Grab man. Roll. “Feris? What are you doing?” Man still scared. Not awake. He shifted, still rubbing their bodies together, nose sliding along An neal's cheeks. “An neal.” It was only him, An neal should not be worried. “Oh! It is you.” An neal smiled, awareness coming into An neal's eyes. “Who else would it be?” “You woke me rather suddenly.” An neal reached up to ruffle his hair. 62

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“I'm bored,” he told An neal, rumbling and nuzzling into the touches. An neal was warm underneath him. It was nice. It felt good. Maybe not so good to An neal, the way he scowled. “You woke me because you are bored?” He growled. “Himself woke you.” “Oh. I beg your pardon.” A spark lit An neal's eyes, and they rolled again, An neal on top this time, crowing. “I did it!” An neal looked ridiculously pleased. His eyes narrowed and he rolled them again until he was once more on top. He pushed against An neal, making sure the man was stuck this time. “Oof.” The breath whooshed right out of An neal's lungs, and the man clung to his shoulders, blinking at him. He blinked back. An neal felt very good. He wanted to rub and purr. He wanted to a lot. “Feris?” An neal looked red, like when the man took a bath. “Yes, An neal?” “What are you doing?” That was a most amusing squeak. “I was bored.” An neal was not usually so stupid like other men. Maybe he was still sleepy. Now An neal looked at him like he was the stupid one. “Yes, Feris. We have been through that. I mean now. Why are you ... you're still on top of me.” 63

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“Because it feels good, An neal. If you do not feel good, I will stop being on top of you.” “Oh. I. Oh.” An neal was very, very red. “No. I mean, yes. I mean it feels good.” He nodded. An neal had said he preferred to lie with men and was he not a man? He rubbed, watching the grey eyes going dark. It felt very good indeed. An neal must think it very good, too, for he made that noise once more, and through the clothes An neal insisted on wearing, even to sleep, he could feel the hardness. He rumbled and rubbed harder. So good. He had never lain with another man. Never lain with anyone before. He liked it. “Feris. I don't think you should do that.” An neal said that, but the hands on his shoulders stroked and touched. He closed his eyes and scented the air. Musk. Strong and good, his and An neal's. Pleasure. Want. Need. He did not stop. “Oh. My.” One of An neal's legs came up and wrapped around his hip, holding him close. Oh! So good. So very good. He could feel the good going up his spine, settling in his balls and he was so hard, like when himself would rub against a tree. But An neal was not a tree. He opened his eyes again. No, not a tree. The eyes that met his were wide and inky dark, ringed in silver. An neal tugged him down, not his bottom but his top, pulling their faces close and setting their lips together. 64

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He gasped, breathing in An neal's scent, his flavor. So soft! An neal's lips were soft. Rubbing against his, An neal's lips opened his mouth, tongue coming out to touch his teeth. His eyes widened, the pleasure shooting from where their lips met to his hardness. “An neal!” “Mmm.” The touch came again, An neal pulling him close and pressing into his mouth, tongue moving about. Shuddering, he cried out, heat spraying from him. “Oh! Feris!” An neal shook, breath coming very fast, the scent of him suddenly much stronger, the hard against him jerking under its cloth binding. He purred, collapsing against An neal. Shifted. Purr. Good. Man good. Purr. Man pet. Scratch. Sleep. Good. **** When An neal woke he was over warm, finding it difficult to breathe, and rather ... Well, sticky. The over warm and breathing could be laid at the fact that Feris, in all of his leonine glory, was stretched out atop him. His cheeks heated as he realized that the sticky could also be laid firmly at Feris’ big paws. Oh, dear. 65

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Feeling the need to move, immediately, An neal gave Feris a shove, rolling the lax form off him. Feris slid off, one eye half opening. The rough tongue licked at his cheek and Feris settled bonelessly beside him, low purrs rumbling against him. There. Now he could roll away and go to clean himself up a bit. Be away from Feris so he could think. As he made to move, one big forepaw came to rest on his chest. So much for that. Prying at the paw, Anneal moved again, sliding sideways. Feris’ head lifted, the golden eyes glowing in the darkness of the cave. A low growl sounded. “Feris, I have to go and piss.” That should make Feris let him go. And was not a lie, either. Feris growled, sounding unhappy, but the big head lowered, the eyes closed and he was allowed to go. Scooting out, Anneal crawled to his feet and headed to the opening of the cave, doing his business quietly, scrubbing his hands clean before going back inside. Then he stripped off his leggings and quietly scrubbed down. Feris shifted and he could feel the cat's eyes watching him. Once clean, he stirred the fire just enough to have light, and pulled out his precious paper and ink, intent upon doing something that would take his mind off what had occurred before. Feris got up, stretched and came to sit next to him, the cat's large head, settling on his thigh. How could he resist such an overture? Anneal reached out to scratch those finely set ears, using the other to continue his scribbles. 66

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It was not that what they had done together was wrong. Not at all, despite the fact that he was raised to believe it so. Feris had an innocence to him that would not allow that sort of recrimination. Anneal simply did not know what to do. Did not know how it would change how they were together. And his scribble had taken on the shape of a large, lax cat. Feris began to purr for him, the low noises rumbling and familiar, as were the occasional licks to his legs, his belly. All he could do was to continue on, he supposed. As he always had. Anneal smiled down at Feris. “What am I to do with you, hmm?” Feris reached up, licking his cheek. He laughed aloud, showing Feris his drawing. “Yes. Well I suppose there is that.” Feris’ nose touched the drawing and his cheek was licked once more before Feris settled again with the big head on his thigh. Perhaps things would not change so much. **** For a whole day he let himself stay with An neal, but when the man made cake, he had shifted to share a meal with An neal. He was feeling distracted though, even from cake. He wanted to press their lips together again. And their bodies, even though An neal wore his clothes once more. He took An neal's piece of cake from the long fingers. “Is something the matter, Feris?” “No.” 67

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He pushed their mouths together, gasping again at the amazing feeling. It was real, he had not imagined how it felt! An neal moaned and pressed against him, squishing the cake between them. Their mouths pressed tightly together, An neal's tongue coming into his. Such pleasure! His shaft was growing hard. “Mmmm.” An neal moved against him, closer, hands sinking into his hair. He whimpered, hands moving to clutch at An neal. In return An neal clutched at him, hands moving over his neck, his back, to grasp his bottom, hands squeezing his cheeks. “An neal!” He wanted to feel An neal, to feel the warm skin he knew was there underneath all the silly clothes An neal always insisted on wearing. He tore at them. For once An neal did not fight him or make squawking noises, helping him instead. Soon there was nothing between his skin and An neal's. An neal's skin was hot and soft and it made him tremble, made him want very much. It had always seemed that An neal liked his skin too, the way he looked when he thought Feris was not watching, and the man proved it, stroking his back, licking his neck. He moaned, moving instinctively, rubbing. An neal rubbed back, breathing hard, then moved, letting go of him, and for a moment Feris thought An neal would try to stop what they did. But then An neal slid one hand 68

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between them, pushing down to grasp his shaft, fingers closing about him. He called out and bucked, shaft sliding through An neal's fingers. Oh! He had never. No one. It. “An neal!” “Yes. Oh. Feels good.” He was stroked and measured and squeezed, An neal urging him on with soft words. “An neal!” He called his friend's name again as that feeling overtook him once more. So much pleasure, so good and his own scent strong between them. “Mmm.” Nuzzling his shoulder, then rubbing cheeks like himself would, An neal smiled at him, hand coming back up from between them. Then An neal licked that hand clean, tasting him. He purred, licking at An neal's hand, too. “Feris.” An neal still moved against him, still hard. Carefully, watching An neal's face, he put his hand between them, returning the touch given to him. Oh! An neal was hot and hard. Thrashing, An neal grabbed him again, hands hard and urgent. “Feris! Oh, yes, please.” He grunted. Good. An neal liked this, too. He continued to slide his hand along An neal's hot and hard. An neal continued to beg, and to praise him and pet him, hips pushing that scalding length of flesh into him over and over. He purred, leaning down to put his lips against An neal's again. 69

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The touch of their lips was hard this time, An neal pushing into his mouth, tasting him everywhere. Then the hot and hard in his hand throbbed, covering his fingers in hot liquid. He growled, the scent of An neal's musk filling his nose. He brought his hand up, mimicking what An neal had done and licking his fingers clean. Sharp, salty, An neal. “Oh. Oh, Feris.” Dazed, voice a bit slurred, An neal looked at him and smiled. Not upset then. “Good, An neal.” He rubbed their cheeks together like himself would do and then pressed their lips together like he could do. Yes, it was good.

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Chapter 10 Anneal woke to the sound of retching, harsh and low and utterly miserable. Feris was not beside him, so it had to be Feris who was sick, but Anneal had never seen his friend sick, so it took a moment to register. Taking up his tunic and putting it on, Anneal took a blanket to the edge of the cave and put it about Feris’ very human shoulders. “Feris? What is the matter?” “Sick,” muttered Feris. “Worse for himself.” Oh, no. “Do you feel chilled? Or feverish? Or is just your belly?” He felt Feris’ face, and there did not seem a fever, but Feris was always hotter than he, even as a man. Feris shook his head weakly. “Stomach hurts.” A sudden thought popped into his head. “Did you eat all the cake, Feris? The one I had hidden away as well as the one I made you today?” The golden eyes looked sheepishly up at him, their usual glow missing, the yellow more dull than gold. “Yes.” “Oh, Feris.” There was no censure in his voice, for there was none in him, nor exasperation. Feris had so few luxuries that it was no wonder his cat-man wallowed in his cake. But the amount Feris had consumed would make someone unused to sweets quite ill. “Come, it is too cold here. If you need to void again you can use my bowl.” He drew Feris back in to the cave, letting him curl up in one corner. Feris hunched in around himself, 71

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shivering. Poor Feris. Anneal stroked the sweaty hair back off Feris’ face and covered him snugly with the blanket. “I have some herbs that will make a tea to settle your stomach. Just stay here and relax.” “Don't worry, not going anywhere,” Feris noted plaintively. He hid a grin by turning about to stoke the fire and find his little row of clay pots. He was proud of how homey the cave had become. The tea took only minutes, and he was soon back at Feris’ side, helping tip the tea into Feris’ mouth. Feris drank about half before turning his face away and then lay with his head on Anneal's lap, one arm going around his waist. The seemingly small amount should be enough, actually, and Anneal set the rest aside, holding Feris close and stroking the soft skin of one cheek. As furry as Feris was while a cat, he was remarkably unhairy as a man. Feris half-purred. “I'm sorry, An neal.” “What for? I think I am to be congratulated for making cake you like. And you have learned a lesson, hmm?” Already he could feel the tremors easing, Feris relaxing under the influence of herbs and touch. “Too much cake is bad,” Feris muttered. “Yes.” He hid another smile against his own shoulder. “Very bad.” Never would he wish Feris ill, but it felt good to care for Feris, help make him better, like Feris had done for him so many times. “Sleep now, if you can.” Feris nodded. “Feels better now.” 72

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The golden eyes closed, Feris’ breath growing slow, head becoming heavier. He would stay up and watch over Feris until he was well, which should not be long the way Feris had responded to the tea. It was still important to be sure, though, for Feris had come to mean the world to him. **** Feris was feeling better. He went and sat beside An neal, very close, touching along one side. An neal took good care of him. Even when he wasn't sick. “Thank you, An neal.” “You are most welcome, Feris.” An neal smiled at him, hand coming out to rest on his chest. “You look much better.” “Yes, I am better.” He stroked An neal's hand. “You make me feel good.” He really looked at An neal, to make An neal understand he meant more than just when he was sick. A bright smile lit An neal's whole face. “You make me feel good, as well. Very good, Feris.” “We have no rules about who we lie with here,” he noted. The smile got wider. “I know. And you are very special, Feris. You would be special enough to break the rules if they were in place.” Oh. He beamed at An neal and reached to touch one cheek. Turning, An neal pressed a soft touch of lips into his palm. A kiss. An neal called it a kiss. It felt good. I made him feel good all over. “I am very glad you came to my cave, An neal.” 73

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“So am I.” Opening his arms wide, An neal nodded. “So am I. Sit with me?” He nodded. Shifted. Sit in man's lap. Purr. Good. Man good. Man his. Good. **** The cave was spotless, a fact that made Anneal happy and Feris somewhat disgruntled. The thought crossed his mind to make Feris a cake, but after the illness incident, Feris was much more cautious about that. So Anneal determined that he should spend some time with just Feris, to make up for all the sweeping and airing and scrubbing. He got out his precious store of paper, taking a piece he had used but spoiled with a spill of ink and turned to the back of it, then set out his pen and ink. “Feris? Would you like to learn how to write your name?” “My name? Why?” “Because it is a useful skill?” Anneal grinned over. “And because you can sit close to me and have me hold your hand?” “Oh. Okay.” Feris gave him a smile and came to sit close. Very close. The golden eyes were warm, glowing at him.

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The last weeks had seen them grow closer, their odd friendship developing into something much deeper. Something he liked very much. “Good.” A short cheek rub, and they were ready. “You hold the stylus like this.” He put the pen in Feris big hand and showed him the finger arrangement. Feris looked awkward, the big hands holding the stylus hard enough it was bending under the pressure. “Gently, Feris. Like you would touch me.” He laughed as the touch immediately softened. “There. Good.” He gave Feris’ fingers a gentle pet. Feris gave him a little purr and wriggled a little closer. Letting himself nuzzle Feris’ neck for a moment made him dizzy with the scent of man and musk. “Right. Now, dip the end of the pen in the ink. Just a little, as we only need to make one letter at a time.” Despite his warning, Feris dipped the pen in too far, growling and dropping the stylus as ink coated his fingers. Grabbing an old scrap of cloth he kept for just that reason, Anneal wiped at Feris’ fingers. “It is all right, Feris. It will scrub off. Please, try again?” Feris gave him a look and then picked up the stylus and awkwardly fit his fingers around it. This time the dip was more careful. “Excellent.” He closed his fingers about Feris’ again, knowing he would have to control the pressure of the pen against the paper, or they'd have holes to avoid. “Now, the first letter is simple, because it's all straight lines.” Together, their hands moved under his guidance, forming an F. 75

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“That means Fer?” “That just means the fuh sound at the beginning.” He smiled, turning so they bumped noses. He did not know why it was so important to him to teach Feris to do this. Perhaps because Feris taught him something every day. Feris nuzzled his cheek. “Okay.” “The next two letters we add will combine with it to make Fer.” He helped Feris dip the pen once more, and create a wobbly E. The R was much harder, as the curve almost defeated them, but after the second attempt, they had it. Feris growled. “This is hard.” “It is. It is a physical skill like any other. It takes time to learn.” Using his free hand, he petted Feris’ back, soothing. “Only two more. You're doing so well.” Feris pushed back against his touch. “Do I get a reward for finishing?” Greedy Feris. But then, so was he. “Yes. You can claim whatever reward you wish.” “I will claim you.” “Oh, good.” Of course, he had to steady his hand after that so it did not shake. “The next one is the easiest of all.” They made an I. “I like that one,” Feris told him. “I thought you might.” Oh, but Feris would hate the S. “The next is much harder,” he warned. Feris gave him another look and growled again. “But it is the last one.” He gifted Feris with a light kiss. “Then we will be done and you can have your reward.” “All right. Show me.” 76

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The S took a seeming eternity, but came out surprisingly perfect, and he chortled his glee, smacking an open mouthed kiss on Feris’ lips. “It's perfect. And now you've written your name!” “Good. Thank you.” Feris put the stylus down very carefully and then pushed him to the ground and kissed him. He wanted to laugh, not so much at Feris, but just for joy, but he kissed back instead, hands tangling in Feris mane of gold hair. Feris’ tongue slid along his lips and dipped in between them, touching and tasting. This was still so new, so precious. Feris was so eager to taste and explore, so unselfconsciously loving. Never had he had a lover who was not motivated by politics or simple lust. The feeling was marvelous. The big hands that were so awkward holding the pen didn't feel awkward at all as they moved over his skin, exploring his contours. Pushing up into the touches, Anneal took one of Feris’ hands in his, pulling it to his chest, moving it to one nipple, showing Feris how to tease. The feeling left him gasping, even though he knew it was coming. He did the same for Feris, taking one tiny nipple between his fingers and pressing. Feris roared, pulling away from the kiss and staring down at him with wide eyes. His lover plucked at his nipple again, watching him carefully. He moaned, arching, his own fingers tightening of their own volition. The feeling went all the way to his toes. 77

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“This is magic,” Feris murmured, fingers repeating the motion again and again. Every nerve in his body twisted and pinged and he could only breathe harshly and return the sensation to Feris through his own fingers. “It certainly feels like magic, Feris.” Feris nodded, licking at his lips, fingers busy at their newfound occupation. Soon his nipples became so sensitive that even the slightest touch made him cry out. “Feris. Feris, stop. I have something else to show you.” Feris stroked his nipples again, shaft hot and pressed hard against his skin. “More?” “Oh, yes.” Wiggling, he scooted up so he was sitting, with Feris straddling him, and bent to take one of Feris’ nipples between his lips. Feris roared again, heat splashing against his belly this time as a shudder moved through the sturdy body. “An neal.” Feris sounded stunned. Oh. So good. So responsive and willing, his Feris. So unlike anything he had ever had. “Yes. You see, Feris? There is always more.” Feris purred for him, pressing their lips together and kissing him eagerly. They rocked together as Anneal sought his own pleasure, pressing against Feris on each thrust, that hot skin all but scalding him, Feris’ seed easing his way. Feris put a hand between them, wrapping it around his prick. That was what he needed. Just exactly that, and Anneal thrust again and again, crying out as he came into Feris’ fist. 78

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Feris kept kissing, hand moving slowly on him. “This is good, An neal.” “Mmm.” Drowsy and content, Anneal nodded. “Very good.” Better than good. Feris was the best thing ever to come into Anneal's life.

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Chapter 11 The fire was low, and the cave cold, but Anneal was warm, very warm, snuggled up against the body next to him. Warm and hard. So hard. Feris made him hard. His sweet Feris, who had a sort of innocence mixed with feral possessiveness and excited him beyond any lover he'd ever had. Feris felt wonderful against him, soft and smooth and so hot it burned, and Anneal pressed against that long back, pushing his erect shaft against his lover, moaning at the friction. Feris purred, the sound low and vibrating through him. Yes. The sound added to his hunger, and Anneal pulled close, one hand digging in, the other going to his cock to press it more firmly against Feris. Feris pushed back, rubbing. Felt like sunshine, his Feris. Making his skin heat and tingle, making his balls draw up. Anneal all but straddled Feris’ body, panting, humping hard. A low growl sounded, Feris still pushing back against him, still helping. Soon Anneal felt it rise in his spine, that perfect little death, and he cried out, pumping his hips, seed spilling onto Feris’ warm body. As he lay against Feris, gasping, he was shrugged off, Feris turning and beginning to lick at his seed, the big cat purring as the rough tongue licked at him. The big cat. Licking him. He had not even the strength of will to push Feris away, but Anneal was unnerved. He had never ... well it was one thing when Feris was human. Tonight, however, Feris was not. 80

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When had he stopped differentiating between Feris the man and Feris the cat as his lover? Because he had. Which was, well, frankly disturbing. Certainly both of them were protective, and possessive of him. In fact it was Feris the cat that had accepted him first, the man taking longer. Yet the man could be explained, even if it was something he knew other men would frown upon. But the cat? Anneal pushed Feris away. “Stop.” Feris growled and head butted his hand away, continuing to lick. “Feris, I said no.” Anneal scrambled, putting his back to Feris, suddenly horribly self conscious. Feris growled again and swiped at his ass with one big paw. It didn't hurt, the big cat's claws were not in evidence, but Feris’ hurt was clear. Then Feris disappeared, loping out of the cave. His head spun, as his first reaction was to go after Feris, to make it right. All he would manage though, would be to get lost in the dark, and perhaps freeze to death. Because suddenly it was cold. **** Cold night. Cold inside. Man push away. Growl. Snarl. Roar. 81

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Angry. Hurt. Cold. His cave. His man. His cave. Growl. Go back. He shifted, still growling. “If you don't want to be with me anymore—you go. I was here first.” An neal looked at him, eyes red in the bright light of the fire. “I ... if you want me to, I will certainly go.” “I do not,” he growled. “Himself does not. You pushed. You said no.” He didn't understand. Himself didn't understand. An neal did not hurt them, but this time An neal did. “Feris.” An neal was in pain. The sound was there, the scent. Not blood pain, but hurt anyway. “How can I explain it? It should feel wrong and it does not.” He growled. “You are upset because it feels right?” He would never understand men. Ever. Every time he thought that An neal was different, that An neal was a man who made sense ... An neal did some stupid man thing. “But it should not!” Hand out in appeal, An neal met his eyes straight on. “Not when you are not a man.” “I thought you were different. You care for himself as much as for me!” 82

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“I do.” An neal shook his head. “I do. It is just that, oh Feris, a man should not want to love himself that way. Care for him, yes. Love him, of course. But not ... physically in that manner.” “More stupid rules,” growled Feris. “Yes. Well, you cannot expect me to be able to overcome a life's training so easily.” “You loved another man even though it was against your rules, your ‘lifetime training'.” He spat out the words. “Oh, no, Feris. I never loved him. Not like I do you.” An neal turned pale, head dropping back on those bony knees. “Love? Is that what this pain is when you push me away? Is that what your love is?” “I am sorry.” Small and miserable, the voice came, and small and miserable An neal looked for all of his gangly height. “I simply have no idea how to handle all of this Feris. I just do not understand it at all.” “You do not understand! You are a man with your stupid man rules that I do not understand.” He growled, unhappy, miserable—made more so by An neal's obviously unhappiness. “Quite right. ‘Tis my difficulty, not yours, Feris.” An neal glanced up once more, managing a smile for him. “You are a delight.” “And himself?” The smile stayed. “Himself is just as important to me.” He crouched in front An neal. “Then why are you upset? Himself loves you. I ... I love you. Why is this wrong?” 83

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Reaching out, An neal brushed his hair away from his face, the touch tender, sweet. “Because it's not? I love you, Feris.” Something in him eased and he leaned into An neal's hand. “That is good, An neal.” “Let me. May I have some time to.” An neal sighed. “I need to become accustomed to the idea of loving himself that way, Feris. Could you be you when we make love for the time being?” He growled lightly. “Himself did not start this, An neal. But it will be as you wish.” Guilt flashed across An neal's face, darkening the familiar red and black marks. An neal's free hand came up, tracing one of the scars there. “You're right, of course .” He grunted, reached out and traced the other circle. “What is this?” Eyes dark with memories, An neal shook his head. “It is a tattoo.” “Why?” “Why? Do you mean why is it there?” Sometimes, An neal was stupid. He growled, thumbs pressing along both. “You don't like them. Why get them?” A sharp bark of a laugh pushed An neal's cheeks into his hands. “I did not. They were given to me. By force. That is why there are regular scars as well.” He shook his head. “I do not understand.” “When I was banished, Feris. They tied me down and carved the signs of my shame into my cheeks.” Muscles worked in An neal's throat. 84

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He growled, snarling, anger filling him. “I would kill them for you, An neal.” “I know, Feris. My champion. I am sorry if I upset you. Earlier.” “You are happy now?” “You make me nothing but happy, Feris.” An neal leaned forward, pressing against his hands to touch their lips together. “You and himself, both.” He purred, tongue coming out to taste An neal's mouth. An neal met him with soft touches that grew harder, more needy. He could taste the hurt become pleasure in An neal's mouth. Pleasure that turned into pure need, An neal pushing him down, kissing him fiercely. Hotly. He growled into the kiss, hands sliding around An neal's back, hips pushing up. An neal pushed down, and their bodies came together hard, rubbing, heat on heat. Long fingers tangled in his hair, An neal holding him still as he was devoured. He purred up into An neal's mouth. He loved the feeling of their bodies rubbing—it was so good. Very good, as Anneal slipped a hand between them and felt his hardness. He cried out, sliding his own hand to return the favor, touching An neal's very hot heat. His other hand grabbed An neal's buttocks.

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“Feris! Oh.” An neal pushed down, pressing the backs of their hands together, making him tingle, and then An neal spilled against him, hot and wet. The scent was new, but growing more familiar, wonderful, enough to make him growl loudly and spread his own pleasure between them. He took all of An neal's weight as the man fell against him, hands still moving on his skin. He purred, almost shifted, but then didn't, not wanting to upset An neal. “Mmm. I do love you, Feris. And I will endeavor not to be so stupid, hmm?” “You are a man, An neal, I must accept that sometimes you will be stupid.” An neal laughed, a sound that trailed off into a soft snore as An neal settled in for a nap. He was pretty sure that it was still allowed to be himself when they slept. He shifted. Purr. Man close. Man hot. Man good. Sleep.

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Chapter 12 Sometime in the middle of the night, Anneal woke to a nightmare, heart racing and skin clammy. Why, oh why did his mind insist upon making any sort of difficulty into a siren call for his past to come back and haunt him? His cheeks throbbed, and his stomach hurt, and Anneal knew he could not simply push the troubles away. He loved Feris. There was nothing wrong with that, nothing at all. Feris was wonderful, so perfectly easy to love, in both forms. And ‘twas no secret that he desired Feris. He simply felt he should not desire the cat as well as the man. But really, were they not an extension of one and the same? The Feris who started out as a man carrying a basket for roots and suddenly turned into a cat to dig them had to carry much of the same thought, for all that Feris distinguished between the cat and the man. And it was patently obvious that Feris the cat had loved him long before the man had come ‘round. Unable to get comfortable, Anneal squirmed, trying to find a soft spot on the hard cave floor. Feris growled softly, the big cat rolling toward him and one paw settling on his stomach. His own hand fell atop Feris’ paw, stroking lightly. Perhaps he was a terrible hypocrite. Perhaps the only reason he was so unhappy was because spring approached, and he would have to go to the city of his birth once more. He did not wish to leave Feris, but how could he take the cat man with him? If his former people could not understand his 87

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urge to share pleasure with a man, they certainly would not see what he and Feris had as right. A rough tongue licked at his cheek, Feris purring. Spirits above and below he was a selfish bastard. His taboos meant nothing to Feris, and it was not as if his family or city would take him back at any rate. Anneal was not even certain he would want them to if it meant giving up Feris. Perhaps it did not feel wrong because it simply was not. Sighing, Anneal turned to Feris, wrapping about that big, warm body, using it to cushion his aching bones. Feris shifted. “Sorry,” muttered the man in his arms. “Sorry for what?” The skin of Feris’ back cooled quickly, without the heavy fur to warm it, and Anneal stroked that long spine, keeping Feris warm as his lover so often did for him. “Being himself...” Oh. His chest tightened. “Never, ever apologize for that, Feris. I am so sorry I hurt you.” “But you said you didn't want ... while we were together. For it to be with himself.” The golden eyes didn't meet his. “I know. I...” There would still be doubt in his mind were that to happen, but Anneal could not bear to let his own doubts hurt Feris. “I love him as well as you, Feris. Please. Do not hide from me.” Feris purred, the sound happy. “Truly?” “Truly.” A smile of his own broke through, and Anneal kissed Feris lightly. “I would have all of you. The doubts are but shadows of a life that is no longer mine.” 88

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Feris growled and took his mouth, pushing him over onto his back as he was kissed. His answer must have pleased Feris greatly. The kiss he answered eagerly, astonished at how the need for Feris never seemed diminished. Feris’ hands were warm, moving over his skin, touching and exploring. The feeling left him gasping, moving into the touch, asking for more with body and lips and hands. Smooth, soft, Feris’ skin was addictive to him. He could feel Feris’ shaft, thick and hot against his thigh, as his lover learned his skin by fingertips. His own shaft hardened as well, fitting into the hollow of Feris’ hip, and he bit into Feris’ lower lip. So good. Feris jerked and moaned, rubbing against him. So responsive to his every touch was Feris, so wonderfully happy with whatever they did. Oh, the things he wished to show Feris, but honestly, the man reduced him to a raw bundle of nerves, and he simply forgot. They kissed for a long while, his hands sliding from Feris’ shoulders down those lean-muscled arms, and in, to pinch at Feris nipples. “An neal!” Feris’ breath grew short, the movements rubbing that shaft against his thigh grew harder. “Yes. So lovely in your pleasure, Feris.” Anneal slid one hand about Feris’ hip, stroked the small of Feris’ back, dipped into Feris’ crease. Feris shivered and roared, heat spilling between them. “Oh!” His own seed took only moments beyond that to spill from his body, the feel of Feris against him too much to bear. 89

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Feris purred happily. He felt like purring himself. They rested, Feris warm and heavy atop him, and Anneal knew that while the nightmares might not leave him alone, there was no way he could lay them at Feris’ feet. He simply could not. Stupid men's rules or not, Feris was the best thing to ever come into his life. **** Feris liked making love with An neal. A lot. Himself liked the way it made An neal smell. The want, the musk, the seed, the way it blended their scents together. He reminded himself that An neal did not wish to make love with himself. Only with Feris. It was not always easy to remember. Himself could smell An neal's want and need before he could and he always had to change before approaching An neal. Still. It was worth a little trouble to feel as good as the touching made him feel. Feris went to sit with An neal, who was doing writing again, and put his hand on An neal's thigh. “Oh!” An neal blew out a burst of air. “Now it is smudged.” An neal was so funny when he tried to be stern. “I could go sit on the other side of the fire again,” he offered, though he would be grumpy if An neal said yes. “No. I shall simply put this away.” A hint of mischief lit those grey eyes. “Unless you would like another lesson?” He growled. “Maybe later. Right now I want, but not another lesson.” 90

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“Oh?” An neal would be playful when he was needing. “What do you want, then, Feris? Cake? Honey?” He growled and pushed An neal over, hand against the back of his man's head so it wouldn't bang on the rocks. “Want this,” he growled, mouth closing over An neal's. “Mmfh.” The sound was not one of displeasure, and An neal held his shoulders tight, rubbing against him, so he did not think he needed to stop. He purred happily and started tearing at An neal's clothes. Another stupid man thing, always wearing skin coverings. There was no protest about the clothes. An neal had become very good at stitching them back together, or so he said. Instead, An neal kissed his neck and petted his back. He got to skin, happily stroking it. An neal was soft and warm. It felt so good touching him. Their mouths met again, this time because An neal pushed into his. He thought An neal liked the touching very much, too. He slid his hand down to tug at An neal's nipples. He remembered the magic of it, wanted to make An neal feel that. “Mmm.” Humming against his lips, An neal tightened the grip on Feris’ shoulders, legs coming up to wrap about his hips. Oh. This was good. He began to rock, playing with the small bits of flesh that grew harder and harder under his fingers. Soon An neal was thrashing under him, moaning. “Your mouth, Feris. Use your mouth.” 91

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He frowned down at An neal—he was using his mouth. They were kissing. Well, when An neal wasn't interrupting him to tell him to use his mouth that he was already using. “Where your hands are, Feris. Use your mouth there.” Moving restlessly, An neal pushed up into his fingers. Oh! All right, he could do that. He pushed down along An neal's body, groaning as his need rubbed along warm skin. He licked experimentally at the hard nubs of flesh. The whole of An neal's body jerked against him, as if the contact was a shock. “Feris!” He looked up, checking An neal's face. That was a good look, a hot one, An neal's cheeks flushed deep red, eyes with a dazed expression. He bent again, licking more vigorously. An neal cried out, hands coming up to hold his head in place, hips rolling against him. He tried different things, experimenting, seeing what would make the best sounds come from An neal. The scrape of his teeth made An neal yell and buck, the closing of his lips around one nipple caused An neal's nails to scrape his back. This was fun. And it felt good, the touches and sounds from An neal making his hardness jerk and throb. “More. Feris, please, more.” An neal sounded so desperate. He rubbed harder against An neal, taking one of the nipples into his mouth and sucking hard while his fingers plucked at the other one. Shuddering, shaking, An neal hollered, heat and wet spreading between them, the scent of An neal so strong. He growled, continuing to suck, rubbing hard against An neal. He started to shake, the good feelings building and building. 92

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Flopping beneath him, An neal gasped for air, hands moving on him still, stroking his hair. He roared as the pleasure exploded from him. “Oh. Feris.” An neal smiled up at him, eyes so dark, then pushed his lax form off and bent to lick at his belly and chest like himself would lick at An neal. Oh. So good. He purred happily, hands stroking An neal. Once he was thoroughly clean of their seed, An neal came back up to kiss him. He could taste them in his mouth, his seed and An neal's mixed together. Whimpering, he made the kiss deeper. “Mmm.” There was that noise again, that hum that meant An neal was very happy with him. He purred, letting An neal know that he too was happy. Very happy. “Was that what you wanted, Feris?” An neal smiled at him before nuzzling against his neck. “Yes, An neal. It was.” “Oh, good.” And the mischief crept back into An neal's voice. “Let me know when you would like to do it again.” “How about now?” he asked. “Oh. You are demanding, are you not?” Clear now, An neal's eyes twinkled at him as the man pushed him down, taking him by surprise. He growled, pushing up with his hips, the noise turning to a purr as he rubbed against An neal. 93

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A sweet kiss brushed over his lips before An neal moved away, holding his hands so he could not stop the movement. He could break An neal's hold at any time, they both knew that, but he was curious enough to stay where he was as An neal licked and sucked at his chin, then his neck, and down to his nipples. He purred, arching up into the licks as pleasure shot through him. His nipples received a most thorough tongue bathing before An neal bit down on each one in turn, making them sting and throb. His body jerked and he growled, fingers curling into his palms to keep from knocking An neal off him. “That was not pleasing?” An neal looked up at him, chin resting on his breastbone. “You surprised me,” he growled. “Oh. I think perhaps you will be even more surprised soon.” The smile he got might have worried him at any other time, but An neal would not do anything that was not good, he knew. Then An neal licked his belly again, though it was already clean, tongue tickling his navel. He laughed, hands sliding over An neal's head. “Tickles.” “Mmm.” The stubble on An neal's chin tickled as well, as the rough beard scraped his hipbone. “Oh, Feris. You will love this.” That was all the warning he had before An neal moved lower, taking the tip of his renewed hardness into the softest, warmest touch he could imagine. He gasped, the pleasure almost a pain. “An neal!” 94

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There was no answer save the feel of An neal's lips sliding down his shaft, tongue moving on him, hands holding his hips. He screamed and shook, hardly able to believe his own eyes and the way it felt, it couldn't be real. It was. It must be, for that was An neal, moving upon him, mouth hot and wet. Warm fingers found his sacs, cradled them, squeezing with the barest pressure. His hands trembled as they moved over An neal's face, fingers searching wonderingly where his heat disappeared into An neal's mouth. An neal licked at his fingers on the upstroke, tongue teasing him, and one finger moved from his sacs to press against the skin behind them, a firm pressure. He shouted, shocked and amazed and coming. Even more amazing was the way An neal drank him right down, licking him clean in the most greedy way. He reached for An neal, hands tugging, needing to kiss, to hold, something familiar. An neal came to him easily, kissing him deeply, soft sounds coming from far within. “Oh, An neal. That was ... Oh.” He stroked the warm skin of An neal's back, petting like An neal would pet himself. “I thought you might like that.” An neal cuddled close to him, warm and lax. “Such pleasure An neal, that I had never dreamed.” “Yes. There is no end to the things we can do, Feris. Perhaps that is a lesson you will enjoy taking from me, hmm?” “Yes, An neal.” He had to agree—this was much more enjoyable than writing. Much more enjoyable than anything 95

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else he could think of just now.

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Chapter 13 The first signs of spring were beginning to show. The days were longer, the air thicker somehow. And just that very morning, Feris had returned from marking their territory with a delicate purple flower in his big teeth, a lovely reminder of their first year together. He had praised Feris, petting the soft fur of Feris’ ruff, scratching the big cat's ears. He would not let on that the sight filled him with dread. Soon, he would be forced to leave, to travel south once more to be with his father on the day of his father's birth. He would have to leave Feris again. Anneal decided to make a cake. The time when Feris regarded them suspiciously after his gorging made him sick was long past, and Anneal knew it would be a treat. It would also take his mind off his anger, for that was what it was. Even now his father and the people of his birthplace ruled his life. Feris nudged at his hand, growling softly, the golden eyes warm and worried on him. Summoning a smile, Anneal scratched Feris’ ears once more. “What? I am making you cake.” Feris pushed against his legs, head rubbing his hips, the low growling purrs meant as comfort. They were comforting. He would miss them while he was away. The thought made him sigh, and Anneal turned back to his batter, stirring more roughly than was necessary. 97

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Feris moved slowly around him, rubbing and purring, occasionally licking. His mood was affecting Feris, which was not fair. The flower was meant to make him happy, was it not? Forcing down his dark thoughts, Anneal poured the batter into his metal bowl and set it among the stones at the edge of the fire. And promptly burned his hand. Feris whimpered at his yelp, the big cat growling low in the back of his throat and then morphing into the man. “An neal! You are hurt!” “How stupid!” He could not believe his own idiocy. Really, once he had considered himself a competent man. “I shall be fine, Feris. Really.” Feris growled softly, taking his hand and examining the blister that was already forming. Then he was being tugged to the mouth of the cave, Feris putting snow on his hand. “An neal still hurts?” “It does throb. But I was only careless, Feris. It will heal.” And he would feel like an imbecile. Feris pet his arm, golden eyes gazing sadly at him. “You were making cake. I do not wish to eat it if it hurts you to make.” “It was something I wanted to do for you. I simply was not paying enough attention.” Impulsively, he leaned forward and kissed Feris soundly. “I love you.” Feris’ worried, sad looked morphed into delight. “Oh. I love you, An neal.” 98

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So wonderful. Despite the throbbing in his hand and the ache in his chest, it was easy to smile, to give Feris another kiss, then another. Feris returned the kisses, wrapping his arms around An neal, so careful not to jostle the injured hand. His Feris, he thought, pushing into the touch. His. The kisses held an edge of desperation on his part. Of fear. Feris held him tighter, mouth opening wide, giving him everything he wanted. The rich, wild taste of Feris pleased him deep inside, and Anneal searched for more, tongue pushing against Feris’ teeth. Feris’ mouth opened on a gasp, the strong hands beginning to fumble with his clothes. That made him smile, for at any moment Anneal expected a seam to give, and sure enough, Feris rended the bottom half of his garments clean away with a frustrated growl. It made him feel so very wanted, needed, which was why he no longer minded when Feris did such things. Feris’ heat pressed against him, his lover hard and needy. Spirits knew he was hard enough himself, needing to blot out any thought besides that of Feris’ skin and Feris’ lips and the feel of them rubbing together. When Feris pushed him down he went eagerly, the single twinge of pain in his hand soon ignored, the kiss growing sharp once more. His tunic went the same way as his breeches, torn from his body by eager fingers. Feris growled, nibbling at his lips. Some nibbling of his own Anneal returned, but he had to confess the feel of skin like 99

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heated silk against his own distracted him. Ferris felt perfect against him, fitting as if he were tailor made. “An neal. So good.” Feris moved fast and hard, always so desperate, so hungry. “Yes. Oh, love.” Tears threatened, and Anneal was grateful he could at least blame them on his hand. How he loved this unique creature. How could he even consider leaving? The kiss changed again, going soft and sweet, yet just as deep. Feris’ noises of pleasure filled his mouth, the warm hands sliding over him and Feris pushed against him, sliding their pricks together. One hand moved between them, stroking across his nipple, taking it and tugging. “Feris.” The touch drew his body into a tight arch, pushing up and up into the touch. It made his skin pebble, as if with cold. “Oh, love.” “Feels good, An neal?” “So good.” What a paltry word to describe such a feeling. Anneal touched Feris in return, hoping to make him understand that this went beyond good. The skin of Feris’ back was so hot and smooth, so good under his fingers. Feris bent his head and licked his nipple. One leg came up to wrap about Feris’ hip, to hold him close, their cocks just brushing. He held Feris to his chest, short, sharp sounds falling from his lips. Feris purred around his nipple, teeth threatening. He accepted the touch wordlessly, indeed, encouraged it. Needed it. Anneal urged Feris on with hands and hips and deep noises of approval. 100

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Feris’ teeth dug in, drew his blood to the surface as Feris roared, heat splashing against him. Yes. Yes that was just what he needed. The sound and the scent and the feel of Feris in pleasure pushed him over, and Anneal moaned, coming hard himself. Feris purred, moving down his body to lick him clean. Thoughts flooded his mind once more, making him sigh, one hand petting Feris’ hair. He was not looking forward to spring. Not at all. Feris looked up at him, the frown back. “What is wrong, An neal?” “Nothing, Feris. Oh! Your cake should be done.” “You smell sad,” Feris murmured, hand sliding along his cheek. “I ... it is almost spring.” He pushed at Feris, wanting to make sure the cake did not burn. Feris rolled off him. “I know. Freedom. Greens. Flowers.” “The city.” It popped out before he could stop it. Feris growled. “You are leaving?” “I must, Feris. I must go back and...” he trailed off, feeling sick at the look on Feris’ face. Feris shifted, the cat growling at him, looking at him reproachfully before taking off into the snow. Anneal blinked back the stinging wetness in his eyes. Would there ever be a time when they were not at odds? Slowly, he picked himself up and dressed, binding his sore hand with clean rags before making his way back to the fire. And to Feris’ burnt cake. **** 101

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Himself had run and paced and hunted until the hurt wasn't so strong. It was Feris who returned to the cave and An neal. He stepped in, looking for the man, worried for a moment An neal might have already left. An neal slept on their pallet, wrapped in a small ball for such a long man. The blackened remains of a cake sat next to the fire. He went in slowly and sat next to An neal, hand sliding along one thin ankle. His man stirred, a frown that Feris had come to think of An neal's dream look sliding across An neal's face. He realized he was scared. An neal might go away and never come back again. Maybe it was too much for An neal, to love him and himself. He did not want An neal to leave. An neal breathed fast and hard, leg twitching under his hand. The dreams were on him again, and soon, he knew, An neal would wake, and yell. He lay down behind An neal and wrapped his arms around the man. He was hurt, but he did not want An neal to be unhappy. Immediately, An neal tried to turn in his embrace, searching for him even in sleep. He purred, stroking An neal. “Feris?” An neal's voice sounded rough with sleep and tears. He growled softly. “Yes, An neal.” “Oh. Oh, good.” Facing him now, An neal reached up to touch his face. “I though I was dreaming you.” 102

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“I am real, An neal. And still here.” He couldn't help the reproachful tone in his voice. “Feris, I...” There was the catch in An neal's voice that went with the salt on An neal's cheeks. “I want you to come with me.” “You do?” “Yes. I do not want to leave you here like I did last time. I missed you too badly then, and I know it will be much, much worse this time. I am sorry to be so selfish.” “I will go with you, An neal.” He nodded, feeling better that An neal did not want to leave him behind. A tight hug was his reward. As well as a kiss, just to one side of his lips. “You are far better to me than I deserve.” “Tell me one thing—why must you go to this place where they do not let you love who you want and mark you?” An neal sighed, the sound small and forlorn, making him want to growl. “I promised I would.” “Why?” He did not understand this at all. “My father. When I left he extracted a promise that I would come back. I was in pain, and desperate for some sign that he cared, and he took advantage of me.” An neal sat up, looking down at him. “But I did promise. And I keep my word. That much they cannot take from me.” He frowned. He really did not understand. “You are shamed?” he asked, reaching out to touch An neal's scars. “Yes. And banished. But since I promised my father I would come back, they will open the city gates for me one day a year so I might see him.” 103

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“But why would he want to see you if he is a part of the ones who banned you?” It made no sense. “Because he is my father, and I love him, despite his faults.” An neal smiled, but it was forced. “As you do with me, I suppose.” “I would never force you to do something you did not wish,” he answered immediately, fingers moving over the marks on An neal's cheeks. “I know. You are fierce, but kind. Whereas my father, well, he is soft enough on the surface, but has never been a kind man.” One of An neal's hands came up to hold his. “I love you.” He rumbled, unhappy still that An neal would go back to the place where they hurt him. “I love you, An neal.” He frowned. “I do not like you going there.” “I do not like it either.” The frown on An neal's face was pained, but then his man brightened. “But this is your chance to stay himself for a bit.” “He doesn't want you to go either.” “I am sure not.” The hand on his moved to his wrist, absently petting the thin skin there. “Yet I must, and I will, and I hope you will come with me.” “I said I would. It will be hard though. I know I cannot touch you there and I will want to.” “We will find a way. We will only be in the city one day.” An neal leaned to give him a kiss. “I like when you touch me.” He smiled. “Me, too.” To prove it, he slid his hands over An neal's cheeks and then down over his arms. “I like touching you a lot, An neal.” 104

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“Oh good.” Another kiss fell upon his lips, this one deep and full. He purred into An neal's mouth, hands wrapping around An neal's arms and pulling him close. The sound seemed to enflame An neal, and the man reached up to hold him in place, hands sliding into his hair. The kiss bruised his lips, An neal's tongue pushing into his mouth and catching his. He purred again, dropping back onto the ground and pulling An neal with him. An neal came down with him, holding him down to take kiss after kiss. There was heat and hard against him, rubbing, letting him know that An neal was ready for him. He pulled An neal's clothes away, not caring if he tore them. One day An neal would not insist on wearing the stupid things. No protest met the rending of the cloth, only An neal's gasping breath and hot skin. “Oh. Feris.” “An neal. Mine,” he growled. “Yes. Yours. Never forget that, Feris.” Hot and sweet, the touches of An neal's hands and lips, and of the shaft between their bellies. “I do not forget, An neal.” He did not know how it worked with men, but he did not forget what was his. An neal moaned, hips snapping, pushing against him. “My Feris.” He purred. Yes. Soon An neal was giving him the liquid and heat of his release, painting his skin with it. It called his own release from him; with a roar, he offered it to An neal. 105

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They fell together, An neal stroking his skin lightly. “I am sorry, Feris.” “Sorry, An neal?” “For all of the trouble I cause you.” He shrugged. “I knew being friends with a man would be trouble and I took you in. You are mine now. No trouble is too much.” “Oh.” An neal looked at him, those grey eyes bright with moisture. “My Feris.” He growled lightly and gave An neal a kiss. “Your Feris. And you are my An neal.” “Yes. And together we will see this through. Somehow.” “I will not let anything happening to you.” “My protector.” An neal curled close to him, skin on his skin, warm and sweet. “How did I ever live before you?” “I do not know.” It was true, An neal was just a man and when they'd met, An neal had made many stupid man mistakes. Now though, An neal was growing smarter, Feris teaching him. And An neal had Feris now to protect him, look out for him. And he had An neal to make him cake and make love with him. It was good. Even if An neal did want to go back to the city for a day.

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Chapter 14 The spring greening was truly upon them, and several days before Feris had growled at him and told him to stop putting off this trek to the city if they must go, or they would be caught in the snow on the way back. Feris was no doubt correct, and Anneal had reluctantly packed all of his belongings, storing what he could not carry in his own tiny cave, the one Feris had found for him. After Feris had marked their territory well, over and over, and sealed his tiny cave with a rock, they were ready to go. With his pack on his back and Feris beside him, Anneal set out south, each day of travel making the knot in his belly worse and worse. It would take some weeks to get there, and if he kept on like this, he would expire from the feeling of it long before they arrived. His Feris knew, he always knew, and spent a good deal of time quietly walking beside him, a watchful, soothing presence. At night they slept together, curled tight, and he often woke from nightmares with his hands clutched deep into Feris’ fur, crying great, silent tears. After their second run of seven days, Anneal called Feris back to him on the trail early in the afternoon, knowing that soon they would begin to see people. He could tell by the change of terrain. They neared the lowlands. Feris came and rubbed against his legs before shifting. “Are you sure you must do this, An neal? Himself can smell that you are not happy.” 107

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“I must.” He knew Feris did not understand, would never understand, and that made the support that much more precious. “Let us make camp early today. By tomorrow we will hit the trade road, and I wish one more night alone with you before we do.” “And I will be himself once we are with people, yes?” “Yes. I think that is best. The traders mostly will not care, but as we get closer to the cities, himself would actually be easier to explain.” He leaned briefly against Feris’ strength, feeling horribly guilty. “Whatever you want, An neal.” Feris’ arm slid around him, pulling him close. “I want you.” He did. The need for Feris was close to the surface every moment of the day, more and more when he thought of how careful they would have to be once among men. Feris purred for him. “Yes, An neal. I want, too.” Heart warming, the ache in his belly abating for the time being, Anneal took a kiss. “We should make camp. Then we will slake the need I have of you.” “Yes, An neal.” Feris shifted again and took off, coming back moments later. “There is a good place to the east. It is not far.” They made their way to the place Feris picked out, which had trees and a stream, and was indeed a fine camp. They ate a cold meal of meat and bread, and took no time at all to settle, as Anneal decided against a fire. After cleaning up the remains of their meal, Anneal sat close to Feris on their bedroll, hand coming out to hold Feris'. 108

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“You are nervous. Worried. If anyone tries to harm you, himself will not let them.” Once again he was reminded of why he loved Feris. He smiled. “I am not worried about me, Feris. I worry about you. I know you do not like men, and I will not see you harmed for all the world.” “I will not leave you, even if there is danger. I am going with you.” “I know.” Absently, he played with Feris fingers, his own sliding through, petting. “I want you to. I just ... I fear for you.” He turned, putting an end to their talk with a kiss. Feris’ opened to him easily, eagerly, his lover never turning him away. The taste was just what he craved, just what he needed to soothe his constant worry. Salty and wild and so Feris that it hurt. Feris’ hands slid though his hair and then down, pulling at his clothes. The clothes were gone soon enough, and it felt good to be nude again, something he had grown more and more accustomed to. Feris was hot and sweet against him, and when their cocks brushed together Anneal moaned aloud. Feris groaned in reply, pushing him onto his back and lying on top of him. Feris rubbed them together. “Oh! Feris. Love.” The heavy weight, the smooth skin, all of it was addictive. “Yes, An neal. Love you.” Feris began to lick at his skin, teeth scrapping as the rubbing became urgent. He reached between them, gathering up their pricks and squeezing, his other hand stroking Feris’ back. Feris made a great noise, pushing hard into his hand, 109

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teeth closing over his nipple. Arching, crying out, Anneal moved faster, stroking them both. Sensation filled him, made him shake. The biting turned to sucking and then Feris threw back his head and roared, heat spilling over his hand. His own climax was almost a surprise, spilling out of him in great, forceful jerks. A loud, glad cry escaped him, and he collapsed beneath Feris, stroking that smooth skin. Feris purred, nuzzling and licking his neck. “Mmm.” Utterly boneless, Anneal lay still until the worries came creeping back, making him sigh. Feris growled softly and rolled off him. Then he was pushed over onto his stomach and the strong hands began to rub at his shoulders. “Ohhhhhh.” A long moan came from him as Feris massaged his shoulders and back. Felt so good. Eased him. Feris muttered, something about stupid promises and stupid men. There was no answer he could give that would not prove him as stupid as Feris accused him of being, so he simply smiled and put his head on his folded arms and let Feris care for him. “I love you.” “Love you, An neal,” Feris said gruffly, a kiss placed between his shoulder blades. “Even when I am stupid?” “Even when you make me angry or hurting.” He struggled against Feris’ weight, turning over. “Am I hurting you now?” Oh, he hoped not. He hated for his own difficulties to cause Feris pain. Feris looked surprised. “No.” 110

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“Oh. Oh good.” Relaxing once more, Anneal crossed his arms behind his head. “My front needs your touch, too.” Feris looked at him. “Which part?” Anneal pointed to his lips. “Here.” “Here?” Feris’ thumb slid across his lips. “Mmmhmm. And here.” His own fingers found the nipple opposite the one Feris had played upon earlier. “Not here?” Feris asked, fingertips rubbing across his reddened nipple. His breath rasped out on a gasp. “There too.” “Yes, you are red here.” Feris bent and licked, tongue flicking across the tip of his nipple. Then he was given an almost shy look and Feris said. “It looks as if you were bitten.” His Feris was teasing him. Oh. That Feris felt comfortable enough to play in such a way. It warmed him. “Yes. By a wild animal.” “A wild animal?” Feris looked around. “I do not see any wild animals, An neal.” “There was one here not long ago. He growled at me.” Anneal smiled up at Feris, feeling much better. “Show me next time and I will growl back.” Feris growled and then bent and quickly nipped at his unabused nipple. “My fierce love.” He gasped again, arching up. “Yes. And you are mine, An neal.” Feris bent again, mouth closing over his skin just above his heart, pulling up a mark. “Feris!” He was no longer playing. He did not think Feris was either. With another growl, Feris’ mouth closed over his, 111

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the kiss fierce. Happily returning the kiss, Anneal wrapped his legs about Feris’ waist, holding them together. One of Feris’ hands stayed next to his head, the other moved between them so Feris could touch his nipples some more. Ever since he had showed Feris how good it felt, his cat man had been fascinated with the tiny bit of flesh, and Anneal could not complain, though sometimes they got so sensitive they almost hurt. “Feels good, An neal?” Breathless, he stroked Feris’ golden hair. “Feels beyond good, my Feris. I ... so good.” Feris purred, hands moving over his skin. He returned the touches, his hands sliding over the skin of Feris’ back, urging his lover on. “Want you, An neal. I ... ache.” “Oh.” The need in him was sharp, immediate, and he wanted to share himself with Feris in every way. “Feris. We need. Have we...” Anneal blew out a frustrated breath. “Oil. Feris. Where did you pack my oil?” Feris frowned. “I thought ... you want to cook?” Oh. Laughing now would undoubtedly upset Feris horribly, so Anneal kissed him instead. “No. I know just the way to ease your ache, my Feris. But I need the oil to do so.” Feris was still frowning, but his lover went to his pack and dug around, bringing him the vial of sweet oil. “Thank you.” He gave Feris a soft kiss and a happy smile, easing the frown from that dear face. Feris was going to ... well. He simply would not believe how good what they were about to do felt. “Give me your hand,” he said, unstoppering the oil. 112

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Feris put his hand out immediately—no matter how confused his Feris was, the trust was implicit, immediate. He used the oil to thoroughly wet two of Feris’ fingers, then set the stuff aside, but within reach. He brought Feris’ hand back to his body, pushing that big hand between his legs. “I want you to put your fingers inside me, Feris.” Feris’ eyes went wide, his hand pulling back. “I will not hurt you.” Well. That went over well. Perhaps he would have to show Feris. He reached for the oil once more. “It does not hurt. Let me show you?” Feris looked at him suspiciously enough but nodded. He coated one of his own fingers with the slick stuff, and turned onto his side, pulling his legs up as he reached behind. Feris watching him so closely made it so charged, so anticipated, that the first touch of his own hand behind his balls made him moan. “An neal...” Feris’ voice was hushed. “Yes.” That single finger pushed in, and he did not wince, though he wanted to. Spirits! It had been a long time since he'd done anything like this. Perhaps it was good that he was doing the first bit of stretching. When the finger was in, deeply seated, Anneal forced his eyes open, so he could see Feris. Feris’ eyes were on him, amazement painting the beloved features. Feris reached out, fingers touching him so gently where his finger went into his body. “This does not hurt, An neal?” 113

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“No.” He could barely breathe. “Feels so good. Will feel even better when it is you.” He took his own hand away, pushing Feris against him. “Please?” Feris’ hand slid against his balls, stroking the skin beyond. So gentle. Then one finger pushed against him, sliding all of a sudden in. “Oh! An neal!” “Yes. Feris. Oh.” The feeling shot up his spine, exploding in his head. Anneal opened, relaxed, let Feris in. “So hot. So soft. So tight.” The obvious care Feris took with him, the hushed awe in Feris’ voice, it left him gasping, on the edge of tearing up. “The other, Feris. Put both fingers in me.” Feris pushed another finger in, again gentle but insistent until suddenly it went in, making Feris gasp once more. So full, so much. And it was Feris, which made it much more intense than it had ever been before. “Feris. Love. Oh. Now move them.” “Move them?” “Your fingers. Hold them together and move them out a bit, then in.” He could barely hold himself together enough to speak, but Anneal wanted all of it, wanted Feris deep inside him. Feris did as he asked, hesitantly pulling his fingers out just a tiny bit and then moving them in again. When he moaned, Feris did it again, a little more this time. His body tightened, then loosened around those fingers, and his cock throbbed so hard he cried out, shaking as he held himself back by force of will. 114

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Feris’ fingers pulled away quickly. “An neal! I hurt you!” “No. Oh, Feris no.” He sat up, hand going to Feris’ cheek. “It felt so good. I almost spent. And I want to wait.” Feris nuzzled his hand. “It was good? An neal is not hurt?” “It was better than good. It will be even better.” Anneal put his hands to Feris’ shoulders and pushed, so that Feris was the one on his back on the pallet, Feris’ legs just slightly parted. “You wish to touch me inside now?” Once again, his shaft beat so hard with a rush of blood that he thought he would spill. “Not this time, love. I have another plan.” The oil. Where was the, ah. There. Anneal poured a generous amount on his hands, using it to make Feris’ large shaft very slick. Feris bucked up into his touch. “Oh, An neal. Feels good.” “Mmm.” He took one last kiss, knowing the next part would take all of his concentration. “I love you.” “Love you, An neal. Love you.” He smiled, crawling up to straddle Feris’ waist. “Hold still, Feris. Can you do that for me?” Without waiting for an answer, Anneal reached back and grasped Feris’ hardness, lining it up with his own entrance and pushing back. “An neal!” Feris’ eyes were huge, amazed. He could only grunt as he pushed back, bearing down to open himself, to take Feris in until he sat back on Feris’ thighs, his lover fully sheathed inside him. Feris was whimpering, moaning softly. “Oh, An neal. Tight. Hot. An neal, I am inside you!” 115

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“Yes. In me. Where you belong.” Anneal smiled, stroking Feris’ chest and belly. “All right?” Feris nodded, hands reaching for him, stroking his thighs and his waist and then sliding along his shaft. “Are you all right, An neal. I am not hurting you?” “No. No hurt Feris. Just pleasure.” And he did not lie, for while he was full to the point of bursting, there was no pain. Cautiously, slowly, he began to move. “Oh...” Feris moaned, the sound long and low, the golden eyes rolling back in Feris’ head. “Yes. You see?” Anneal moved again, the feel of Feris in him a joy so great that he thought it might break him in two. Feris opened his mouth, but no words came out, only sounds. Once his body relaxed, Anneal moved faster, sliding up and down, taking Feris in over and over, thighs shaking. One of Feris’ hands wrapped around his shaft, his movements pushing his heat in and out of it. Anneal cried out, movements becoming frantic as he rode Feris, balls drawing up. “Feris. Soon. I cannot ... oh!” “An neal!” Feris’ cried out his name, bucking up hard as his body squeezed around his lover's shaft. Another cry and heat filled him deep inside. All it took was the feel of Feris spilling inside him for Anneal to lose the last shred of control. His head fell back and his hips jerked as he spent into Feris’ hand, coming harder than he ever had in his life. He collapsed against Feris’ chest, gasping for breath. 116

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Feris’ arm came around him, his lover taking deep, gasping breaths that were almost sobs, holding him tight. “I have you in me now. Forever.” It was, perhaps, a stupid thing to say, but heartfelt for all of that. “Oh...” Feris squeezed him, hand sliding down to where they were joined. “Inside you.” A shudder took him, an aftershock of the pleasure they shared. “Yes. Yours. No matter what.” Feris purred. “My An neal.” “Yours.” He would not let his worries come back until the morning, Anneal decided. Tonight, he would sleep safe, knowing that he shared himself more fully with Feris than he had with anyone, ever before. And no one would take that away from them.

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Chapter 15 City soon. Many men. Growl. Move closer to man. Smells. Lots of smells. Man smells. Not his man smells. Growl. An neal's hand on his back, petting him. “I know, Feris.” Rub against An neal's legs. His man. Rub more. His. Other men must know this. Soft laughter from An neal, but his man smelled sad, not happy. “It will all be over soon, Feris. But you must promise me you will let what happens happen.” Growl again. Himself not happy. Feris made promise. Himself would honor. But not happy. Growl. His man. His. **** 118

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The sight of the gates of Linai made Anneal's stomach clench painfully. They had traveled steadily south, meeting up with men only a short day after Anneal had thought they would, and making their way to the city along the trade caravan route. Feris was unhappy. Terribly. It showed in every step the big cat took. Whenever Anneal had dealings with the men, Feris would watch carefully, guarding his safety, tail twitching. As Anneal was doing trading for things like meat and ink and vellum, these meetings happened more and more, and the men were frankly nervous of his feline companion. For his part, Anneal felt more and more guilty dragging Feris into such a place, when the big cat so obviously disliked it, and he retreated into silence, a sick feeling sitting in his belly and staying there, building more and more with each step closer to his old home. Linai sat at the crossroads of two great trade routes, one of which ran north and south, one east and west. It was a walled city that sat on a dusty plain, surrounded on each side by field upon field of grain, which the Linai used for making the sweet ale that was their stock in trade. So familiar, and yet so alien to him now. The closer they got, the busier the road got, roadside markets springing up, with brightly colored tents and the scent of roasting meat and fermenting ale strong in the air. And the closer they got, the more people stared, not only at Feris, who drew frightened looks and curious glances, but at Anneal himself, and the tattooed cheeks he refused to hide. The people knew what 119

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they meant, those scars, and the whispers followed them like a wind in the wheat. When the gates came into view, tall and unchanged by the passage of years, the great crest of the city easily discernable, Anneal stopped, hand in the heavy ruff of fur on Feris’ neck. Feris growled low, body rubbing against him. He took a deep breath. “Yes. We must,” he said, as much to himself as to Feris. “You must promise me that no matter what happens, you will be quiet, Feris. I could not bear it if something happened to you because of me.” Feris looked up at him, those golden eyes staring at him, staring through him. The low growl was not a happy sound. “I know. Please.” To his own ears, the words sounded faint, less than convincing. But he needed to know that Feris would remain safe. Feris’ gaze left his again, the long body still and quiet next to him. He knew, if nothing else, no matter what happened, Feris would not leave his side. One last scratch of Feris’ ears, and Anneal began walking once more, feet set on the path he knew he could not alter now. Tomorrow was the day of his father's birth, and he had to be in the city before the gates closed at sundown. The whispers grew as they walked, becoming louder, people openly pointing at him now. It would only get worse, he reminded himself, but he had Feris this time. Something to fight for, something to be proud of and Anneal held his head high, not stopping until the guard hailed him, asking his business. 120

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The ordeal was bearable only because of Feris’ solid presence. The suspicious guard, the difficulty of having Feris admitted to the city, the jeers of the people they passed, the meeting of an old friend on the street, a man who was once his lover and yet now treated him like a leper, all of it was mitigated by Feris’ low growls and the heavy tail that wrapped about his legs. That and sheer stubbornness carried him to his father's door. The house was the same, a great edifice of natural stone and yellow brick, stretching for more than a city block. The high double doors bore his family crest, and Anneal stopped, staring at them without knocking. Feris nudged his hand, demanding attention. Low purrs met his inquiring look, that long tail sliding around his legs. “Only one way to get it over with, hmm?” Right. Feris was his family now. The rest was simply details. Anneal pulled the great bell rope by the doors, and waited while a young girl he had never seen before opened them, gawping at him stupidly. “Good afternoon,” he said politely. “I am Anneal Vere Faolin. I am here to see my father.” **** Small. Smelly. Close. No air. Growl. Rub against his man. “Feris...” Not happy man. 121

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Front paws on shoulders. Lick cheeks. “Feris, stop.” Man push. Growl. Pace to end of room. Pace to other end. Not look at man. Growl. Man sigh. “Feris ... please. I am sorry. It is just ... please, come here and sit with me.” Pace again. Growl. Go sit. Head on man's knee. Man pet. Man talk. “I know. We will leave tomorrow, though, I swear it.” Lick man's hand. Purr. A little. Man smile. Pet harder. “You are far too good to me, Feris.” Purr more. Lick man's hand. Lick man's cheek. “Yes. I love you, Feris.” Arms around him. Cheek on his cheek. Rub cheeks. Purr. Good. 122

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Lick man's face. An neal laugh. “You're impossible. Oh, I wish I could talk with you, Feris. If I did not think we would be interrupted...” Man sigh. “But no doubt it is safer for you to stay himself.” Not like man sighs. Nuzzle man's neck. Lick skin. Man smell hot. Pull him close. “Oh. Feris.” Purr. Nuzzle. Rub. Rub. Rub more. “Feris!” Chuff laugh. Rub more. Man lay back, spread legs. Rub against the good smell. Purr more. Rub more. Man smell good. “Feris. Oh. I ... oh.” Man hold tight. Man like. Himself good. Rub. Purr. Rub hard and hot. Make man shake. An neal yelling. Smell strong and good. Tear cloth. Lick man clean. 123

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Good. Purr. Man breathe hard. “Tomorrow, Feris. I vow, we will leave as soon as we may, and find a camp where we can be together.” Good. His man. Lie close. Purr. Man sigh. Pet. Go soon. Purr. Lick. Go soon. Make man happy. **** The footman treaded slowly down the grand hall to his father's apartments. Far too slowly for Anneal's liking, as he would have the entire meeting over and done. The measured pace also gave the memories far too much time assault him, as the bright silks on the walls and the graceful curved furniture that matched the arched windows had changed little since he was a child. As a child he had thought his life idyllic. His father was stern, his mother loving, but he had traveled with his father's trade caravans in the temperate months and spent the heated summers and cold winters in this house, amusing himself for hours upon end. 124

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Only when he grew to manhood, and discovered that he would not fit his father's rigidly compartmentalized role for him did he begin to see the manse as a prison. It seemed even more so now, even with Feris pacing at his side. They stopped in front of a dark wood door studded with iron headed nails that Anneal remembered opening into his father's study. Last year on exactly this day he had entered, stayed no more than an hour, and left. He doubted it would go any better this time, and as he was announced, Anneal rested his hand on Feris’ back, taking strength from him. Feris’ tail slid along the back of his legs and for a moment wrapped around him, the big cat growling low. The sound made the footman jump nervously, or perhaps it was his father barking out an order for him to enter. Either way, it was time. Anneal patted Feris lightly and in they went. There was another low growl and Feris’ tail swished angrily. He could see Feris’ nostrils flaring, a snarl curling the big cat's lip. He suddenly had the urge to giggle hysterically, the vision of Feris leaving nothing but bits and pieces of his father strewn about strong in his mind. Which prompted his father to a waspish, “Take that smile from your face and come here.” The old man looked very much as he had, if more frail. Hair still dark in places, iron grey in others, with the same grey eyes that Anneal himself had. The face was pinched and drawn, the expression dour. 125

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Feris made a quiet noise and he could almost hear the growling tones telling him that Feris could eat his father in two bites, all he had to do was say the word. Pleading silently, Anneal guided Feris toward the corner, and went to his father. “Hello, sir. A most happy birthday to you.” The cold look he received in return chilled him through, worse than his first winter storm outside Feris’ cave. “I wondered if you were still alive boy. I see you are.” Feris growled again, the sound audible to all in the room now, and stepped between him and his father, tail swishing. “No. Feris.” Anneal knew his father would have no compunction about having his footmen try to kill Feris should he threaten. “Please.” Drawing back, eyebrows raising, his father pointed. “Control your pet.” The growl grew louder for a moment, Feris’ ears going forward and he could see every muscle in Feris’ body tense. “He is not my pet. He is very much his own self. Please, Feris.” Anneal could feel hot, righteous anger burning away his fear and pain. “This will only take a moment.” Feris turned to look at him, those golden eyes softening when they saw him. With a great show of disdain for his father, Feris sat by his feet, muzzle in the air. Taking courage from Feris, Anneal stared his father down, something he never thought possible. “Are you ready to release me from my promise, sir? For I have no desire to leave my home every year and come to see someone who has no wish to see me.” 126

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A thunderous glare was his response. “No. You owe me that much. To know whether you live or die. After what you've done to me. To this family.” Feris snorted. Anneal would not enter into the same tired arguments. “I will have someone send you word should I die.” “Are you tired of the inconvenience?” The old man advanced once more, apparently forgetting Feris. “I want you to be inconvenienced, Anneal. I want you to suffer.” Feris stood again, moving between him and his father, hackles raised. Feris’ growl was menacing. For a moment, Anneal let cruel enjoyment at his father's sudden fear flood him. Then he immediately felt guilty for sinking to his father's level. “He is very protective of me. Please, Father. What use is it, me coming all this way to argue with you? It is not as if I am doing you any good. Or her family.” His father flinched at the mention of his late betrothed. “You are not even fit to speak her name.” “And I did not.” The silence stretched, broken only by the sound of Feris’ tail hitting his legs. He did not know what else to say. It stayed that way for a long moment, the tension in the air growing as the stalemate between them remained unbroken. Finally Feris stood and turned, mouth taking his hand and tugging, oh so gently. Clearly, Feris was ready to leave. So was he. He had fulfilled his obligation, and there was no way the old man would let him see his mother. “We shall leave now.” 127

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“You will return next year.” The command was sharp, drawing his back up. “Unless you release me from my word. Yes.” He would be better than they all thought him to be. He would. Feris growled again, obviously unhappy with his acquiescence on this point. He smiled sadly at Feris. “I know. But I must.” “Is that all, sir?” His Father looked even older, but only nodded, sitting down in his great chair and looking away. It was time to go home. **** Growl. Growl more. Not like smelly man. Not like voice. Not like looks. Not like smells. Not like. Growl. Not like smelly man house. Rub against An neal. Make sure An neal not smell like house. Growl. Unhappy. GO. Yes. Go now. Rub against An neal. 128

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His man. Not smelly man's An neal. His. City bad. People bad. Men stupid. His An neal good. Growl. Rub. An neal pet, scratch. Praise. Rub. Rub. Rub more. Growl at smelly men. His An neal. Growl at buildings. Can't have. His. Tail around An neal's legs. His. “Soon, Feris. We will be on our way home.” Home. An neal and himself. Purr. Yes. Home.

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Chapter 16 They were free. Free of the city, and of his father, and even of the trade caravans. They had left the last of the people that very morning. The relief was crushing. He thought perhaps Feris felt the same way, for Feris was acting almost kittenish, bounding ahead, growling and running and chasing anything that moved. The big cat would disappear for a few moments and then come running back to him, going full out toward him, making a sharp turn before getting to him and then taking off again. He could almost hear the laughter. His own heart was lighter, happier, because the flatlands were giving way to the rolling hills, and they were moving back in to the area he knew now as home. With Feris. Oh. He wanted. He needed Feris, soon. He wondered where Feris had gotten to as it had been quite some time since that black-tipped tail had disappeared up ahead. Feris appeared suddenly in front of him, leaping out from behind a rock and pouncing on him. A short, sharp cry burst from him as he went down under Feris’ weight, landing on the packed dirt of the trail and wheezing as his breath left him. Feris chuffed at him, bending to lick at his face. He petted Feris’ face, rubbing the soft cheeks. “We need to find a place to make camp, my Feris. I have a need.” 130

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Feris purred, licked his cheeks again and then his neck. Then his dear Feris wriggled down along his body muzzles nuzzling at his groin. “Feris!” He was only faintly scandalized, more needy. But he still felt the need to make a token protest. “Not here.” Feris raised his head and growled, one big paw replacing Feris’ muzzle upon him. “Yes. Yours. Always yours.” Once he would have feared that paw, feared the sharp claws it held. Now the possessive gesture thrilled him beyond words. Feris’ growls gave way once again to purrs and that massive paw rubbed against his need. “Oh!” So quickly he was hard, swollen. Ready. Feris grinned at him, head bending, mouth open against him. He could feel the warmth and wet of Feris’ maw through his trous. Anneal thrashed, trying to get more. Finally it occurred to him to open his trousers, and he unlaced them, Feris’ tongue rough against his fingers. Feris licked his fingers and soon his prick, tongue rough, wet and hot. “Yes. My Feris. Please.” Was there really a time not long ago when he thought this wrong? Now it felt so perfectly right. Feris’ licks grew longer, stroking him from base to tip, making him shiver with pleasure. Oh. Oh, he would not be able to last any time at all. Anneal lifted his hips, looking for more, begging. 131

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That tongue slid down beyond his balls, dragging up along his hole, his sacs, to the tip of his cock. And then again and again. Feris’ breath was hot against his damp flesh. When Feris’ tongue hit his hole for the third time, pushing in just slightly, Anneal dropped his head back to scream, his release pushing from his body in great, heated pulses. Feris’ purrs vibrated against him, that long tongue licking him clean now. He lay on the trail, legs sprawled, trousers down around his buttocks, and looked at the sky, letting Feris care for him. Their sky. Their land. They were free.

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Chapter 17 Itch. Rub against tree. Itch. Rub against rock. Itch. Roll in grasses. ITCH. Growl. Roar. Bad. Itch. Man. Rub against man. Roar. Itch An neal. Help. An neal woke up, snorting. “Mmmm?” Rub against man more. Itch! Help, An neal. Roar and rub. Itch. “Mnfh.” His man sat up. “Oh. Hello, love.” Fingers dug into fur, soothing the itch. Push into scratch. Purr. Purr. Purr. Ah ... 133

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Purr. “That must be some itch.” An neal smiled, scratched harder. Paw on An neal leg. Purr. Paw on An neal heat and not hard now. Purr. Scent An neal heat and not just soft now. Purr. Scratch good. An neal smell good. An neal growing hard good. Purr. “Mmm. Is that my reward, love?” An neal shifting under his paw, face red, still scratching. Mouth open, surround An neal hot and hard. Careful. An neal want careful touch. Silly man, Feris not hurt. Purr. Moans for him, deep, like purring. An neal spreading for him. Lick the heat. Lick the soft rounds. Lick the strong musk place. Lick and purr. New itch. Different itch. Lick and purr. “Mmm. Nnnn. Feris. Surely there are laws against this...” An neal opened, panting. Growl. Shift. 134

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He licked again, angling his tongue and taking An neal with it before slowly sliding up along An neal's body, skin against skin. “Spoilsport.” “Mmnnuhhh.” His An neal was not always at his best after a quick awakening. “I did not mean to spoil anything. I was simply making a statement.” An neal smiled, taking a kiss. He rolled them, making An neal on top. His man wasn't too heavy, but was a solid enough weight. Chuckling, An neal pushed him down flat, kissing and nipping. He purred, idly testing the strength An neal was using to hold him down. An neal put more effort into it, pushing at his shoulders while biting down on his chest. He growled, arching beneath the touches. It made him hard, made him need when An neal held him down. “Mmm.” An neal growled his own growl, nipping at his muscles, licking his nipples, hands hard on him. He bucked, pushing his heat against An neal. He needed, this itch even more insistent than the other. An neal knew, knew just how to make the itch stop, rubbing against him, pushing their heat together, mouth hot and wet. “Love.” It was only a word, but it matched the feeling in his belly, it matched the itch. “Yes.” An neal moved down, holding wrists now instead of shoulders, licking his belly, chin nudging his shaft. Heat and need and man scent. 135

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He growled, body pushing and eager. “More.” Demand or plea—it would be whichever would get An neal to keep going. “Yes.” Again, An neal gave him what he needed, mouth moving down to close around his shaft, tongue working underneath. He roared, hips pushing up hard, instinctively trying to bury in that wet heat. Holding him in place, An neal gave only a little, sucking and licking, making him wait. He bucked and shifted, growling, needing, wanting. The teasing went on, An neal's fingers digging into his hips, lips riding up and down, until finally An neal relented, sucking hard. He roared, pleasure shooting through his body and pulsing into An neal's mouth. His love drank him down, cheek rubbing his belly, fingers scratching his thighs. “Did that get your itch, my Feris?” He purred, hands moving to An neal's hair, fingers digging into it. “Yes.” “Good. I love your taste.” “You may have my taste any time you want.” “And I will scratch your itch any time you need me to, love.” Scratch. Good. Purr. **** Feris was sleeping. Anneal sighed. Feris did that a lot in the winter. Not that he did not sleep a great deal in his own right, for he did, but spring must be coming on, for Anneal felt a certain itch. 136

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An itch that only Feris could scratch, so to speak. Or to put it another way, the sap was not the only thing rising. He had tried every subtle thing he could think to wake Feris, so that he did not seem demanding. That was Feris’ job. Neither did he wish to seem desperate, though he was. Sighing loudly had not worked, nor had light strokes of Feris’ tail. Discreet rubbing had no more success. Anneal was beginning to wonder if he might have to resort to waving his stiff cock under Feris’ nose when the big cat stirred. Finally. Feris stretched out, big paws kneading lightly at the air before the big cat settled again with a soft purr. Oh. Well. Anneal pondered his next move. Perhaps he ought to just get the oil and do it himself. Yes, undoubtedly that was the way to go about it. Feris was sleeping, why disturb him? Anneal went to get the oil from his pack, giving Feris a sharp nudge in the ribs with his toe as he passed. Accidentally, naturally. Feris growled and one of those big paws hooked around his ankle, tripping him up. The floor of their cave was very hard. Anneal had noted that on previous occasions and sworn to get rugs. Too bad he had not, for that certainly took care of his problem when he fell in an ungainly heap. Anneal curled up around his throbbing elbow with a whimper. The next thing he knew, Feris was curled up around him, licking his cheek, tail sliding between his legs. 137

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Oh, that was much better. Anneal turned into Feris’ warmth, hands digging into soft fur. Feris purred for him, the sound vibrating against him. And that tail ... Long and thick, it slid up and down along his inner thighs, the tip seeming to tease at his crack. Oh dear. His rising need was back with a vengeance, cock hard and hot, need gathering in his belly. That was ... surely that was improper. “Feris...” Feris purred louder at the sound of his name. The scrape and tickle of Feris’ tail against his sensitive skin was nigh unbearable. Anneal wiggled, trying to get closer more now please. Feris seemed to chuff, almost laughing at him and then he was being licked, tongue warm and insistent on his face and over his shoulders, his neck. That tail moved now, slid loosely around his shaft. A gasp escaped him as his hips rocked, moving into the touch as his hands opened and closed against Feris’ coat. So good. Feris’ tongue found his nipples now, lapping at them as Feris’ tail slowly tightened around him. Entire body tingling, Anneal moaned, hands coming up to hold the great head to his chest as he squirmed and rubbed. “Feris. Yes. Please.” Feris’ understood, kept licking, kept exciting him with that long, clever tail. Such loving still held the spice of taboo, still made Anneal both excited and somewhat shocked, and it only added to his pleasure. He hooked a leg across whatever part of Feris he 138

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could reach and humped madly, loving the wild scent of their loving, the deep sounds that reverberated in Feris’ chest. Feris’ huge paw wrapped around his back, drew him closer still to the long, furry body. He could feel the great muscles moving beneath the surface, could feel the heat pouring from the big cat. So hard that he ached, his skin seemingly too tight to contain him, Anneal rubbed like a man possessed, that wonderful tail caught between them so the pressure he needed was acquired. “Soon. I cannot. Oh.” Feris growled loudly and he suddenly realized the cat was rubbing against him as well, shaft hard and unbelievably hot where it rubbed along his skin. Oh. Oh, spirits above and below! He had never. They had not. Anneal cried out, his seed bursting from him in time with great jerks of his hips, eyes rolling in his head. Feris roared, the sound filling the cave, even as the rich, sharp musk of the big cat's seed flavored the air. They lay together, panting, wrapped in Feris’ warmth, and Anneal was amazed at himself. Amazed but too content to question. How could anything he and Feris do be wrong? He smiled, nuzzling into Feris’ neck. “Mmm.” Feris was purring again, licking lazily at his face. Soon enough, Feris slept again, the great chest rising and falling beneath Anneal's lax body. Drowsy himself, Anneal settled in for a bit of a nap as well. Might as sleep some. Especially since that annoying itch was gone. **** 139

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The last sprig of the herb Anneal found went into his belt pouch, and he grinned, making his way back toward the spring camp he and Feris made home. He wondered if Feris would like it as much as the lemon candies. If his cat did, he would be a very lucky man indeed. He whistled as he walked, the warm still air and sun on his face making him happy to be alive. Though he was even happier to see Feris, stretched out long and lean, sunning himself with abandon. The big cat opened his eyes lazily and gave a low growl of welcome. “Hello, love.” Anneal dropped his pack, stretching his muscles. A good morning's gathering. He would eat well this night. Feris growled and his ears perked up, the great muzzle sniffing, scenting the air. He hid a grin. Of course, Feris could simply be trying to ascertain what he'd brought back altogether. Feris the man was learning to like his cooking. “Did you enjoy your nap, love?” Anneal casually unpacked his roots and tubers. Feris growled and got up, stalking toward him. He'd either smelled the herb or was feeling randy. With Feris the latter might actually be more likely than the former. His cat was quite a lover, needing close physical contact at every opportunity. Feris’ nose landed up at his groin, the low growl getting louder, a big paw hitting his belt-pouch. “Oh! That's right.” Making a show of snapping his fingers, Anneal unfastened his belt pouch. “I found you something, Feris.” 140

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Feris growled again, taking the pouch in his mouth and shaking it. That was the beginning of what could only be called a kitty frenzy, with Feris rolling all over the clearing, mauling his belt pouch. By the time Feris was on his back, pouch between paws as he chewed on it, Anneal was laughing helplessly, belly hurting he laughed so hard. Feris gave him what he knew was supposed to be a menacing growl, but it was rather ruined by the fact that Feris refused to stop chewing on the belt pouch, back end slowly wriggling. He chuckled some more, tears running down his cheeks. It was wonderful. Feris made a snorting sound and went back to his beltpouch, seeming quite content to maul and chew for the foreseeable future. Which meant that it was time to take it away. If he could. Feris was so wrapped up in the herbs that he did not even notice Anneal's approach, and Anneal pounced, ripping the pouch away and running. Feris roared, the sound rather drunk and he knew the big cat would be upon him momentarily. A burst of speed took him to their blankets, where he would have a soft landing when Feris caught up with him. He was pounced from behind, Feris landing fully on him, big mouth around his neck. Oh, he loved the feel of Feris on him and around him. Even drunk off the cat mint he had no doubt that Feris would not hurt him. He rolled, gently disengaging those sharp teeth and 141

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dug his fingers into Feris’ ribs. Feris’ chuffed and purred, wriggling for him, tongue hanging out of his mouth. He laughed aloud, playing, wrestling, loving their games. He never failed to find joy in Feris’ company. Feris began to lick him, long, lazy strokes with the rough tongue that started on his cheeks and kind of wandered wetly over his face. That rough tongue made him laugh, made him squirm. He grabbed Feris ears and shook that great head, rubbing noses. Feris purred, body rubbing against him. Warm and heavy and beautiful tawny fur. That was his Feris. Even if those glowing golden eyes were a little hazy. He was licked again, Feris’ paw resting heavily on his shoulder, long body rubbing against him. He would be content to stay like that and while the day away, petting and stroking, maybe taking a nap. If Feris would quit licking his nose. As if Feris had looked into his mind, the big cat settled, deep purrs rumbling between them as those golden eyes closed. It looked like Feris liked his gift. He would have to keep the location of that stash in mind for later. For now, he would just settle in with his cat, and nap.

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Chapter 18 Running. Good. Muscles stretch. Good. All good. His man. Good. Need. Good. Feris shifted into man-form as he came to the river where An neal was. His man was beautiful. All pale skin and long limbs and dark hair. Playing in the water. His An neal—playing! It was good. He leapt into the water and swam to An neal. An neal turned to him, laughing. “Feris! You must be the only cat I know who likes the water.” An neal smiled, laughed, happy for him. It was better when An neal was happy. “I like to be where you are.” He moved to An neal, stepping close, fingers sliding over skin made cool by water. “Good. I like you with me.” Moving closer still, An neal touched him, hands coming up to his shoulders, pulling him close. He brought his lips to An neal's. Ah, that was where all his man's heat had gone. They shared a kiss, warm and deep, An neal's tongue pushing against his. The water moved against them, pushing them together. 143

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Oh! An neal had more heat there, just below the water's surface. He purred into An neal's mouth, hand sliding over skin until he could wrap his fingers around the good heat. A deep moan met his touch, An neal arching against him, one long leg wrapping about his hip. An neal trusted him to support them, lost in their kiss. His free hand slid down to cup An neal's rump. He squeezed with both hands, making more moans come from An neal. Hands dug into his shoulders, nails leaving marks, he could feel it, as An neal pushed into his hands, back and forth, hard and hot in the cool water. “Feris. Please.” “Please what?” he growled. “Tell me.” “I would be inside you. I need you. Please.” An neal pushed him toward the riverbank, eager, needing. He growled, allowing An neal to push him just as he would allow An neal to be inside him. Only An neal could do that. His An neal. They fell to the ground together, An neal's mouth moving over him, from his throat to his chest, finding his tender spots, using that hot tongue on them. He purred, arching into An neal's touches, hands still wrapped around shaft and rump. Grabbing for his bag, An neal straddled him, pushing into the touches still, even while looking for the sweet oil he kept. “Feris. If you keep that up I will spill before I have you.” 144

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He didn't understand—spilling meant pleasure. “That would not be good?” An neal laughed, gifting him with a hard kiss. “It would be very good, but I wish to be inside you when I do.” He let go of An neal, pouting. “Hurry,” he growled. The oil was open scant moments later and An neal's fingers slid between his legs, pushing against his hole, slick and warm. He growled, body tightening as it always did at the beginning. He breathed deeply, taking in the scent of An neal and relaxed, his growls turning to purrs as one finger moved into him. Deep and sure, that finger opened him for another, stretching him, readying him. An neal was gentle but firm, the touch turning, searching, finally finding the spot within that made him purr. He writhed, reaching out to grab An neal, to hold on as his man did such things to him. “Yes. Feris. Love.” An neal used more oil on that straining shaft, withdrawing his fingers and pushing at him with the head of it. Inside, big and hard and hot, An neal pushed, straining with need, slowly, so he didn't hurt. He growled and bucked, pulling An neal in faster. “Just do it.” Nodding, licking sweat from his lips, An neal pushed, sliding inside, stretching him wide. “Oh. Feris. Yes.” He tilted his hips, growling and holding on tight. “Love,” he said, hands tightening on An neal's shoulders. 145

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Head back, hands holding him tight, An neal moved, flesh slapping against him as they moved together. He bucked, meeting each thrust with his own body, the pleasure hot inside him. Harder, faster, An neal moved within in, on him, around him. Hot words and kisses fell on his skin, good and right. His need grew hotter and hotter, sliding between their bellies. He roared as the pleasure got too big to hold inside. “Feris!” His man loved his name, using it when the need got so good, so big, and suddenly An neal throbbed within him, shooting heat deep inside, shaking with it. He wrapped his arms and legs around his man, holding him close and purring from deep in his belly. “We need another bath.” An neal laughed for him again, sounding happy and sleepy. “I will give you a bath.” He pushed at An neal until his man came out and moved to the side. Shifting, he turned back into himself. Licking. Cleaning. Grooming mate. Chuckling, An neal scratched his ears, squirming beneath his tongue. His man. Good. **** Feris was stretched out asleep, basking on a rock really, and Anneal took the time to watch him. Just to watch. He so rarely got the chance. Either Feris was away, hunting, running, or they were together. So close that he could feel rather that see. So beautiful, his Feris. The long, lean body was covered in thick, tawny fur from ears to feet, the muzzle and the tip of that marvelous tail black, the belly white. 146

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Utterly perfect. Not that Feris was not beautiful as a man, for he certainly was. It was simply that the cat was the more natural of the two. The sun shone on that heavy pelt, lightening it, making it gleam, and Feris panted in his sleep, the pink tongue peeking out from between sharp teeth. With a feeling close to shock, Anneal realized that he had grown hard as he looked. Fully hard, and needing. Again, not an unusual state, to be in need with Feris about, but this was the first time Anneal could remember the sensation occurring just from looking at Feris as “himself". He waited for the inevitable guilt, or shame, or at least the feeling that he should be so, that came with such things, but he was curiously free of it. It simply was. Moving into the sun himself, Anneal stripped out of his clothes. He was not close enough to Feris to disturb him, but he could still see him, and the warmth of the sun on his skin felt good and right as he took his prick in his hand and stroked it. Feris’ eyes stayed closed, but the large head was raised, whiskers noticeably twitching. He smiled. Feris always knew. Anneal spread his legs wider, planting his feet and pulling harder. It felt so good, so right. That big tongue came out to lick at Feris’ muzzle and then Feris stood, stretching before turning to look at him. A soft purr sounded and Feris silently padded up to him, nosing his hand and shaft. Oh. Soft, soft skin and fur, and those tickling whiskers brushed over him, making him jump and moan. “Feris!” 147

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Feris chuffed and licked, tongue swiping across his hand, the tip of his shaft. Long, low purrs sounded and Feris licked again. That tongue was so much rougher than Feris the man's, emphasizing the differences, scraping over his already sensitive flesh in a maddening way. Anneal opened his hand, cupping his prick and pushing it toward Feris, begging for more. Feris purred happily and began to lick and lick, from base to tip over and over again. His hips rocked, and so did the rest of him, toes to heels, his thigh muscles singing with strain. His hand dropped to Feris’ head, stroking and petting. Feris lifted his head, those golden eyes meeting his own as Feris roared and then his feline lover took all of him into that big mouth. The heat was amazing, the hint of teeth a heart pounding sensation, and Anneal could hold back no longer. He cried out, whole body swaying as he shot hard into Feris’ mouth. Feris let his shaft go and began to clean him, licking his shaft and his sacs, his belly, hips and thighs. Anneal dropped to his knees, his legs refusing to hold him. His arms went automatically around Feris’ strong body, touching all of the places he had looked at so intently earlier. Feris’ licking moved to his nipples and then his neck, and finally his cheeks, the tattoos and scars loved upon. “Mmmm. Feris. Love you.” He stretched out on the ground, lax and sated, letting Feris do what he would. Feris licked him from head to toe and back up again and then lay next to him, rubbing fur and heat against his side. 148

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That Feris was aroused, was more than obvious. So warm and good. Feris felt wonderful against him, and Anneal turned his hip into Feris’ hardness, letting it settle in the hollow above his hipbone, petting Feris’ back. Feris purred and licked his face again, one big paw lying possessively across his chest as the big cat rubbed. It did not take long before Feris let out a sharp, almost barking sound, the scent of musk suddenly strong as heat splashed against him. He fairly purred himself, stroking Feris gently, lazily. The feeling of apprehension that usually accompanied such things was completely absent. All he felt was warmth and affection. Settling heavily alongside him, Feris continued to purr, to occasionally lick at him. They would nap together in the sun, and perhaps when they woke he would convince Feris to let him watch the man as well.

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Chapter 19 The sun was too quick to set these late days, telling Anneal that it was nearing the time he would return to the city. The thought pained him, made him unconsciously straighten his shoulders and lift his chin, letting the bright, last rays glint off his cheeks. Then he sighed, knowing the proud gesture for the futile one it was. He packed away the last of the hard bread he had, and stood, stretching his back, saluting the light with upraised arms. Feris should be back soon from wherever he'd wandered off to. Perhaps he could spend some time brushing. It soothed him as much as it did Feris. As if drawn by his thoughts, he heard Feris’ growl, the sound a low rumble. Then the big cat was there, twining around his legs, rubbing against him and purring. He scratched the sensitive ears, the broad shoulders and back, digging his nails into the heavy pelt to really give good sensation, loving the sub vocal purr that echoed through his fingers. Feris’ butt went up, his neck stretching forward, the purrs growing deeper, harder. “Hello, there, my great hunter. I trust the day went well for you?” He scratched harder, making sure to keep the fur going the right direction. He got a head movement that might have been a nod and Feris turned, mouth closing around his arm, teeth just resting against his skin. Feris’ purr vibrated all the way up his arm. 150

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“Good.” The love bites Feris gave him never failed to excite him. The sensation of such powerful jaws closing so gently, the power banked so as not to hurt, it hardened him unbearably fast. The yellow eyes met his, beginning to glow as the sun set. Feris’ nose twitched and he knew the cat could smell him, smell his need. “Yes. I am glad you came back, Feris. I ... have need of you. Shall I get the brush?” He wanted to, wanted to feel that big body against him, feel the warmth and strength of it. Feris turned and rose up on his hind legs, huge forepaws resting on his shoulders, the gesture one of complete trust, leaving Feris’ heart exposed to him. The big, wet tongue licked each of his cheeks and then Feris’ cheeks rubbed along his jaw, scenting him with the cat's musk. A yes then. He shared a rubbing of noses with the big cat before ducking out from under the sheathed claws and fuzzy paws and going to his pack once more. The brush, he decided, needed to be replaced in town, a reason to be glad to go. He sat on his bedroll, holding his arms out for Feris. Feris loped over to him, running right into him and knocking him down. Big paws rested on his shoulders, Feris’ head bent toward him, tongue lolling out. It looked like he was laughing. The tongue felt like sand against his cheek, and he laughed, digging his fingers into the long sides, finding ribs. Feris was just as ticklish this way as the other. One big paw batted away at his hand and Feris rolled, grabbing him 151

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between the powerful forelegs and turning, wrestling and tussling with him as if he were a cat himself. Gasping, laughing, he let the worries of the day slide away, playing cat games with joy, letting Feris make him smile. It ended with him draped over Feris like the great cat was a rug, the deep purrs rumbling all through him, one paw over him possessively, the rest relaxed. “Mmmm. You make me happy, Feris mine. Now up, so I can brush.” He shoved, rolling up, so he could rest his legs against the side of Feris’ body, brush in hand. Feris rolled as well, lying close, back stretched out for the brush. The golden eyes looked back at him again, full of warmth. He began to brush, long, deep strokes, hard enough to feel. Soothing, relaxing, the repetitive strokes eased his mind. He brushed Feris until the sky was lit by stars and the moon and at some point Feris had shifted, kneeling before him as a man, still purring as he brushed the long blond hair. “Hello, my cat.” He smiled, leaning forward to give a kiss, silently thanking his Feris for the forgetfulness found in his presence. Feris’ purrs slid into his mouth. “An neal...” “Yes.” The taste was wild, hot, and Anneal dropped the brush, hands sinking into that shining moonlit hair, rubbing the sweet scalp. Feris’ purrs grew into growls and he was pushed down onto his back, Feris following him down, all solid muscle and hot skin. An answering sound, more moan than anything, 152

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came from deep within him, and he spread his arms and legs, cradling his Feris against his body, baring his throat in a gesture as old as time. Feris shifted back into the big cat, mouth taking his throat, teeth again touching but not breaking his skin. As quick as the change into cat, Feris was again man, teeth now sinking in, lips latching on as a mark was pulled up. His legs came up to wrap about that strong waist, rubbing his insistent need against Feris’ belly. So good. So hot. Feris licked at the mark left on his neck and then nuzzled, sniffing and purring. “Need. An neal.” “Yes. Oh, yes. I need as well, Feris. Now.” He licked and nipped at his lover's lips, the taste addictive, strong. Feris’ shaft slid along his crease, finding his entrance and resting there, hot and wicked. He could feel Feris trembling with the effort not to just push in, the yellow eyes that gazed at him almost completely feral. He loosened his muscles, breathing deep, letting Feris slip inside him, just a bit. “Now, love. Now.” Feris growled and took him, pushing deep and hard. It was deep and strong and took him out of himself and into the stars. He yelled, loud and long, arching to meet Feris, taking it all in. “An neal.” His name was spoken in that low, rough voice that sounded as if it were hardly ever used, bringing him right back to where he was, in Feris’ arms. His lover began to move, setting a fast pace, eyes holding him pinned. 153

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The skin beneath his hands was warm and smooth, Feris’ hair falling around them, closing out the world that would make him afraid, or angry. All he had was the thick shaft inside him, the smell of his lover's musk, sharp in his breath, those eyes, looking deep into him. The growling started next, low noises that vibrated through him, settled in his balls. The keening noise that came from him surprised him, his whole body jerking and throbbing. Needed. Oh, he needed. “An neal.” Then scenting came next, Feris rubbing their cheeks together and then their lips, tongue licking him. “Yes! Feris. Please.” He held Feris to him, head tipping back once more, letting Feris have him. All of him. Feris’ mouth closed over his neck again and for a second the cat was back, phallus huge and rough, teeth enormous and sharp. He might have imagined it though, for it was Feris the man who was pulling up another mark on his neck, Feris the man who growled, and Feris the man who thrust into him, sending him soaring. The sensation was more than he could bear, and he screamed, seed pulsing out between their bodies, stars dancing before his eyes. Feris roared, filling him with heat before collapsing against him. Panting, gasping, he stroked the long spine, listening to Feris purr, remembering that no matter what, he was where he belonged.

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Chapter 20 Dinner was a mess. Anneal was only the simplest of cooks, he knew it, anyone who knew him knew it, but he had so wanted the fancy lemon cake to turn out well. Precious lemons wasted, as well as the fresh milk he'd spent all day writing letters to attain, and he'd burnt his hand to top it all off. It was probably a good thing Feris had wandered off, because that way he didn't get to see Anneal make a fool of himself, would not know, beyond the smell of burnt food, how stupid he was. With a vicious curse, he dumped the remains of the cake into the hole he'd dug away from camp and covered it with rocks and dirt. There was a low growl and then a big cat came slowly out of the trees. Golden eyes met his own and the cat began to purr. Feris came up to him, rubbing lean haunches against his legs. “Good thing I would know you anywhere, my Feris. Otherwise you might scare me into falling into the fire or something equally idiotic.” Anneal scratched down the cat's back, pushing deep with his fingers. Feris’ purr rumbled beneath his fingers, the rubbing getting harder. He watched as Feris scented the air a moment and then his big cat was licking batter from the front of his tunic. 155

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He chuckled. “Well, I suppose that at least tastes good. It's dried meat for me tonight, though.” Feris just kept rumbling and licking and rubbing, the golden eyes looking up at him. With a sigh he pulled away, trailing a hand along Feris’ back as he walked back toward camp. He had no wish to inflict his terrible mood on Feris. Feris seemed to not be bothered by it, his cat trotting along next to him, rubbing up against him every few feet. He enjoyed the contact, though stubbornly he would not admit it. Damn it, he was angry, and out of sorts, and no warm, purring body was going to put him to rights. They'd made it halfway back to camp when Feris dropped back, nudged his rump with the big head and then nipped. Hard. He stumbled, practically falling over, then turned, glaring at Feris. “Stop it.” The big cat's mouth was open, tongue lolling out in a manner he'd always taken for laughing. His own mouth twitched, but he quickly pulled it back into a frown. “I am not amused, Feris.” Head dipping, one enormous paw covered Feris’ nose. “Oh yes, certainly. How ashamed you look.” Anneal had to stifle his grin again. “I was only trying to do something nice for you, you know.” Feris’ ears perked up and his cat came forward, muzzle pushing into his hands and then pressing against his pockets, clearly searching. 156

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“I said trying.” Angry at himself again, he pushed off, getting back to camp and flopping on his bedroll like a sulky child. He knew he was behaving badly, but could not seem to help himself. The city grew nearer with each day of travel, and he grew more and more unhappy. Burnt cake did not help. Feris came into camp, growl low and deep. The big cat came and stood over him and started to lick his face. The sand-rough feel of Feris’ tongue soothed him, rather than upsetting him, and he lay back, patting the space beside him. He needed the solid presence, the heavy warmth and reassurance of his love's body next to him. Feris lay down next to him, purring and warm, tongue still licking at his face, his neck. He petted absently, soaking up the concern he could feel coming from Feris, the deep, abiding care. “I know. I know. You would never chastise me for a burnt lemon cake.” Anneal buried his face in Feris’ fur. “I do not wish to go.” Feris growled and then the warm fur became warmer skin. “Then don't,” said his shapeshifting lover, voice rough and unused to speaking. Rubbing his cheek against Feris’ chest, Anneal wondered at the marvel that was his Feris, at his own good fortune at finding him. “I cannot sink to the level they expect, Feris. I will see him. I simply wish ... well. I wish many things. But I cannot be unhappy at finding you, so I must be grateful for all of it.” “Go or do not go. No unhappy.” 157

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Nodding, he pressed a kiss above Feris’ heart. “I will go. And I will be grateful for what I have.” Anneal lifted his face to Feris, meeting those beautiful eyes. “Kiss me?” Feris rumbled and took his mouth, pressing the low vibrations into him along with the hot tongue. He kissed back, eager and needy, hands coming up to hold Feris close. He tasted the wild flavor of his lover, savored it, fed him back the lemon he could still taste in his own mouth. Feris’ hands were hot and heavy against his skin, stroking him with a firm touch, as soft growls and purrs came from his lover's throat. So comforting, that touch, so arousing, and Anneal gave into it, letting Feris blot out everything but the feel of him and the taste of him. So good. Feris pulled at his clothes, his lover too impatient, as usual, to work at the fastenings. He helped, pulling his shirt off, working open his trousers, waiting for the feel of Feris hands on the newly bared parts of him. Begging for Feris’ touch. Thick fingers slid across the tips of his nipples, slight hint of nail giving the touch an edge. “Please! Feris!” Anneal moaned, arching under the touch. So needed. So wanted. Feris growled, rolling him over onto his back and pushing their hips together, pressing him into the ground. The length of Feris’ shaft slid along his hip and against his own, silk on silk. “Oh!” He wrapped his legs around Feris’ hips, rolling up, trying to get more. “Love.” Feris rumbled. “Love.” 158

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His lover's head bent, tongue and teeth sliding over his nipples. The touches sent fire straight to his belly, making his body twist and jump. He scraped his nails down Feris’ back, cupping those firm buttocks in his hands, pulling Feris closer. Feris growled, the sound vibrating against his belly and in his balls, making them tight, pushing the need higher. “Oh. Oh, Feris. In me, love. In me.” Anneal spread wider, sliding up against Feris, letting his lover feel everything of his need. Feris slid down his body, licking and biting gently. From nipples to belly to shaft to opening, and then Feris’ tongue was sliding into him, stretching and slicking him. All he could do was thrash, cry out, beg for more, Every nerve in his body called out to Feris, begging, any other thought but need gone from him. Feris’ was rumbling, purring and growling, tongue fucking him hard and fast, a promise of what was to come. “Please. Feris. Now.” He thought perhaps Feris liked to hear him beg, hear his pleas. Not out of mean spiritedness, mind, but out of pride at how he pleased Anneal. Feris roared and surged up, thick, hot prick sliding into him as Feris’ mouth covered his. He could taste his own musk on Feris’ mouth. It made him crazed, made him wrap arms and legs about his lover, biting at Feris’ lips as they came together with a violence he had never matched with anyone else, ever. Only Feris. Low, deep growls were pushed into his mouth, Feris slamming into him over and over again. 159

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He bared his throat for Feris, head falling back, hips rising up, cock so hard it hurt. He was gasping, nonsense words falling from his lips. Feris’ growls grew louder, he could feel his lover fighting the urge to shift and wrap the huge cat's maw around his neck. Instead Feris began to bite, teeth pressing into the skin of his neck far less gently than the cat would have done. The marks he could feel spring up under those teeth pushed him over the edge of pleasure, heat spilling between his body and Feris'. His words became a wail as his body clenched hard about his lover, keeping Feris deep inside. Feris’ growls became roars and once his body loosened beneath the pressure of his pleasure, Feris continued to thrust, body shaking. His lover was close. Anneal took it all, took everything Feris had to give him, nails digging into the firm skin of Feris’ back, his own teeth finding Feris’ shoulder and biting down hard. Roaring loudly, Feris slammed into him one last time, filling him with heat. The noises his lover made gentled, became closer to a purr as Feris collapsed onto him, trusting him to take the weight. Cradling Feris’ weight was one of his great pleasures, cat or man, and he held his love easily, knowing that no matter what he had to do, or how much he disliked it, Feris made him happy. He would work to be content with that, and dwell on what he had gained, not what he had lost, for he was a truly lucky man. **** 160

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Feris hated it when An neal went to trade for goods. Oh, sure, he always brought back treats, but even as a man, he could smell the wrongness, the otherness in the way An neal smelled. An neal returned at sunset and without a word, Feris went to him, stripping his lover's clothes away before shifting to himself. Rub. Lick. Make man smell right. Make his man smell right. Rub. Lick. Rub. Lick. An neal sighed, happy sound, rubbing his neck. His man. Feet first. Then legs. Knees. Silly knobby things, making An neal laugh. Hips. Thighs. Rub. Lick. Man's heat. Smell strong here. Good. Right without rub and lick. Rub and lick man's heat. “Mmmm. Feris.” An neal scratched, rubbed, felt good. Belly now. Rub. Lick. Back. Rump. Smell strong and good here. Rub. Rub. Lick. Rub. Purr. Then arms, chest. Stand against man and lick cheeks. Rub. Lick. Purr. Smell good. All good. His man. His. “I do not like it either, my Feris. You've made me quite the hermit.” An neal rubbed cheeks. Purr. Rub. Purr. All good. 161

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He shifted into man again, still rubbing his cheeks against An neal's, hands heavy on An neal's shoulders. “Men are stupid and stinky.” “Why thank you.” An neal smiled, not taking offence. “I like the way you smell as a man. Spicy and wild.” “And himself?” he asked, curious. He bent and licked at the skin beneath An neal's ear. His lover knew that when he spoke of men An neal was not included in their number. “Oh. Then it is a heavy musk. It excites me. You always excite me.” He could feel that An neal meant it, feel the heat and hard where they rubbed together. “MMmmm ... love,” he said, rubbing his hips harder. He liked the way An neal smelled when he was excited. “Yes. Love.” An neal cupped his buttocks, pulling him so close, lips closing over his. He growled into An neal's mouth, tongue pushing in to taste there. Oh! He pulled back, eyes shining. “Lemon candy!” “I could not let my Feris down, could I? Yes. I got you lemon candy.” An neal looked so pleased. Happy. He purred for An neal, rubbing their cheeks together and then taking another kiss. He pulled An neal's tongue into his mouth, sucking until he could no longer taste the lemon there, only his An neal. When he was done, An neal was breathless and flushed, hips pushing against him over and over. He grinned at An neal, still purring as he dropped to his knees. He would take the real flavor of An neal into himself. 162

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He took the hot and hard into his mouth, sucking and purring. “Feris!” An neal touched his hair, flesh in his mouth moving and jumping. “Oh ... love.” The long thighs near his face shook and twitched. He breathed deeply and took An neal in as far as he could. When his nose was buried in the dark curls that surrounded the sweetsalty flesh in his mouth, he breathed in again. Yes. An neal. Strong and good and his. He began to purr again, lips moving on the hot and hard of his An neal. The scent was strong, hot, the taste bitter and salty. An neal pushed into him, noises sounding deep in his belly. He loved making An neal lose control, loved the animal instincts that found a home in his man. It made him growl and suck harder, fingers digging hard into An neal's hips. The splash of An neal's seed on his tongue came soon after, a wild cry sounding, echoing around them. “Feris...” An neal wobbled, slid out of his mouth to kneel before him. “Inside me.” He growled, his own animal instincts coming to the fore and without stopping to think, he pushed An neal down onto his back and pressed his hardness into An neal's body, crying out as the tight stretched around him. Hard fingers dug into his back, An neal shouting, legs parting wide and wrapping about him. Hot, so hot. An neal bared his throat, head falling back. 163

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His head dropped to An neal's throat, teeth wrapping around the skin, drawing the blood to the surface as he rutted. Their hips slammed together, flesh noisy, scent rising strong and good between them as he marked An neal as his. His An neal. His. Moving beneath him, hips pushing up into him, hard and hot back, rubbing against his belly. “Feris. Please. Please.” It was a chant, one of need, begging. He roared, pushing harder, going deeper. “My An neal,” he growled. “Mine.” “Yours. Yes. Love.” An neal scratched him, nails in his back, his name coming out on a sob. He roared again, pleasure pushing through him, escaping into An neal's body. He collapsed onto An neal, burying his nose against the dark mark on An neal's neck and breathing deeply. He could smell himself on An neal. It was a good smell. “Oh, love. Thank you. For taking away the touch and smell of them.” An neal petted him, voice rough and deep. He nodded, prick sliding from An neal. “Stinky, smelly men. Now my An neal smells right.” “Yes. Now I smell like you.” An neal's legs slid down, and they curled together. “Yours.” “Mine.” He growled and shifted to himself. Scenting. Him smell. An neal smell. Him and An neal smell. Good. Purr. **** Hot. It was hot, dusty and miserable. Anneal sometimes very much missed the luxury of cool stone walls and large 164

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shaded windows and cool breezes. He sighed. No sense dwelling on it when he had work to do. The skin Feris had gotten for him needed to be scraped and cured before he could use it. It was a process that usually drove Feris away, just from the smell. He wiped the sweat out of his eyes and scraped and scraped, working until the sun was high overhead. Only when he had it pegged out to dry did he stop, and only then did he allow himself a trip to the creek to get clean and perhaps cool. Feris was there, lying in the sun on a rock in the middle of the water, fast asleep and half purring. Oh. Basking like that, his Feris was amazing. Not that he wasn't always, but gods above and below, the sun made him shine. Anneal waded into the water, shedding his trousers as he went, intent upon basking a bit himself. Feris growled and shifted, head shifting back to look at him. The growl became a purr, one eye closing again, the other watching. Grinning, he joined Feris on his perch. His cat was always on the alert, it seemed. He stretched out, dangling his feet in the cool water. Feris’ purrs increased in volume, one big, heavy, hot paw coming to rest on his belly. “Ugh.” He shifted. “It's too hot, Feris.” Feris growled and the paw returned, this time sitting on his hip. “You will have your way, won't you?” He was not inclined to be angry, though, as he was starting to feel better. 165

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His cat growled and got up, stretching and yawning before resettling, head now where the big paw had rested, yellow eyes watching him. “It's hot, Feris. Hot and bright and I stink.” He scratched Feris lazily, getting the sensitive spot behind one ear. Feris started purring again, eye implacable, the big head not moving. “Well, I do. Despite that I am grateful. The skin will make lovely boots.” He never knew what Feris was thinking, man or cat. Feris’ tongue came out, sweeping over his belly and the top of his hip. That tickled, even as it made him tighten, made him twitch. He chuckled, scratching the top of Feris’ back. Those golden eyes held his gaze as the motion was repeated, far slower this time, and then again. Oh. So good. His Feris was bathing him. Goosebumps rose on his skin, legs sliding open, hips rising. Another swipe of that tongue, Feris moving, tip of the long tongue grazing his nipples. A long moan escaped him, body arching under the rough touch, seeking more of the sensation. A couple more licks and then Feris was moving, the touches of tongue becoming more deliberate. “Feris...” He could hardly bear it, the impromptu bath making him crazed. The rock was smooth and warm beneath him, and Feris felt good against him, and he forgot his earlier mood, and the heat and anything that was not Feris. Feris’ tongue slid across his hips, brushing over his shaft. Anneal gave a sharp cry, hips snapping up, belly tight. His shaft grew, lengthened, hotter than the sun in the sky. 166

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The big maw opened, Feris’ mouth closing around his hip, hot breath pouring against his skin, sharp teeth resting so carefully. The leashed power in that touch excited him beyond all reason. He had to laugh at that. His father thought his desires were unnatural before. Imagine what he would think if he could see Anneal now, arching into the touch of his Feris. A low purr vibrated his skin and then the tongue returned, bathing his hips, lapping at his balls before sliding over his erection. “Oh. Feris. Please.” He let the pleasure take him, move him, hips rolling. That tongue continued to lick, over and over again. It was unbearable. His prick was so sensitive that even the slightest touch made him quiver, each rough lash of Feris’ tongue making him shake. Low in his belly heat bloomed, a tight knot of pleasure. His nipples burned and throbbed, his legs shifted restlessly. “Please.” The licks came faster, Feris’ deep purrs vibrating along his flesh. Anneal's balls drew up tight, his hips pumped, the feeling of Feris’ purrs making him whimper. Soon, oh, soon. Feris’ tongue slid across the tip of his cock, roughly pulling away the drops of liquid that leaked from him. It drew even deeper purrs from his Feris. Yelling his head off, startling the birds into flight, no doubt scaring the fish, Anneal came, hot seed landing on his stomach. Feris licked him clean, pulling more sweet shudders from him. “Mmm.” Boneless and content, he patted Feris gently. “Now I smell of you.” 167

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Feris’ head rested on his hip, low purrs coming from the big cat, those golden eyes gazing up at him. “Yes. Love you, my Feris.” The purrs deepened, his Feris looking and sounding content. It was still hot. But on their little island in the middle of the cool brook, it was neither dusty, nor miserable. It was just right. **** Lounging. Tree. Sun. Purrs. Good. Raise head. Smells. Familiar smells. Good smells. His smells. There. Stop. Ears twitch. Whiskers twitch. Smell deeply. Yes. An neal. Man. His man. Muscles stretch. Leap. Run to An neal. Knock An neal to ground. Lick. It made him purr, An neal made him purr, brought the man to the surface, close, but made the animal want, too. An neal loved both of hims. He kept licking, the tattooed cheeks, the red lips, the marked neck, marked with his marks. His. An neal was his. He licked An neal. “Feris!” An neal laughed, pet him. “What's gotten into you, hmm?” He growled. His mine growl. An neal was his. Smelled his. 168

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He rubbed his cheeks against An neal's cheeks, against An neal's neck. He didn't like An neal's clothes. He grabbed the material in his mouth and shook his head. Off. Another laugh, and An neal moved, reaching for clothes, taking off. “Yes, you greedy thing! Ooooh.” Skin. An neal skin. Warm, smooth, good. His. He rubbed cheeks on An neal's flanks and belly. “Oh ... Feris.” Hands against his head, An neal's fingers digging in, pulling him close. Smell was strong, stronger here, less there. Hard for him. More stupid clothes. He growled. He wanted smell and heat and hard. He put his paw down on An neal. Against heat and hard. His. Stupid clothes. Sounds deep and harsh came from An neal, good sounds, pleasure sounds. “Please. Feris. I need. Let me get out of these.” An neal pushed at his paw and he backed off. He circled An neal, growling. Hurry, An neal. Want. His An neal hurried, clothes coming off, hard need bare for him. Hard need, soft belly, long throat open to him. His. He wrapped his mouth around An neal's neck. Accepted An neal as his. Claimed An neal as his. Careful. He growled. An neal's skin broke easily. Careful. 169

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He nosed soft belly, bare for him, bared to him. An neal musk stronger here and down, down here, An neal musk very strong. Good. He nuzzled the hard and hot, rubbing with his cheek, leaving his musk, taking An neal's musk. Now the smell was An neal and him. Good. An neal went still, breath fast. Not fear. Need. For him. Then the hard shook jumped, An neal moving up to touch his face once more with that part. He rubbed back, purring, happy. An neal and him smell mixing and mixing. He rubbed more. “Oh, my Feris. It feels ... more.” Knees came up against him, holding him, An neal rubbing and rubbing. He purred. He made An neal make good noises. Good. Hard, beneath him. Soft beneath that, so soft, touching there made An neal yell and move. He stopped, smelled. Want. Need. Not pain yell. He growled, rubbed. Soon, his An neal yelled louder, body shaking, hot, wet, good smell beneath him, wetting him. He purred, licking, cleaning An neal. Wanting. “Oh ... Feris. I ... so sensitive.” An neal moved, legs and arms around him. He wanted. An neal. His. Needed. Man. Feris shifted shapes; he ached for his lover. 170

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“An neal...” He could taste An neal in his mouth, smell him in his nose, feel the hot skin against him. “Feris. Yes. Need so much...” An neal stroked his skin, his hair, moving against him, opening for him. “Want you,” he murmured. “Need.” His need rubbed against An neal's warmth. “Mmm. Yes. In. Please Feris.” His An neal was not afraid to ask for what he wanted, hands, mouth or body. All of them called to him. He found the little hole by instinct, pushing carefully. Careful not to hurt An neal. His lover was fragile. A soft, rough sound came from An neal, approval and need and happiness, not hurt. So very hot and tight, and An neal's nails scraped down his back, pulling him closer. He moaned, sinking all the way in and pressing his body against An neal's. His skin was sensitive in this form, back arching beneath An neal's fingernails. “So big. So good. Love.” Long legs came about him, pushing his hips up and in. Deeper into An neal. He growled, voice twisted and lost in the pleasure. An neal was hot and tight and good around him. Lowering his head, he purred into An neal's neck. It made An neal squirm, made his man purr for him almost as well as he did. The skin of An neal's neck was soft and smooth, the scent strong. “Love,” he murmured, moving instinctively. In and out and in again and it was so good. An neal was so good. There was 171

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nothing like his man. The pleasure made him forget everything but wanting more. The pleasure made An neal happy, took away the sad that showed on his face so much, lent hot blood to An neal's cheeks. He nuzzled, the feeling so different in man-form. His lips trailed over An neal's cheeks, tongue tasting, body moving. “Faster. Feris.” An neal rubbed against him, bearing down, body holding tight. He moved faster, he moved harder. So good, the pleasure was in his cock and in his balls and in his back. He growled and purred and moved. Groaning and panting, An neal moved too, hard and fast beneath him, neck bared to him. For him. He bent again and licked the soft hot skin there. He bit the soft hot skin there. He could do that as man, wouldn't hurt. Salt and An neal flavor filled him and with a roar, the pleasure exploded out of him. His pleasure filled An neal. An neal screamed, the sound primal and free, and An neal's heat and wet fell between them, sliding on his skin. He pulled out of Anneal and collapsed beside him, curling around the warm body and petting the soft skin of his An neal. “Mmm.” Warm hands petted him back, An neal giving as easily as he took. “Love.” “Yes, love.” 172

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He shifted back to cat. Purring. Rubbing. Good.

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Chapter 21 There was enough of a chill in the air that Anneal hurried his bath along, thinking perhaps it was time to start heating his water over the fire rather than going to the stream. Shivering, he picked up his wet clothes and made for the clearing he knew Feris would be stretched out in, sunning himself. Feris would insist on giving him a second bath so he smelled good. That would make him warm. By the time he got there he was nearly blue, and his teeth chattered. Feris growled and one golden eye opened, then the other, Feris getting up and coming to him, still growling. Sniffing came first, followed by another growl, this one clearly of complaint and then Feris was licking him, giving him a tongue bath and rubbing warm, furry cheeks against his skin. Oh. Oh, much better. Once upon a time he had felt guilt at enjoying such ministrations. Now he felt only the pleasure, knowing that he and Feris were meant to be like this. Anneal curled tight into that warm body, drawing heat from it. By the time he was sufficiently “clean” for Feris’ nose, he was hard and more than warm. Rubbing, he made a sound he thought of as his own purr. “Mmmm. Love.” Feris purred louder and then shifted, changing from cat to man in his arms. “Love,” murmured Feris, golden eyes glowing.

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“Yes.” He began a tongue bath of his own, licking at Feris’ lips, savoring the wild, spicy taste. They shared a kiss, and then he moved on, licking at Feris’ neck, his chest. Feris rumbled, hands moving slowly over his skin. “Water's too cold for bathing.” “I found that out today, love.” He grinned against one nipple, blowing across it. “You make me warm.” Feris shivered and then growled, rolling him onto his back and following. “You make me hot.” “Good.” He let Feris take control, letting his head fall back to bare his throat, leaving his vulnerable belly open to Feris’ touch. Feris’ growls increased and he could feel the heat of his lover's shaft hard against him. He knew it inflamed Feris, even in man form, when he submitted like this, when he offered himself without reservation. Warm lips closed over his neck, Feris pulling up a mark just next to the one from that morning. How could he not offer all when he trusted Feris completely? He moaned, hands clutching at Feris’ back, legs cradling that lean, heavy body. “Love,” Feris growled, hands sliding along his sides, his belly, rubbing against his hips. “Yes. Love.” He was so hot as to feel fevered now, sweat gathering on his brow, even as slick drops gathered on his shaft. So good. “You smell best like this,” Feris told him, eyes half-closing as he scented the air. “Want you.”

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“Anything. Anything you want, love.” He meant it, too. Anything Feris required of him, he would do. He spread wide, opening, kissing whatever skin he could reach. “Oily stuff?” “In my pack. Just over there.” Anneal pointed, as impatient as Feris. Feris growled and lunged for his pack, tearing it in his hurry to get out the oil. He paid it no heed. It would mend. He, on the other hand, would not, should he explode due to the need in him. “Please, love. In me.” Feris crawled between his legs once more, pushing two slick fingers into him, stroking across his gland. He cried out, hips rolling, eyes rolling back in his head as well. So good. Felt so good. Feris was ferocious in his loving, harsh and needy and it made him swell even more, made him draw up tight. Two fingers became three and then the fingers disappeared as quickly as they'd appeared, replaced by the thick heat of Feris’ shaft. The stretch and burn of it still amazed him, even after their time together. Big and hot and impossibly large. He felt the impact all through his body, and he clutched Feris close, panting. “My An neal.” Feris thrust hard, pushing him harder, higher. His back scraped along the ground, his hips jolting with every thrust. He moaned. “Yours.” Reaching for his own cock, Anneal began stroking in time with Feris’ movements. 176

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His lover growled, bending to take his mouth in a hard kiss. The kiss bruised him, opened him, and he gave into it easily, biting at Feris’ lips, slamming up into each thrust. “Love. Mine.” “Yours!” It was a cry, an assertion, an agreement. Hot seed pulsed out of him, landing against Feris’ skin, filling the air with scent. Feris roared, pushing hard into him, filling him. He went limp under his lover, head falling back once more, wanting more of the touch of Feris’ lips and teeth even as they lay together, panting in the after effects of passion. Feris slipped from his body, purring and whispering. “Welcome home.” Then his lover shifted shapes, becoming once again the great cat he loved so. Warm and soft and purring, the heavy body lay against him. Anneal stroked the soft fur of his lover's back, luxuriating in the weight and warmth. Indeed, he was home. For that was wherever Feris was. **** Grinding the fibers that made blue ink was a hard job, one that brought up a sweat, but it would be worth it if he could capture the blue of the sky above, on the first sunny day they'd had in too long. The shine off the snow outside was blinding, but the sky. Oh, it was lovely. Anneal worked, ignoring Feris, who prowled back and forth at the opening of the cave, growling occasionally. Feris could wait. The sky could not. It was hard to ignore the large head in his face though, or the roar that moved his hair. 177

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“Feris!” The jump he could not control almost made him spill his precious powder. “What?” Feris licked his cheeks, first one and then the other and then leaned the big head against his chest, pushing. There was no fighting the strength of a full-grown mountain lion. Anneal only just managed to set his powder aside as he toppled over. He gave it a good push to get it out of the way, and blinked at Feris in question. “You wanted something?” Feris growled and licked his cheeks again before settling on him. Before he had a chance to complain about the weight, Feris shifted, the man still growling unhappily. “I was trying to get that done.” How could one hold onto irritation with a nude Feris upon one? “All morning long. I was patient, An neal.” A nude and growing hard Feris. “Were you?” Now he teased, loving the growl it brought forth in Feris voice, loving the smooth glide of their bodies together. “I was!” Feris moved against him, making him hard, too. “All morning, I waited while you ... did other things.” That sweet throb and ache started low in his belly, making the snow and the sky and the ink fade in the face of his warm, hard, real Feris. “You were truly admirable, Feris. You should be rewarded.” Feris purred. “I should be.” “Yes. Let me up.” Not that he wished to lose the close contact, but he had a feeling he knew something that would reward Feris nicely. 178

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“Let you up?” growled Feris. “But I only just got you down.” He laughed aloud. “Do not worry, Feris. I will not go back to ignoring you, hmm?” His lover did not look happy, but Feris got off him, sitting in his customary crouch. The golden eyes watched him. Gently, so as not to alarm Feris, he pushed at the lean body, pressing until Feris lay back, spread before him. Then he leaned down and licked the tip of Feris’ hard shaft. Feris roared, hips pushing up toward him. Oh, yes. That was just the reaction he hoped for. Holding tight to Feris’ hips, Anneal went one better and took head of that hot, hard flesh into his mouth, sucking lightly. “An neal!” Feris’ hands slid into his hair, grasping and pulling, half whimpers, half growls coming from Feris. His own shaft ached, balls drawing up at the taste of Feris, wild and spicy and brighter than the sun on the snow. Anneal pushed down, taking more, using all of his previous experience as a means to this end, to making Feris happy. Growls and purrs and wild sounds of pleasure came from Feris. He could feel Feris’ shaft growing impossibly hard in his mouth. The vein on the underside moved wildly against his tongue with the beat of Feris’ heart, and his own heart thumped in time as he reached for Feris sacs, rolling them so gently between his fingers. Feris roared, the sound wanting to be the shape of his name and his mouth was flooded with the taste of Feris’ pleasure.

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The taste was like nothing else, fierce and salty and so sharp it also stung the roof of his mouth. Anneal swallowed it all, moving back up to kiss Feris on the mouth. Feris’ tongue slid into his mouth, hands sliding through his hair. “Oh. An neal. Oh.” “You liked your reward, Feris?” He pushed hard into the hollow of Feris’ hip, creating strong friction. Feris growled, hands coming down to cup his buttocks, pulling him tighter against smooth skin. “Yes. I will wait again all morning tomorrow.” “Oh, good.” The words gasped out with his breath, and he thrust once, twice more before crying out, seed spilling on Feris’ skin. Feris’ hands gentled, though they still moved, sliding him along his lover's body, his come rubbing into their skin. Rumbling purrs, not quite as deep as himself's filled the air, vibrated the broad chest beneath him. The sky was probably still blue, Anneal thought as he let himself doze. But it could wait. Feris could not.

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Chapter 22 Feris used to sleep away the winters. Himself could go for days without a meal, weeks even if he'd brought down a big kill right before the snows. Now there was someone to share the short, sharp days and long cold nights with. Someone who did not sleep all the time. Someone who curled close for warmth. And for other things. Cat or Man, An neal loved him always and was always ready for loving. It was good. He turned to An neal, watched as his man bathed. He shook his head. Silly custom. Still, it meant An neal was naked and this was good. He watched avidly, feeling his prick grow hard. An neal turned as he finished and smiled at him. “Why do you always watch so as I bathe?” He shook his head. Sometimes his An neal could be as stupid as all men. He walked over to his man, hands sliding over damp skin as he leaned in for a kiss. He let his own hardness press against An neal's thigh. “Oh.” An neal was breathless, pushing against him. Did you ... were you like this before, when we were not ... intimate?” “Yes.”

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He purred against An neal's lips, rubbing up and down An neal's arms. “At first it was in amazement that you would do such a thing, but then it became more.” “Amazement that I would ... oh. Wash that way?” An neal kissed him, happy noises coming from his man. “Yes! Such a silly thing to do, especially in the winter when you have no fur to keep your skin dry.” He laughed. “My strange love.” “Me! I am not the one who insists that I smell strangely until you rub all over me.” An neal put long arms about his neck. “Well you do. Even in this form I do not like it if you do not smell like me.” He licked at An neal's lips, rubbing their bodies slowly together. “You should make sure I smell like you now.” Kissing him hard, An neal slid against his skin. He growled. “I should.” He began to touch his An neal, fingers moving over the smooth, warm skin. An neal moaned under his touch, moving into it, shifting and flowing against him. “You feel like my man,” he murmured. “Mmmhmmm. Test everywhere just to make sure?” An neal smiled at him. “Yes.” He pushed An neal to the ground. Holding up his arms, An neal waited for him. He chuckled at An neal and dropped to his haunches at An neal's feet, beginning there, touching, smelling, licking. “Feris! That tickles.” An neal did not kick, but it was a near thing. It made his man laugh, though. 182

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Oh. Such a good sound that. He repeated his movements, searching more for the sounds. A sound approaching a squeal came from his man, and An neal did kick, body flailing. He shifted. Growl! Leap! Pounce! Lick! Man laughed hard, rolling on the ground. Nuzzle. Lick. Purr. Feet. Knees. Thighs. Heat and hard. Stomach. Heat and hard. Lick. Purr. Purr. Man not laughing now. Moaning. Purring. Happy. Good. Lick. Heat and hard. Lick again. And again Again. Purr. An neal squirming, noises loud and strong. Hands on his head. Rub. Lick. Purr. Rub. Lick. Purr. “Feris! Please.” Mansmell. Hot, need. Rub. Rub harder. Purr. Rub harder. Make man make happy smell. 183

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Rub. An neal yelling, shaking, hot and hard making him wet, making the smell he wanted. Clean An neal. Lick. Lick. Lick. Purr. Good. Clean An neal. Clean fur. Good. “Oh. Feris.” An neal petting him. “The things you do to me.” Sniff. Good smell. Happy smell. Good things. Purr. **** Feris was dreaming. Obviously it was quite a good dream, the way his lover rubbed against him, hot and hard and purring constantly. Not that Anneal minded. ‘Twas not as if Feris would wake calling some dream lover's name. Anneal had been, to the best of his knowledge. Feris’ only lover. Though he did sometimes wonder if Feris dreamed of female cats, which in turn made him feel absurd. Both Feris the man Himself the cat seemed perfectly content with Anneal. Any worry on that matter was strictly Anneal's problem. Once, Anneal would have been profoundly uncomfortable at the idea of Feris the cat using him as a sort of warm place to rub, especially considering the size of the warm, hard cock 184

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against his ribs, but now Anneal found himself more ... curious. Shifting, Anneal turned, sliding down so that he was on level with Feris’ back legs, carefully avoiding those huge clawed paws. He simply had to see. Gently, trying not to startle Feris from his dream for obvious reasons, Anneal reached out, touching the large phallus before him. Longer than any he had ever seen, darkly colored, and oddly textured, but the scent was so perfectly Feris that he could not be anything but pleased with it. Feris purred and pushed the hot shaft into his hand. Well, Feris certainly seemed to like it. Determined, Anneal closed his hand about Feris’ cock and stroked, gasping as what felt like tiny spines rubbed against his palm. Feris’ purrs got louder, the pushing becoming more insistent, sliding the prick in his hand. Oh! So responsive to his every touch. So hot. Every movement of his hands caused Feris’ claws to flex, caused a new round of purring, and Anneal could not help but rebuke himself for his own reticence in such matters. He had accepted Feris as his lover. It was high time he accepted all of Feris. For all that Feris distinguished between the man and the cat, they were one and the same. With that in mind, and with curiosity so strong he could not resist, Anneal leaned forward and licked lightly at Feris’ large balls. Feris’ made a sound like a roar, prick jerking. The fur about Feris’ privates was dense and almost white, the balls large. The taste was wilder than Feris the man, 185

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gamey and sharp, but good. Avoiding the barbs, Anneal took the tip of Feris’ cock next, lips and tongue closing about it. Another roar and Feris pushed the large cock into his mouth. Fighting not to gag, Anneal wrapped both hands about Feris’ prick to shorten the thrusts, then began to lick and suck, carefully loosening when Feris pulled back. He knew somehow he should most likely feel this was wrong, but he did not. How could he? This was Feris. The taste was Feris, only more, darker, more rich. Feris’ roars and purrs were coming constantly, the cat humping hard. He wanted to purr himself. So good, being able to give Feris pleasure. So right. His own prick was hard as stone, but he could not free a hand to rub it, nor could he reach Feris to rub against. Anneal moaned around the flesh in his mouth, sucking hard. Feris’ prick got impossibly harder and throbbed, his only warning before his mouth was filled to overflowing with strongly bitter seed. The taste was unexpected but not unpleasant, and Anneal took it into himself, licking Feris clean before rising to cover Feris’ body with his, humping strongly against the big cat's body. Feris was purring again, pushing back against him, helping him along. The feeling in his belly was hot and urgent, the taste of Feris strong in his mouth, and Anneal did not last long. Soon he cried out, he seed spilling from him, wetting Feris’ fur. 186

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Feris curled back, licking his face and then licking the soft fur and his prick clean. Anneal curled close for warmth, letting the drowsy feeling steal over him, letting Feris’ purring lull him. Maybe that's what Feris had dreamed about. Surely it would make his own dreams more pleasant. **** Practically bouncing, Anneal made his way back to the temporary camp he and Feris had made, feeling the pleasure of a good day's trade. He had written three letters and a marriage contract, and his bag bulged with parchment, ink, foodstuffs and a can of black leaves to make tea. Best of all, he had a bag of the lemon sweets that Feris so adored. He could not wait to share them. “Feris? Feris, I have something for you!” Feris bounded into the clearing, the big cat running on all fours, straight for him. He braced himself as Feris leapt up, front paws on his shoulders, tongue scraping across his cheeks. He laughed, arms wrapping about the big body, happily tussling with Feris until they were both on the ground, and he was winded. Feris immediately went for his pack, nose working like crazy, one big paw batting it around. “No! You must ask nicely.” He wrested the pack from beneath that huge paw, holding it to his chest, grinning like mad. Feris stared at him for a moment and then roared loudly, trying to intimidate him. It did not work on him any longer, that roar, for he knew better. He simply laughed, waggling 187

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the pack. Feris walked in a circle, pacing almost, sulking. Finally Feris came near and shook himself, morphing from cat into man. “Are you going to ask nicely, love?” Oh, how he loved to look at Feris, man or cat. He was simply stunning, all golden glory. Another growl and then Feris’ deep, husky voice cut across the air. “Please.” He could not refuse his cat anything. Rummaging in the bag, Anneal pulled out three of the treats, handing two of them over. Oh, the purr he got for that. Feris snatched the sweets from his hand, opening them and popping them into his mouth. Then Feris came and sat next to him, sucking vigorously and smiling, purring. “Thank you.” “You are most welcome. I love to see that smile, hmm?” He opened the third sweet and popped it into his own mouth, savoring the sweet tart flavor. “The men are near,” Feris said. “Tomorrow we leave.” “If you wish.” He trusted Feris’ instincts. If he said it was time to move on, then it was. “I'd go tonight, but you like sleeping in dark.” The golden eyes looked into his. “Soft,” teased his lover. “I do not have your fine eyes or sure feet, that is true.” He carefully set his bag aside before he leapt at Feris, rolling them both. “But there is nothing soft about me right now, and there are better things to do in the dark than sleep.” 188

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Feris growled, shifting into his cat form as they rolled, the move almost an automatic response. As soon as he was on top Feris shifted again, human face grinning down at him. “No, not all soft,” said Feris, rubbing them together. He smiled back, pulling Feris down to share a kiss, tasting lemon over the wild flavor of his lover. Feris’ mouth opened wide to him, thick fingers sliding beneath his layers to find his skin. Much easier for his own hands to find flesh, with Feris’ dislike for clothing. He slid his hands down Feris’ back, cupping his ass, pulling them tight together. Feris growled, the sound caught between wanton and frustrated. “Stupid clothes.” “Here, let me.” Now he was pushing away, pulling at his clothes, soon as nude as Feris was, drawing him close once more. “Better,” muttered Ferris, mouth closing over his with urgency. Much better. He was almost as unused to the formal clothes as Feris, wearing them only when he had to go among people for any length of time. Skin against skin, he and Feris rubbed together, kisses hard and needy passing between them. Feris was all growls and purrs, his lover always letting him know what was good, what was better. Oh, those sounds drove him, hardened him unbearably, made him tilt his head back to bare his throat. The scent of Feris in his passion was hot, musky, arousing beyond belief. Feris made a noise that might have been a whimper and then suddenly he was 189

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holding the great cat, sharp teeth against his throat as Feris’ growls vibrated through them both. It was all he could do not to scream, such sudden transformations as awe inspiring as ever, if more arousing now that frightening. He gave Feris more skin, utterly lost to him. Those teeth were so sharp, but Feris was so gentle, not breaking the skin. Then, just as suddenly, Feris was a man again, licking at his skin. “Love!” He leaned up, bit into the skin of Feris’ shoulder, sharing the sting of teeth with him, reaching for more pleasure, more sensation. Feris roared and moved against him eagerly, rubbing their heat together. Faster, harder, they moved together, and there was no time for oil, or preparation, or one of them inside another. The friction between their bodies was enough, and Anneal could not hold his passion in for long. With a cry on his lips and the sting of Feris’ teeth at his throat, he shuddered and shook, spilling hard. The scent of his come made Feris roar—it always did—and his lover came for him, spreading more heat between them. He relaxed beneath his lover, petting his back gently, mind blank of anything but the pleasure of their touch. Feris brought their mouths together, kissing him gently but thoroughly, tongue sweeping everywhere in his mouth. Then his lover raised his head and looked at him with those almost glowing yellow eyes. “You got anymore lemoncandy?” **** 190

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Feris was driving him utterly mad. The previous week had seen Anneal slip off the side of a hill he was picking fruit on, and slide for a goodly distance, making him stiff and sore. Which meant, in turn that Feris treated him as though he were made of glass. That was all good and well while he was still uncomfortable, but he was quite recovered, and ready for some of Feris’ less gentle touching. Now he just had to convince Feris of the same. Anneal tried the sitting close and brushing bodies subtle route. Feris shifted and curled around him to be used as a pillow for his sore body. Then he tried the scratching of Feris’ back, just above the base of the tail, where it would stimulate the big cat. Feris purred, but then shifted and warned him not to exert himself. Soon he was going to throw Feris down and simply hump him to death. Finally Anneal played the last of his dice. He stood, putting water on to heat, and began stripping off his clothes. Feris raised his head, growling softly, whiskers twitching. Difficult though it was, he ignored Feris entirely, taking up his cloth and scrubbing himself lightly. His nipples hardened unbearably beneath the cloth, his cock rising. Feris growled again and got up, began pacing around him, waiting for the soap to be washed away—the big cat had learned that lesson the hard way. The bath was worth drawing out, because it would give Feris a bit of what he had suffered of late. Anneal washed his belly and thighs, then 191

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stroked the cloth over his shaft and balls, moaning as he did so. He saw the great flanks quiver, Feris’ nostrils flaring. The last straw, he hoped, was what he did next, which was clean off the soap, then moisten the cloth once more and reach behind, cleaning himself thoroughly. Feris roared and pounced, knocking him down, tongue licking aggressively. He laughed, wiggling happily. Thank goodness. He was whole again, and strong, and it was good to feel Feris atop him. Feris growled and kept licking, thoroughly “cleaning” him of the smell of soap. “Feris...” the rough touch of that tongue made him crazed, bringing his need to a fever pitch. “Please.” That rough tongue focused on his shaft, his balls, Feris’ purrs adding another vibrating caress. Oh. Oh yes. But no. He needed. “Feris, no.” Anneal pushed the big head away, rolling up to his knees. “I need you in me.” The big cat growled unhappily, but morphed. Feris looked at him, need in the golden eyes. “No?” “Oh, love. Not no. Just ... what I need is not your mouth.” Feeling like an utter wanton, Anneal took to his hands and knees, legs parting, ass rising. “Please.” Feris moaned, hands sliding over his legs, his backside. “An neal ... I want.” “Yes. Oh, yes.” Shivers worked up Anneal's spine. So many things his Feris made him want. “I am well. There is no need to be gentle, I swear it.” 192

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Feris growled and suddenly his asscheeks were being held apart and Feris was licking him. He all but screamed, every nerve in his body on fire. “Feris!” Feris purred, tongue sliding into him, wetting him. “Oh! Oh.” The sound became long and drawn out, pure pleasure and need. His legs opened wider, his head dipped, resting on his arms, and Anneal gave himself wholly to Feris. His lover. Feris loved him long and well with an agile tongue, making him moan and beg and then beg some more. Finally, when he was dripping with his lover's saliva, Feris shifted, kneeling close behind him. He could feel the blunt heat of Feris’ shaft pressing against his opening. “Yes. Feris, yes.” Desperate, Anneal pushed back, forcing Feris inside, opening easily to the thick heat. So long desired. So needed. Feris moaned and sank deep, hands stroking along his sides. Rocking, moaning, Anneal took Feris in as far as he could, feeling the warm skin of Feris’ hips and pelvis against his buttocks and thighs. Head down, hanging between his shoulders, Anneal panted for it, begged for it, feeling whole. Feris growled and grabbed his hips, starting a fast, hard rhythm. That thick shaft rubbed insistently inside him, setting his nerves ablaze, and Anneal let Feris take him out of himself, losing himself to the force of their thrusts. They moved so hard together that his knees scraped along the floor of the cave. Feris was grunting with effort, moaning and crying out. 193

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So close. So very close was he to the edge of the precipice that Anneal could feel the first twinges of it at the base of his spine. If he could only just ... but he could not get a hand free, or he would fall. “Feris. Please. Touch me.” Feris growled, leaning forward to wrap a hand around his prick. The angle of his lover's thrusts changed, where before Feris had nudged his gland, now the thick shaft inside him nailed it. Anneal simply screamed, head coming up as his back arched, shaking with the force of it as his seed spilled into Feris’ waiting hand. He could no longer feel his arms, and Feris strong hold was the only thing keeping him upright as his lover continued to thrust. Then it was Feris’ turn, his lover roaring and heat filling him deep. Thankfully, Feris caught them as the started to tip, controlling their fall so he gained no more bruises. As it was, they went down together, Feris wrapped about him, surrounding him with the unique scent of his half-cat man. “Mmm. Love.” Soft nibbles were spread out over his shoulders, Feris holding him tight. “Love An neal.” “Yes. Needed you, Feris.” The itch was gone, and he was utterly sated. Feris was an addiction. Feris squeezed him tighter and began to purr. By the looks of things, Feris was convinced he was quite recovered. And as soon as his body was solid again, rather than melted goo, he would have Feris try him again. Just to be sure. 194

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Chapter 23 Stop. Look back. Man far behind. Man go slow. Slower and slower. Man not happy. Man not want to go. Growl. Silly man. Run to man. Rub against legs. Feris morphed, standing close to An neal. “We do not have to go.” It was the same argument every year. “I do.” It was the same answer every year as well. “It makes you sad to go. Makes you hurt.” He stroked his hand over An neal's heart. “I do not like it when you hurt.” “Oh, Feris. I hate that I make you leave our home every year. But I must.” He got a soft kiss to his cheek and a smile. “Besides, it keeps me strong, all of the walking.” Feris snorted. “Himself would run with you to make you strong and I do not care where we live. My home is you.” An neal turned and gave him a true kiss, mouth on mouth, his smile blinding. “I know. I love you.” “Oh. I love you as well, An neal.” He returned the smile and the kiss, body enjoying the touches. He would touch An 195

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neal some more before he had to be only himself. Himself was good but sometimes he liked to be able to feel with skin and to be inside An neal, which himself could not do. “Mmmm.” An neal kissed and touched, making happy sounds, always so happy to be with him and to hold him and pet him. The grasses were tall here, which would make a good bed for them to lie on and he went to his knees, pulling An neal down with him. A surprised laugh came from An neal, but his man did not argue, only put strong arms around him and held tight. He pushed An neal to his back, following, pressing against his man as they kissed. “Feris! Oh, love.” An neal petted his hair and back, legs spreading to cradle him. “Yes, please.” He purred, bending to take An neal's neck into his mouth, only managing to bite a small section, but it was his mark nonetheless. “Oh. Oh!” His man knew what that meant by now, and it made Anneal's hot and hard twitch against him. He purred and then growled, making the mark as dark as he could without being himself. The stupid men of An neal's father's city would know that An neal was his. Every touch of his lips and teeth made An neal moan and rub and beg, their bodies knowing each other so well now that they fit perfectly together. It was only a matter of pulling the right leather tie and An neal's coverings opened to him, letting them rub together belly to belly. 196

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He wanted inside though, needed to fill his man with his seed, as they would not be able to enjoy that pleasure until this stupid task was again over for another year. “Feris. In me? Please?” His man knew him too well, knew what he needed. He spat onto his fingers and pushed two into An neal, making his man open and ready. Crying out, An neal spread wide for him, opening to him easily, body gripping his fingers tight. Oh, such heat and tightness and need. It was good. He purred and pulled his fingers away after only a few strokes. He never has patience when it came to this, the need pushing him. An neal was no better, urging him on with hands and mouth and body, head falling back to expose the dark mark Feris had left on his throat. “Now. Feris. Now.” He roared, pulling away his fingers and pushing him with his hot and hard, filling An neal so full. A long, low moan answered his roar, An neal's legs closing tight around him, his man's hips lifting to pull him in. He thrust, going deeper and deeper each time. Anneal's body was so hot, so tight. So good. Harder and harder he pushed in. An neal gave him everything, nails digging into his back, teeth scoring his shoulder. The sounds and scents mingled, driving him on. He rutted with everything he was, feeling the pleasure like a raging river gathering in his spine.

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“Please. Feris. Yes. Please.” An neal begged him, breath coming short and sharp until An neal yelled, hot seed splashing between their bodies as An neal spent. The tight heat around him grew tighter still and he roared, filling An neal with his seed. He kept thrusting as the last pulses pushed from his hot and hard. “Oh.” Clumsy with the release, An neal petted him, hands thumping against his back. “How I love you.” He purred, resting against An neal and nuzzling. “Feris loves An neal.” “Too well, perhaps, but I will not complain. Some day, Feris, we will never need go back.” He nodded. “And then An neal will be always happy.” “He will. For all he will need is Feris.” An neal smiled at him, the lines on that much loved face fading away for a moment. He purred, settling happily for now. Soon they would walk again, go to the place that made An neal sad, but for right now, An neal was happy. **** The city never changed. The flat plains and streams of people and the imposing gates; they all remained endlessly the same. This was the third, or perhaps fourth year he had returned, and every time it looked the same. ‘Twas the fourth for him. The third for Feris. That was it. Anneal smiled to himself. He had begun to note the passing of 198

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the years as Feris did, by seasons, not a calendar. It was hard, sometimes, to remember. He dropped one hand to Feris’ back, taking comfort in the feeling of warm fur under his fingers. Feris’ head turned back, a soft growl of inquiry coming from the big cat. He smiled. “Nothing, love. ‘Tis simply nerves.” Feris rubbed against him, purring softly, tail thwapping against the backs of his legs. “I know. I know. We do not have to go.” His Feris never truly berated him, always steadfast by his side. He gave one last stroke to the thick, thick fur before walking to the gate and announcing his business. If anything changed at all it was the guards. They were different every year. “Hey! You can't bring that beast in here!” He sighed and Feris growled, and there was an ironic symmetry to it all. “I can, I have and I will. I have business with the merchant Faolin.” “Forget the beast, Ransot—'e's got the mark of the ban on ‘im!” Another sigh, ill concealed. He lost patience with men more and more quickly these days. Feris was right. They were stupid. “I have a special writ. My name is Anneal Vere Faolin. I am here to see my father.” “You ‘ear that, Ransot? ‘e says ‘e ‘as a writ.” “I've got ears, don't I, Wiggin? Of course I heard him. Do you remember any writ?” “There was lots of ‘em.” “We'll have to check with the Gatemaster.” “You'll ‘ave to wait, Lord Special Writ and his beast.” 199

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“Oh, for...” Anneal held Feris down with one hand. “Is Averyan still the Gatemaster?” Surely this needn't be so difficult. By the time these dolts let him in his day would be up. “Aye. That ‘e is.” “He can vouch for me.” Spirits above and below. These two were a commedia. “Well we'll ‘ave to go get ‘im.” “Only one of us can go, Wiggin.” “What?” “Well if we both go, who will guard the gate?” “Aye, you've got a point there.” “So who's it going to be?” “I don't know, Ransot, I wouldn't want to ‘ave to wake ‘im from ‘is nap.” Feris growled, teeth barred. “Perhaps I should send my companion to wake him?” Anneal was relentlessly pleasant, smiling through gritted teeth. A third voice sounded from the gate tower. “What's all this racket then?” Thankfully, it was Averyan. “They will not let me in, sir. Despite my writ. May I pass?” Averyan was not a kind man, but he was a sensible one. Averyan gave him a sneer. “Still keeping company with your own kind, I see.” The man spat, the spittle narrowly missing him. “Let him pass, Ransot. He's to be gone again by sunset tomorrow or we get to round him up and take off his head.” Feris growled again, the sound low and dangerous. 200

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He ignored it, head high as he passed through the curious traders and jeering townsfolk. His mission was no longer seeing his father. That had ceased to be his primary concern the first year Feris had come with him. Now it was about Feris, and getting out of the city as quickly as possible to be with his lover again. They made their way as quickly as possible through the streets, Feris close enough that he was nearly tripping over the great cat with every step he took. The house seemed not so imposing this time, though it had not changed. Every year it got easier, the power of his old shame less. He was loved, valued. It meant less. Only his word kept him returning. He rang the bell, waiting, Feris pressed tightly against him. The door was opened by yet another stranger, who looked upon him with shocked surprise. “Good afternoon. I am here to see my father.” That look was beginning to roll right off him. Anneal was most pleased. “And who is your father?” Now it was his turn to look shocked, surely, for even a new servant should know the story. Anneal faltered, stumbling over his words. “Faolin. Faolin Vere Leyvan.” “Well you're a little late then, aren't you? He's been dead nearly a year.” That drove him backward a step, the breath whooshing out of his lungs at the sharp delivery of the stunning news. “Dead? I. How? My lady mother? Is she?”

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“You will have to go to the Eronet house to inquire. My Lord Lionil now owns this house and he will not take kindly to my conversing with a banned one!” The door closed firmly in his face, and Anneal staggered, leaning against the wall beside the door. His father dead. His family home sold. His mother back at her family's home, from the look of it. Spirits. Feris’ muzzled nudged his hand, his fingers were licked. Those gold eyes gazed up at him. Anneal laughed, the sound as much a release of strong emotion as it was humor. The honorable Anneal of old would have gone to his mother, made sure she was cared for, made sure his father's business interests were continued. Feris’ lover, the Anneal of here and now, was simply elated. “He is dead, Feris. I never need return to this place again. Ever.” Feris purred loudly, rubbing against him. He laughed again, straightening away from the way and walking right back toward the gate with Feris by his side. A free man. Epilogue Anneal woke to the low sound of a cat purring. Obviously he was no longer alone in his cave. He cracked one eye open, and sure enough, a huge cat sat next to him, tail twitching, whiskers almost touching his nose. Anneal smiled, remembering the first time he had awakened in this very cave with this very cat staring at him. He had been terrified. Now he was simply warm and happy and pleased. 202

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“Good day to you, my Feris. Why are you not sleeping with me this fine morning?” Feris purred and licked his face and then slowly shifted, muzzle becoming mouth pressed against his lips. “Himself caught the scent of an interloper.” “Really? Did himself chase the foolish one away?” Looping one arm about Feris’ neck, Anneal took a kiss, licking at Feris’ lips. “Of course. And our territory was marked again.” Feris pressed close, warm hands holding onto his hips. “Good. You protect us well, my Feris.” He gave Feris more kisses in return, only belatedly noticing that Feris hair and back were wet. “Is it raining?” Feris purred, distracted by his kisses. “What? Raining, yes. Spring is early.” Spring. For the first time the idea of spring did not make his belly clench. Instead it made joy well up in his chest. Anneal rolled, taking Feris beneath him, and laughed down into golden eyes. “And what shall we do this spring, Feris?” “Rut?” Feris winked up at him, hands holding onto his ass. That made him chuckle, and dip for another kiss. “Oh, yes. I think there should be much rutting. And perhaps we could go north a ways, explore parts of our territory I have not seen?” Feris nodded. “Himself has not done more than mark the northlands in too many years. Our presence there would be good.”

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The freedom to choose was an astounding thing, making the weight of years of responsibility and pain slide away. “As long as I am with you, I am content. I love you, Feris.” Feris purred and pushed him, rolling them over so that he lay beneath the weight of his lover's body. “Love you. Feris loves An neal.” Feris bent, mouth open around his neck. He moaned, letting Feris mark him, claim him, his lover's mark stronger than the marks on his cheeks could ever be again. Feris purred, scenting him, rubbing eagerly against him. He rubbed right back, almost giddy from the knowledge that he would never need leave Feris again, or pull Feris away from the land that was his. It was amazing. “You are happy, An neal? Truly happy?” “More than I have ever been, Feris.” There. Let Feris scent the truth of that for himself. Feris growled softly and bent, kissing him wildly. Oh. The hunger Feris showed him never failed to both humble and inflame. Anneal wrapped arms and legs around his lover and held on, kissing. “I would have you inside me,” rumbled Feris, hair around them like a golden curtain. “Will you ride me, Feris? I would see you.” He loved to see Feris above him, taking him as much as he was being taken. Feris growled softly. “Yes, An neal. I will ride you, see your eyes.” He moaned, head falling back to let Feris at his throat again. There were no clothes to pull away, as Feris was very 204

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good at convincing him to sleep nude. All there was to it was to find the oil to prepare his lover for his shaft. Feris took his neck again and then grabbed his hand, bringing it up and sucking his fingers into Feris’ hot mouth. That would work as well. When his fingers were thoroughly wet, Anneal pulled them away, reaching behind Feris to push between Feris buttocks, finding that tight, hot space. Feris went to his knees, eyes half closed as he pushed his fingers in, rumbles filling their cave. “You are beautiful, my Feris. So good.” Still so tight, his Feris, so hot inside. He prepared Feris quickly, unable to wait. “I want you,” Feris murmured, hand reaching back to grab his shaft, to guide it to Feris’ entrance. “Yes. Now.” He let Feris take him in, the scrape and drag making him crazed, hips arching up to aid the joining. Feris roared, throwing his head back as he was fully seated inside the hot, tight passage. “Oh.” So hot and good. Anneal thrust up, his shaft throbbing, the sight of Feris above him unbearably exciting. It never ceased to amaze him, that sight. Feris began to move, rising and lowering, riding him. The golden body danced on his prick, writhed on it. He touched, hands moving from Feris’ thick, heavy hair to his back and hips, grasping Feris’ buttocks and pulling hard. So strong and wild, the scent of them, the feel of them together. Feris roared again, hands landing on his chest, body moving quickly. Feris’ musk grew stronger, the cock that slapped against his belly leaving a wet trail. He reached for that thick shaft, knowing how Feris loved to be touched, how 205

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his love never seemed to become used to it. Closing his fingers about it made them both moan, and Anneal pulled at it, loving on Feris any way he could. Feris roared again, movements becoming faster, jerky. Feris’ body grew tight around him, clenching as heat sprayed over his hand onto his chest. Moaning, Anneal pushed up as Feris pulled tight around him, his own shaft throbbing as he spent hard, head spinning. Feris was purring, dropping down against him and nuzzling. “Mmmm. Love you, Feris.” He stroked Feris’ back, feeling the giddy happiness return. “Yes. Yes, An neal. Love. Is good.” Feris licked at his lips and his nipples and then his lover shifted, becoming fur and muscles, purrs vibrating against him. His amazing Feris. His cat. Never would he have thought, when he first woke from his desperate refuge in a mountain cave to a growling cat, that he would be where he was today. And be so content to be there. Anneal touched the scars on his cheeks with the hand that was not buried in Feris’ fur. He was an outcast from the society that raised him. But with Feris, he had found a home that he was proud of, one he never need leave again. Feris’ purrs filled the cave with warmth, filled his life with warmth. He could not ask for anything more. end

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The Beast Within Chapter 1 Rex's legs were starting to throb enough that he knew he was going to have to stop in Edgetown for at least a few days. He'd been on the road since he left Centreville four days ago, the motorcycle a constant vibration between his legs, the ache in his side slowly fading. He would stop long enough to change the dressing on his wound—it was healing nicely—and to feed, otherwise he just kept moving. He wasn't running away from Diego and the Pride. No, not him. He was running toward new opportunities. Striking out on his own. The fact that his decision to do so coincided with Lupa's information that Diego was about to terminate his chances at Pride Alpha on a permanent basis merely proved good timing on his part. He rode through the streets of Edgetown, keeping beneath the speed limit. He didn't realize he'd been deliberately seeking out more of his kind until he found himself parked in an alley behind a bar called the Treehouse. Real smart, escaping one fight just to find another. It was what he did though. He got off his bike, kicking the stand down. He took off his helmet and gloves, on the alert. The night was warm, the alley fairly dark and the air smelled less like city than Centreville had. There was a hint of 207

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forest and water that made him want to relax. He couldn't though, because there was another of his kind nearby. A male. He could feel it. It didn't take long at all before the back door of the bar opened, a lean, older male sauntering out, dark hair hiding his eyes. “Yes?” Every muscle in his body tensed, his aches and pains forgotten as he took a few steps forward. “You in charge?” “I am.” The voice was rich, powerful, unafraid. Dressed in rich leather pants, skin-tight shirt and a wide collar with a single claw dangling from it, the Alpha looked sexual, sensual. Not a fighter. He growled, low in his throat, quickly weighing his options. Diego would be ready for an attack at any time, but this one was no Diego. Without warning he sprang, leaping at the Alpha. The Alpha ducked, slamming into him with one sharp shoulder, sending him stumbling into a wall. He turned and reached out with one arm, swiping as got his bearings. A sharp snarl sounded, teeth sinking into his shoulder, the Alpha pushing close, refusing to let him gain footing. He flailed, striking out with both hands, claws of one hand raking across the alpha's back, the other hand ineffectual against the leather pants. Another furious growl and his head snapped back, slamming into the brick. He kept consciousness, but the alpha rolled him, exposing his throat and belly. “Submit.” He growled, body tense. He might have pushed it, might have risked the hit, but he could feel the wound in his side 208

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oozing blood, could taste copper from his nose and lips in his mouth. With another growl, he relaxed his body, letting his head fall back, his hands going lax at his sides. The alpha scented him, growling low, before a hard, sharp bite marked him, claimed him. He jerked in surprise. “You marked me!” “As is my right as alpha of the Pride.” Glowing eyes flashed at him, strong, feral. “You're hurt. Come into the back and rest.” He was confused. As an interloper, he wasn't due the respect of being marked, taken in. Hell, Diego had never even marked him, never found him worthy enough to be taken into the Pride proper. “You aren't going to kill me? Or force me out?” “Will you harm the Pride?” He shook his head, harming the Pride would be stupid, only taking on the Alpha would get him anywhere. “Then we could use another male to protect the litters. You smell like Centerville Pride.” The Alpha's nose wrinkled in distaste. “Diego and I are ... well-acquainted. Come inside and rest. I have customers.” “I was never in the Pride,” he noted, following the Alpha. “Diego won't let anyone who's a potential challenger close.” His side was aching again, the wound opened up for sure— Diego didn't fight fair either. Not that he would have necessarily beaten the old man this time, but he hadn't stood a chance against four. “Diego is weak and protects himself above the Pride. I do not.” He was led to a small room with a well-clawed leather 209

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couch. “Rest. I'll be an hour and then I'll see to you. Name's Lee.” “Rex. Thank you.” He sank down into the couch, hurting enough he didn't care of Lee saw how weak he really was. Man had bested him fair and square anyway. He'd already submitted. “Rest. You're safe here.” The voice was low, rumbling, comforting. He nodded; he knew. He could feel it in his bones. His eyes closed, his wounds, the fight, and four days without any sleep catching up with him. The last thing he heard was the quiet sound of the door closing behind Lee. **** He locked the front door and turned off the lights, moving through the bar with ease. He started cleaning, wiping down tables and sweeping the floor. He didn't jump with the cell phone vibrated in his pocket, just answered it with a growl. “Yes?” “Did he come?” The whisper was low, desperate, familiar. “Yes, Lupa.” “Did he attack?” Lee growled. “Of course. And he submitted. He's sleeping now. I'm about to take him home.” His sister whimpered softly. “Home. Lee. Thank you.” “You could come home, Lupa. We have four males now. We would protect you.” His shoulders bunched, voice going rough. “I would protect you.” 210

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“No, Lee. I belong here, with him. I ... I couldn't let Diego kill Rex.” His little sister sighed, whimpering softly. Lee could see her in his mind's eyes. “I knew he would find you.” “He did, and now I need to care for him, introduce him to the Pride.” He had given his sister a promise, if the kit submitted, he would mark Rex, draw the kit into the Pride. “Yes. Bright blessings, brother-mine. I am in your debt.” Before he could answer, the phone went dead. Lee finished closing the bar, then went to see to the kit, resting in the back. The kit jerked as he came in, jumping up, eyes wild, teeth bared. Obviously expecting a fight. He rumbled softly, meeting the panic head-on, moving into the room with complete confidence. “Let me see your wounds.” Rex relaxed slowly, awareness coming into his eyes, the fight going out of him. The kit nodded and took off the leather jacket. The white t-shirt beneath was stained red along one side. He growled, nostrils flaring, the scent of blood strong, rich. Lee waited until the t-shirt was removed and then moved in, licking the wound, cleaning it, lending his health to his Pride. The flavor of Rex called to the Beast, and his purrs and rumbles soothed the kit. His Pride. The Beast slammed to the forefront, scenting the Other Pride on what was his. Lee rubbed and licked, marked and scented until the kit smelled like home, like Pride, like his. The kit was trembling hard by the time he'd done, whimpering softly. Purring, he rubbed his cheeks against the kit's, nuzzling, soothing. “Safe. Home.” 211

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Tentatively Rex rubbed back. “I've never been safe before.” He kept purring, encouraging the touches, the bonding. “You are Pride, now.” Rex growled, pride in the sound. The kit licked at his cheek, tasting home. He licked back, nuzzling the soft skin behind Rex's ear, chuffing in approval at the good scent, the Pride scent. “Are you hungry?” Rex whimpered. “Starving,” the kit admitted, letting him see all the weaknesses. “Steak, then. We'll eat together, talk, and then go home and meet the others.” He backed away, growling as he yawned. “Long day.” The kit's stomach rumbled loudly. “You have no idea.” He nodded and dug out a shirt from the tiny closet where he kept spares. The Beast was miserable on the wardrobe. “Here. The cafe down the street is open all night. T-Bones and eggs. They're used to my hunger.” Good thing too, when the females were heavy with kits, before they were so far the Beast took them, they could eat. The kit put on the t-shirt and covered up with his leather jacket again. “I don't have any money.” Lee nodded. “This building is ours, plus a butcher's and a small animal hospital. We care for our own.” He shrugged on a jacket. “Do you want to roll your motorcycle in so it's safe?” “Yes, please.” The kit followed him back out into the alley, sticking close. He let the kit touch him as much as possible. They needed it, both of them—him to learn the kit's scent, 212

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Rex to gain comfort, familiarity. They locked the bike away and then headed down the road, towards the lights of the cafe. Rex's stomach growled again and the kit gave him a sheepish smile. “You said steak, woke the beast up.” Lee's laughter chuffed out of him, and he nodded. “It is a hard thing, hunger. How long has it been since you had meat?” “I've been making do with rats for months now,” the kit admitted. “Oh...” He growled, head rubbing against Rex instinctively. “No more.” Damn Diego and his fucking greedy fear. May his fur fall out in clumps. Rex pushed into him, rubbing their cheeks together, hand clutching at his arm. Rumbling, he accepted the touches, accepting Rex as Pride. “No more. You are home.” “Home.” The kit shook his head. “It seems unreal.” Someone came out of the cafe as they got to the door, the kit tensing immediately. “Safe. You are mine now. None of ours will challenge that.” Lee touched the dark mark on Rex's throat and then muscled the kit into the door, taking a booth in the far back. Rex's nostrils were flaring, hands curled into fists. “I can smell it.” “Relax, kit. No fangs.” He growled softly. “Here comes the waitress. Hey, Bonnie. Steak and eggs, coffee, milk. For both of us.” Poor kit, so hungry, so alone. Rex gave him a hungry look. “Two steaks?” He nodded. “Double up on one plate. Rare.” 213

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“Thank you,” muttered Rex, eyes glowing, breath coming quickly. He purred, scooted forward enough that their legs touched under the table. “After this we'll go home, find you a spot to curl in.” “I could sleep. After eating. If I were safe.” There was such a yearning in those words. “The Pride has a house. We have six females and four males, now. There are five kittens.” He held Rex's eyes. “You will be safe there. You are mine.” The kit growled, bristling a little at his words. Then the glowing eyes lowered, Rex just barely nodding. “Such anger. Is it so hard? To admit that you belong with the Pride now?” His voice was a snarl, rumbling and frustrated. “I am not Diego. I do not look to surround the kittens with weaklings and toadies. We are strong, brave. Clever. We are a true Pride.” “Am I to take your word for it?” growled Rex. “No. But until you are strong enough to challenge me, kit? You will accept what I say until you have reason not to.” His body rippled under the jacket, shoulders hunching. Rex's eyes lowered again. “Yes, Lee.” He huffed, shaking off the frustration, the anger. The kit had been ill-treated, ill-raised. The milk and coffee came first, the strong scents relaxing him, soothing him. The kit grabbed his glass of milk and drank it down in one shot, throat working hard, his mark fresh and dark on the pale neck. When the glass was empty, Lee pushed his own glass across the table. The dark green eyes flashed up at him 214

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and then the kit took the glass, downing it just as quickly. “Thank you.” He nodded and gave the kit a smile, making sure to order two more glasses when the waitress brought their food. Rex gave him a smile in return, small and shy, but honest. The kit picked up his knife and fork, eyes on him, waiting for permission, practically drooling. He took his bite first, as was his due, giving the kit space to eat, not pressuring or watching. The hunger would drive them insane, would drive the Beast to acts of madness, ached deep within. The kit had both steaks gone before he'd finished his own, eggs going down quickly after. The glass of milk went down slower this time, the kit breathing in between mouthfuls. He finished his own meal in short order, wanting to get the kit up and moving before the need to sleep deep and long took over, wanting to get the kit safe inside. “You ready to go home?” Rex nodded, eyes already heavy lidded, the kit fighting sleep with everything he had left, which couldn't be that much. Lee threw money on the table and stood, helping the kit up. “Come on. It's three blocks. I walked.” They stumbled out of the restaurant and down the street towards the red brick building they called home. It looked normal, but he could feel the kit tensing as the Pride's scent grew strong. He stopped and scented the kit again, rumbling. “See? Home. Come home.” Rex nodded, nuzzling against him. 215

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He opened the door, the male there rumbling curiously at the kit's presence. He growled, bared his teeth in a show of dominance and drew the kit upstairs. He would explain tomorrow. Late tomorrow. His place was soft with cushions, quickly warmed in the morning sun. He started stripping the kit with easy motions, his own clothes following behind. Sleep. Time to sleep. As soon as Rex was naked the man became cat, powerful, ropey muscles covered in dark fur. The dark green eyes blinked at him and the kit curled up among his cushions. He yawned, morphing as he did and leaping up next to the kit. Settling, he groomed the newcomer, erasing the scents of the others, licking until the kit purred, falling asleep. Then, once the Pride was whole and home, Lee slept.

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Chapter 2 Rex dreamed of lying in a nest of pillows in the sunshine, wrapped within a warm embrace, the smell of the Pride all around him. He dreamed and he dreamed and he dreamed and he didn't want to ever wake up. Except. Well, when was the last time he had dreamed for so long? When was the last time he had dreamed at all, sleep so broken by fear and fighting? He opened his eyes, growling and leaping up and back as he realized it had been no dream. There were pillows and dying sunshine and a Pride and he was in the middle of it. His fur stood up on end and he growled, baring his teeth. Green eyes opened, fastened onto him, unafraid. A kit mewled softly from beside him, a female drawing close to tempt it away. The Alpha purred, called for him. Called him Pride. It came back to him in a flood, triggered by the bright green eyes. The coming to Edgetown, the fight, the marking— he could feel the bruise throbbing with his heartbeat. He stopped growling, went to the Alpha, rubbed against the Alpha's hind legs. Strong and feral, the Alpha's scent filled his nose. Then the big male turned and nudged him down upon the cushions and began licking, grooming. Soon, the Pride came crawling up, smelling and nuzzling, licking and welcoming him. Making him theirs. He was soon purring, boneless, stretched out beneath their tongues. He could remember ... a long long time ago, 217

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belonging somewhere, grooming with another, perhaps his dame or a sibling, but this ... this was sheer bliss. The big male was watching, tail sliding over the cushions for the two smallest kits to chase, tumbling one over the other. Fat and safe and happy. Loved. Pride. This was how it should have been in Centreville, but wasn't. He began to lick back, bringing their scent and taste into himself—so that he would know who belonged. Four females and one adolescent male purred for him, the three older kittens unafraid, trusting in their Alpha's scent. Even the oldest kit, almost old enough for her first change, a trying, terrifying time, shared her scent with him. After a time he returned to the Alpha, lying on his back in front of the big cat. He would not taste without permission—the Alpha had proven himself stronger. The big male purred, rubbing a soft cheek against his belly, licking the mark hidden beneath his fur, warm and welcoming. He licked back, learning the scent, the taste of Strength and Pride. The Alpha relaxed, loose-limbed and easy. Sure of his place. At length he morphed, lying among the cats, the pillows soft against his skin. The Alpha female morphed, settling beside him. She was pale, blond, her Beast spotted and golden. “I am Jenna. Welcome.” “Rex. Thank you. It is a good Pride.” “Yes. Leah, Chris and Joseph are at work, but you've met the rest of us.” She purred softly, chuckling as the two mid218

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sized kits crawled into her arms. “These are my children— Anna and Micah. Triny and the wee ones were born to Katrina.” He smiled and scratched behind their ears, feeling more at home now that they'd all scented each other. “The kitchen is downstairs. Please keep the gate closed for the little ones. Lee will give you your space,” She chuckled, teeth flashing. “Not that it matters. We all sprawl, yes, nosso leopardo?” The Alpha rumbled softly, still sleek and black and regal. His stomach rumbled at the mention of a kitchen. Only with them one night and already he was spoiled—he usually went several days between feedings. “I will show you the way, if you have need.” A small male untwined himself from the other female—Katrina—and padded over. “I am Samuel, mate of Katrina.” To Rex's surprise, the male did not attempt to claim dominance over him, meeting him as an equal in the pack. “The Alpha does not sire all the kits?” One surprise on top of another. Jenna shook her head. “Each female's first time is shared with her mate and the Alpha, to bring the Pride strength, but Lee is...” Samuel chuckled. “Queer as a three-dollar bill?” The Alpha snarled and pounced, knocking Samuel to the ground, the adults laughing. He growled, backing off a bit, his Beast ready to take over and pounce. They rolled together, wrestling playfully, before the Alpha leapt toward the window 219

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box, cleaning himself. Samuel stood, dark hair flying everywhere. “Right. Kitchen?” Eyes wide he looked from the Alpha to Samuel and back again. Diego would have killed Samuel for that. Jenna rumbled softly. “Are you okay? They are family, Pride. Samuel owes Lee his allegiance. They were playing.” “Where I come from such playing would see one of them badly injured.” “Where you come from, the Pride is ruled by fear.” Lee leapt down, naked and proud, dark hair sleek. He greeted Samuel with a hug, nuzzling the mane of hair. “Samuel is my kin, my friend, my Pride.” A yearning went through him. He had no kin. Diego didn't run things that way. Jenna purred, nudging his hand, and Lee stalked towards him, licking the black mark on his throat. “My kin. My Pride.” He whimpered, torn between the wanting and his own knee-jerk instincts. Finally he let his head drop back, trusting. Warmth and skin surrounded him, scented him. Claimed him. He whimpered again, feeling home and Pride for the first time. “Mine.” The rumble was low, sweet, vibrating through him. A tremor went through him. “Yours,” he whispered. The sound that brushed his skin was triumphant, beautiful. Happy. He wrapped one hand around Lee's back, touching the warm skin of the Alpha male. His throat was caressed, Lee moving closer, body hot and hard, naked against him. He gasped, another tremor going through him as his body responded to Lee's. A soft, questioning purr sounded, even as 220

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the press of the Pride faded away, offering them privacy. He took a step back, eyes wide, body trembling, needy and scared. The Alpha followed, stroking his belly, petting him. “No one will hurt you. You are home.” He pushed instinctively into the touches, whimpering. He'd never ... no one had ever caressed ... not another male and Diego didn't allow anyone else to mate with the females. Lee purred, tongue soft upon his throat, hands sliding over his skin. He trembled harder, breath growing short, sharp. Waiting for the sharp bite, the pounce, the swipe. The Alpha rubbed their cheeks together, scenting him. “Home. You are Pride. Safe. Mine.” The words were low rumbles, ringing in the air. He closed his eyes, forced himself to believe, to trust. Lee had not harmed him yet, beyond the fight to prove dominance. He wanted to be home, wanted to be safe. He took deep breaths, pressing close to the Alpha's warmth. Lee held him, purring low, drawing him into the cushions. The Alpha took on the Beast, slowly licking him, grooming him, constantly touching him. There was no pain, no fight; it wasn't a trick. He slowly relaxed, released his hold on his form, letting the Beast take him and press him into the Alpha with soft purrs. He was explored, laved. Touched and nuzzled and loved. Accepted without hesitation. It was so strange, but good. Overwhelming. He sighed softly, purrs growing volume in his throat as he felt sleep take him. **** 221

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“Is he broken?” The words startled him and Lee looked up into Jenna's golden eyes, shaking his head. “No. No. Hurt. Hurt deep, but so strong.” The kit was sleeping, purring for him, nestled in his arms. He would kill Diego, if he could. Kill the bastard for Lupa and Rex and all the others, wet his muzzle with the traitor's blood. “Will he stay?” Jenna crawled up, stroking the kit gently. Lee fought the urge to snap, to snarl. His. His Pridemate. His. Lee nodded, struggling with the Beast. “He will stay.” The man may not want to, but the Beast was one of them now. Pride. The Beast would stay. Rex whimpered at Jenna's touch, pushing into him. “Shh...” He rocked, purring low, hands running over the fine skin. Jenna's eyes flashed and her nostrils flared. “Mates? I smell ... Mates. Already. How?” Lee shrugged. “Perhaps Lupa sensed it. He is mine, Jenna. Let the others know. He wears my mark.” “Yours,” muttered the kit, pushing closer still, rubbing soft cheeks against him. He nodded, petting. “Mine.” Jenna smiled, pleasure and excitement lighting her eyes. “I will let the others know.” She leaned forward, nuzzling him. “Congratulations, nosso leopardo.” The kit growled, still mostly asleep. He licked her jaw. “Thank you, nossa rainha.” Growling again, the kit's eyes blinked open. 222

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Lee purred, hands sliding over the soft skin, Jenna forgotten as he watched his Mate. “Hey. Hungry? You never did see the kitchen.” Rex stretched, body sliding along his until the kit suddenly shook himself and put a little space between them. “Hungry. Yes.” He nodded, stretching himself out tall. “Food, then. And finding you a place to keep your things out of the kits’ claws.” He found a pair of jeans and tugged them on, Jenna bringing a brush over, grooming his hair with gentle strokes. “I don't have much more than the clothes I came in,” Rex admitted, eyes watching Jenna closely. “We won't let you freeze, Rex.” Lee let his eyes trail over the kit, enjoying the heat in those dark eyes. So, this was what mating felt like. “You are welcome to my shirts and Joseph will have some old jeans that will fit.” “With each hour I spend with the Pride, I owe you more.” He frowned. “We are Pride. There is nothing to owe.” The kit ducked his head. “It still feels strange. To belong.” “Yes. You will become used to it, to being home.” Jenna giggled, the sound happy, familiar. “To watching the kits and running patrols and sleeping in a huge pile.” The kit nodded. “Is that what you want from me then, to look after the kits and patrol?” “If it's needed.” He shrugged. “We all take turns, depending on our work schedules, our plans. Leah doesn't patrol—she's our doctor and we can't risk her. The kittens are scared of Chris, so he doesn't ever watch them.” 223

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“You've got a doc?” The kid sounded surprised again. He had a lot to learn and the first thing needed to be that this wasn't Diego's Pride and things were run differently here. “We do. This is a family, a Pride. We can't go to the ER and expect to get treated. Leah takes care of that.” Lee grinned, shook his head. “Downstairs there's a kitchen and a rec. room with cable. There's two baths on each floor. We have lives, Rex.” “Sounds really nice.” Jenna put the brush away, nodding. “My kits will thrive here, be happy, healthy. Loved. Diego will not offer that.” “Diego doesn't offer much,” growled Rex. “No, he doesn't.” He met those dark green eyes, possessive need rising within him. “I do. You wear my mark. You are my Pride. He cannot have you back.” Rex's nostrils flared, eyes wide. “I have no interest in going back to Centreville.” “Good. I have no interest in losing you.” Might as well make that crystal clear. A low growl sounded. “That's up to me.” “Are you challenging me, kit?” Jenna backed out of the room, closing the big doors behind her. At this rate they were never going to get to the kitchen. “Not as Alpha of the Pride, no.” Rex tossed his head. “That doesn't mean I won't leave if I want to.” “Where do you have to go?” Poor kit, so busy fighting that he couldn't accept where he was.

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“I ... well you never know.” The kit snapped, eyes flashing, the show of strength not enough to cover the scent of confusion, fear. “I do know.” He took a step closer, making a show of scenting the air. “You smell like mine. Any other would know it.” The kit took a couple of steps back, nostrils flaring again. “I've only been here one night.” “And you're terrified of waking up and finding out it's not real.” The words tasted like truth on his tongue. The kit snarled at him. “I'm not afraid of anything.” “Liar. I can smell it on you.” His shoulders were tense, body hard and chafing in the clothes. The kit tensed and pounced, growling and snarling at him. He took the kit down easily. This was his place, his lair and the kit was wounded. He didn't hurt Rex, didn't open the quickly fading slashes. Just brought him down and held him there. The kit fought, kicking and clawing, but Rex couldn't get enough purchase to cause any real damage and eventually just tired himself out. Panting, Rex lay beneath him, head going slowly back. Lee touched his mouth to the dark mark, lips and tongue gentle. Maybe this would make it easier, maybe the fights eased the kit's pride. There was a soft whimper and he could smell the kit's arousal and confusion. “You are Pride, Rex. My kin. My own.” He nuzzled, lapped the dark mark again and again. “We want you here. I want you here.” 225

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The kit was trembling again, body trying to shift beneath him. “Why?” “I know your scent, the taste of your blood. You are strong, hungry.” Lee purred, stroked the kit's belly. “We will be Pridemates. I can feel it.” The kit's eyes widened, Rex shaking his head even as his body pushed into the touches, shaft firm, the scent of arousal and need growing stronger. He let his hand trail down, cup the kit's need, giving Rex something to push against. The kit's eyes got wider, shock warring with hunger. In the end wanting won out, Rex humping up against his hand, breath coming short and fast. Lee purred, eyes glowing, nuzzling and licking, so sweet. So fine. He let his own arousal, his need out, not pushing it on the kit, just letting it show. Rex whimpered, body moving harder, faster, eyes wild. “It's okay, you're okay.” He took a soft kiss, tasting the sweet mouth, purr increasing. “Just feel.” The kit gasped, lips following his. He kissed Rex again, tongue sliding deep. His. Oh, his Mate. His own. Rex cried out into his mouth, heat spilling over his hand. Breathing deep, he almost shuddered with arousal. The scent was rich, male, enough to make him take another kiss, entire body vibrating. Rex was shuddering, whimpering, eyes still wide. “Shh ... easy, Mate. It's okay. You're okay.” He brought his come-slick hand up, licking it clean. Oh. Good. Yes. Rex's eyes watched him, watched as his hand and tongue. “Mate?” 226

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“Mate.” He nodded, rubbing their cheeks together. “Can you not smell it?” Rex took a deep breath. “All I can smell is you and me.” “Yes.” He lifted his wrist to his mouth, biting deep enough to bleed, and offered it to his Mate. “You and me.” Rex whimpered and for a moment he thought the kit was going to refuse and then Rex latched onto his wrist, sucking hard. He arched, seed pulsing from him, staining his jeans as he roared. Rex let his hand go, lay back with his neck stretched out. His. He stretched over his Mate, licking from belly to jaw. Mine. Rex shuddered and then lay still, purring softly. Lee closed his eyes, that sound filling him. His own purr answered, lower, louder, singing of his pleasure, his warmth, his joy. Rex shifted slowly, warm skin giving way to soft, dark fur, the kit curling into him. He held his Mate, petting slowly, exploring the strong muscles. Lee eventually wriggled out of his jeans, letting the Beast free to love and groom his mate. Rex returned the touches, tentatively at first, but with growing confidence as his touches were accepted, encouraged. Groaning, he stretched, moving into each touch. Bliss. Sheer bliss. Eventually the touches stopped, the kit's purrs softening as his Mate fell into sleep. He considered going to tell Jenna all was well, but decided to snuggle a while, enjoy the sunbeams, enjoy his Mate. His Mate. He purred. His. **** 227

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Rex woke up warm and comfortable for the second time. He was curled up, Lee wrapped around him. Lee. His ... Pridemate. He pulled away, rolling. He knew what mates meant. One bright green eye opened, then dropped closed again, Lee stretching lazily. He slunk away, changing as he found his bike leathers. He slipped the clothes on, feeling less vulnerable in them, and headed toward where he thought the kitchen was. The oldest kitten met him at the bottom of the stairs, vocalizing softly. Her fur was golden and spotted, eyes brown—strong and well-fed. He scratched her behind the ears, but continued to look for the kitchen on his own. He wasn't sure if he wanted to think or wanted to not think. He wandered through the house, the place clean, warm, well-lived-in. The rec. room had an old pool table and a battered pinball machine, the overstuffed couches surrounded a big-assed TV. The door to the kitchen was wide open. Katrina was stirring spaghetti sauce in a huge pot, heavy on the meatballs. “Hello. There's soda in the fridge, milk too. Just help yourself.” “Thanks.” He opened the fridge and pulled out milk, drinking the entire thing straight from the carton. God, milk. Two days in a row. He could get used to that. “Is this meat for something in particular?” he asked, pointing to the large hank of beef. 228

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“For eating. There's always meat, but you finish the milk, you put it on the list.” She smiled, black braids swinging. She pointed to the paper on the fridge, skin rich and dark against the tan. “That way whoever goes shopping replaces it.” “Yes, ma'am.” He returned her smile and carefully wrote ‘lots and lots of milk’ on the list. Then he took out the meat and considered cutting a piece of it. His stomach growled loudly though, reminding him that he was very hungry. His last meal had been ... well he wasn't sure how long ago, but he had a hunch he'd been sleeping the better part of a day and his last meal before the one Lee had fed him ... well rats didn't keep a Beast alive for long. He unwrapped the meat and found a quiet corner, stripping and changing into the Beast to devour it. One of Katrina's tiny kits crawled in, belly low to the floor, asking politely for a bite, completely unafraid, sure. Katrina watched, vibrating with worry. He growled, his initial instinct to grab the meat and run. Instead he tore off a piece and tossed it in the little kit's direction. The wee one chirped happily and grabbed the meat, curling around his mother's feet and eating. Katrina nodded, body relaxing. He backed further into his corner, growling softly. He didn't really want to share, his belly was too empty, his nerves too close to the surface. He ate quickly. The Alpha padded in before he finished, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, greeting Katrina with a nuzzle before grabbing a soda. “Meatball sandwiches?” Katrina nodded. “Yes. With cheese.” 229

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His nostrils flared, body tightening at the scent of his Mate. There was that word again, the feeling of possession that went with it. He knew what mates did. Knew what Lee would be wanting from him. The question was—would the food and shelter and family be worth it? He thought maybe if things were even only almost as good as they appeared to be, then yes, they were worth it. He remembered what happened just before he'd fallen asleep. Maybe even Lee himself was worth it. Green eyes flashed at him, Lee giving him a nod. The little kit twined around Lee's ankles, purring and begging attention. When those eyes looked down and Lee rumbled, the kit rolled over, offering his belly. Lee bent and stroked the black belly, then herded the kit out of the kitchen. He finished the meat and groomed himself, purring at the sensation of a full belly, at being able to take the time to clean after eating instead of having to move on. A strange pair walked in, the female pale and small for one of them, the male huge and scarred, one eye missing. The male smelled strongly of blood and was carrying a huge package of meat. The Alpha greeted them both, murmuring gently to them. He let go of the Beast and dressed quickly back up in his leathers, tying the laces with double knots and zipping up the jacket. He stayed where he was, feeling the safety of the walls at his back. The new male nodded at him first, speaking slowly and carefully, as if it were an unnatural act. “Welcome. I am Chris.” 230

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“Rex.” He nodded back, waiting for the new male to assert himself. Chris scented, eyes looking him over, then looked at Lee. “Yours. Does Joseph know?” Lee shook his head. “Not yet.” He growled. “Who's Joseph?” He might not have asked for it, but the truth was there, in his instincts, in his reactions—he and Lee were mates. “My lieutenant.” Lee met his eyes, square. “He has no mate.” “What does that mean?” he asked, moving as casually as he could, going to stand by Lee. Lee was his. Even if that meant getting fucked. And he would fight every last one of the Pride if he had to. “It means he'll challenge you for dominance. He is a good man, but strong, sure.” Lee's voice was flat. “He wishes to be Alpha, when I die.” Leah and Katrina growled together, heads shaking. “He'll have to get through me first,” he snarled. He put himself in front of Lee and growled at them all. “He's mine. Lee is mine.” Lee's purr was proud, rich. “This is my Mate. My heartbeat. My own.” If he hadn't been wearing his leathers he would have shifted back to the Beast and bared his teeth. Instead he stood tall and growled low. The pack backed away, submissive, purring, accepting them without question. Jenna entered the room, meeting them both head-on, growling softly. The Alpha female's eyes 231

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flashed, snarling low. “Do not challenge me. I will have your throat.” Another growl sounded, this one new, dark. “Not if I take it first, Jenna.” This he was used to. He shook out his arms and squared his shoulders, letting his growls become deeper, eyes watching them both. His focus narrowed, his hurts and worries disappearing as he watched the Alpha female and the newcomer, ready to spring. Lee snarled, voice low. “Stop. You both know the rules. Upstairs, on the roof. Jenna, you are Alpha, Rex is Mate.” The new male gasped. “Mate? Lee?” Lee went still, the scent of worry and pain sudden and sharp on the air. “Yes, Joseph. The Moon has chosen. He is mine.” Lee nodded, settled behind him. Oh, it felt good, to have someone standing behind him, with him. Someone solid, someone he knew wouldn't back down. He growled, eyes on this Joseph. Joseph was taller, but thinner, eyes golden. “I am Joseph. We do not have to fight. Submit.” “I only submit to Lee.” “I will not bow to you. I am Pride.” Joseph snarled low. Lee growled, one hand hot on his spine. “Then upstairs and fight to first blood only. I will lose neither lieutenant nor Mate.” He followed Joseph, the two of them watching each other warily, gauging each other's weak spots.

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Only Lee and Jenna attended, opening the door to climb to the roof. “First blood and then it is decided. I would have you both whole.” Lee's voice was sure and Jenna nodded. “We are Pride. First blood only.” “I heard you,” he growled, knowing the repetitions were for his sake. “He has a temper, your Mate.” Jenna arched an eyebrow. “He has fire and heart, my Mate.” Lee met his eyes. “I won't let you down,” he told Lee, attention turning back to Joseph. The tension was like a ball in the base of his spine, making his focus sharp, his feet light. Joseph leapt for him first, claws reaching for him as those eyes flashed. He rolled out of the way, reaching up with his claws and swiping across Joseph's belly. The smell of blood was sudden and sharp in the air and he held himself back from pressing his advantage with a snarl. He wasn't used to fights where you backed down once first blood was drawn. Jenna was on her knees, nuzzling and licking at the other male's belly, purring and rumbling. Lee took his hand, drew him away from them, from where blood was turning to lust. “She's been looking for a way to claim him as hers, fuck him hard. It's about to get messy.” Lee gave him a wink. “Then we should go.” It seemed anti-climatic after all the posturing and growling, but he didn't want to see messy. He had pent up energy though, felt growly, hungry, but not for food. 233

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Lee nodded and led him down the stairs part way before turning to look at him. “You are my Mate.” He nodded. He was. He could feel it with every fiber of his being. He was scented, Lee's cheek brushing against his. “You are second only to me.” He growled softly. “Not for ever.” He rubbed back, scenting Lee. “No. You are a kit, still. One day you will be Alpha. One day I will die.” Lee growled softly. “But it will not be today.” He bristled. “Not a kit.” “Kit enough.” He was licked, Lee stepping back, playful. The need to prove himself warred with his hunger, with his desire for Lee. He pounced, not even sure himself which way it was going to go until he licked Lee's face and then bounded away. Lee's laughter followed him down the stairs, rich and hot and pure sex. He ran for the room with the pillows, Lee's room. Lee pounced him when he hit the edge of the cushions, rolling them into the softness. “Caught you.” “But can you keep me?” he asked, keeping the roll going, trying to wriggle away. Soft huffs of laughter tickled his jaw, hands keeping him trapped tight beneath Lee. “I will. For as long as I'm strong enough to, I swear by the moon herself.” It made him purr, made him lie still and lax beneath Lee. His head went back, exposing his neck. “I'm yours,” he said, voice quiet but sure. “Yes. Mine.” Lee lapped the mark. “One day, we will make love and you will feel me deep inside, carry my scent within 234

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you.” He tightened up, need and want and fear all mixing up together. Green eyes caught his. “One day, Mate. When you desire it. I have no wish to feel you unwilling. I can ease my need elsewhere, ‘til you want me.” “No! Only me!” He couldn't handle the thought of Lee taking pleasure elsewhere. Those eyes flashed, a soft purr sounding. “Yes? Only you?” “My Mate,” he growled. “Mine.” “Yours?” Lee met him head on. “Prove it.” With another growl he pushed, rolling them, teeth going for Lee's neck. Lee bucked, snarling low, pushing at him. He put his mark on Lee's neck, sucking hard, pulling the taste into himself. A low, steady purr filled the air, Lee hot and hard beneath him. He slid his hands along Lee's body, expecting at any moment to be knocked over. “Your Mate, Rex.” The words were serious, low. “Yours alone.” “Mine,” he whispered fiercely, hand moving to push against Lee's hot heat. “Yes. Mine.” Lee pulled his head back, taking a hard, hungry kiss, tongue pressing into his lips. “My Mate.” He whimpered, opening wide to Lee's kiss. “Yours. Mate.” The kiss deepened, Lee's fingers tracing his face, stroking his hair. He closed his eyes, pulling the scents and sensations into himself. Lee smelled strongly of Pride, of Mates, of Musk. He pushed his hand inside Lee's jeans, the heat of Lee's shaft threatened to burn him, but he didn't stop touching, stroking. 235

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A growl pushed into his mouth, Lee's hips pushing up into his hand, tip rubbing his palm. His own cock was so hard, pushing against his leathers. He whimpered, pressing harder against Lee's prick. One strong hand trailed down his belly, tracing the length of his shaft. He groaned. Such pleasure. Shared. It was incredible. “Good.” Lee tempted his tongue into that hot mouth, lips fastening around it, sucking gently. Oh. Oh he could feel that in his cock, each suck around his tongue making him throb. Lee was feeding him, feeding off him, hunger and need growing sharper and heavier in the air. The pleasure just kept increasing. Unbelievable. He hadn't known this was what Mates meant. He whimpered hand rubbing against Lee's heat as he pushed his own trapped cock along Lee's thigh. “Want skin, Mate.” Lee's growl was low, sure. “Yours and mine.” He nodded. “Yes.” He couldn't stop though, couldn't stop touching and rubbing and licking. Lee seemed to have the same problem, the heel of that strong hand rocking against his leathers, his cock, his need. He could only feel when Lee did that and he moved against Lee's hand, moved his own hand, breath coming in shallow gasps. “Mate.” Lee pushed harder, eyes glowing, heat ratcheting up and up. He shook. He shuddered. He roared as heat sprayed from him, filling his leathers with the proof of his need. An answering heat filled his hand, the scent and sound of his 236

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Mate's pleasure filling the air. He collapsed down against Lee, trembling and whimpering softly, trying to catch his breath. Each time he breathed in though he could smell them and it made the trembling better ... worse. It made the trembling harder. Hands swept down his spine, petting, soft purring words sounding like a song. “Home. Mate. Pride. Mine.” The words, like the touches and the purrs felt good, right. Necessary. Lee licked his cheek, watching him closely. He licked back, wondering what he was supposed to do next, what Lee wanted from him. He got a slow smile. “Never thought it would happen fast. Always thought it would be slow, someone I knew. Not a kit.” Lee winked. He growled. “Not a kit.” He headbutted Lee. Gently. His Mate—his Mate!—chuffed with laughter, fingers tickling along his ribs. “‘s what I said. Not a kit.” He wriggled at the tickling, trying unsuccessfully not to laugh. Lee lapped at his lips, chuckling hard, tickling harder. He was torn between rolling away to escape the tickling and pushing closer for more licking. The tickling eased, the Alpha morphing suddenly, rough tongue sliding over his belly. He pulled off his leathers, desperate for that touch against his skin. The big cat growled, licking at him, tongue lapping at his seed, at the sensitive tip of his cock. He shuddered, cock twitching, trying to firm up again. He reached down, burying his hands in the thick, soft 237

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fur, purring. The heavy muscles rippled beneath his fingers, the hot, wet tongue sliding over his pubes, his shaft, his inner thigh. He still couldn't quite believe it—he had never dreamed an Alpha would clean him like this. His Alpha licked down his legs, then turned him with a rumble, working his way up, licking his feet, the backs of his knees. He trembled, excited and scared. Wanting and worried. The tongue traced the join of his ass and thigh, then along his crease, before whiskers tickled the small of his back. Slow tears leaked from his eyes, even as he started to purr. His spine was explored, then his nape. The Alpha sniffed, tongue sliding out to taste the tears on his cheeks, tail swiping against his calf. He sniffed hard, trying to make them stop, but the Alpha's care and gentleness ... His Mate curled around him, purring loud, heavy paws lengthening into hands and arms that held him close, wrapped them together in a sheet and rocked him. His eyes closed and he soaked up the warmth and comfort until sleep stole over him.

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Chapter 3 Lee watched the last of his staff leave before going to lock the door. Saturdays were hell and this was about as hell as they got. Damn. He pulled the till and headed toward the back, turning the jukebox on as he walked by. He wanted to get home, have a drink, a sandwich, see his Mate. Rex was waiting for him in the back room, the kit curled up on the couch, asleep. He purred softly, immediately, instinctively. Ten days and the kit was just beginning to do more than eat, sleep and need touching. He was going to rip Diego's throat out. A soft purr answered his own, Rex lifting his head, the dark green eyes finding him immediately. Nodding, he smiled, eyes sliding over his Mate, almost stroking the smooth skin. Rex stretched as if arching into a touch. “You look good.” He put the till on his desk, eyes caught on the planes and curves of his Mate. “So do you,” Rex told him, green eyes following his movements. “I missed you.” “Yes. Have you been here long? I didn't smell you.” He moved closer, purring low. Rex moved, making room for him on the couch. “Since the kits were put to bed. A couple of hours—it was busy so I just slipped in the back way.” He leaned down, licking at Rex's jaw, throat, scenting. Rex purred, head going back, hand coming up to slide across his 239

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belly. He could fell the heat of his Mate's fingers through the mesh of his t-shirt. “Mate.” He rumbled, lips searching. “So warm.” Oh, he wanted. He needed, but he wouldn't take. Not until his Mate was healed, ready. Rex's lips pressed against his, mouth opening and inviting him into the warm, wet darkness. Sweet purrs filled his mouth. This at least, his Mate offered freely now, with wanton abandon. It was offered, so he took it, losing himself in the rich heat of his Mate's mouth, tongue sliding deep, exploring. Two warm, strong hands went around him, Rex pulling him down against the lean body. Lee started rocking, sliding, need making itself known and sharp. Rex slid off his t-shirt and then the warm fingers moved to his belt. Oh. Oh. He sucked in his belly, letting Rex have all he wanted. Fingertips danced across the top of his cock as Rex worked open his pants. “Oh...” He nuzzled and shuddered, hand cupping Rex's ass. “Mate...” “You're always so hot. So hard.” “For you. Need your touch, need my mate.” The green eyes got darker, Rex purring happily, horny. His pants were opened, Rex pushing the material away and stroking his cock. “Good.” He pulled Rex closer, rocking down into the solid leanness he hungered for. Rex growled, the sound full of need. Between the two of them, they managed to get naked, the kit losing his leathers, giving him a hot body to admire. Damn. Rex rocked against 240

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him, the movements instinctive more than practiced, hot prick sliding along his belly. The sensation made his belly ripple, made him dip his head and take a long, hard kiss. Rex growled and rolled them. They went off the couch, the kit on top of him, kissing and rubbing and just purring into his mouth. His hands wrapped around the kit's ass, fingers sliding in the cleft, encouraging the movements of Rex's hips. “Hungry.” Lee wasn't sure which of them he was talking about. “You make me need,” growled Rex, humping against him. “Yes. Want to feel you all around me. Want to feel you when you come. Want to mark you as mine.” His whisper was rough, honest. “My Mate.” Rex shuddered, whimpered and moaned. “I want that too, Lee. Mate.” Rex's words were sure, but a tremor still worked its way through the kit's body. He purred, worried. Surely the kit wasn't still scared of him? He'd been so good, so careful. “I would not hurt you, Rex.” “I know. I do, Lee. And I want it. I know it's right. I just...” The kit looked away. “Just?” He nuzzled and waited, needing to know what was between them. “I'm scared,” whispered the kit, so quiet he barely heard the words. Lee nodded, hands petting the sweet body. Talk to me, kit. Let me have your pain. “Scared of what, Mate?” 241

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Rex was quiet for so long that he thought the kit wasn't going to answer him and then those dark green eyes looked up at him, let him in. “That you won't want me anymore after.” He blinked, tilted his head. “You are mine. My Mate. My Pride. I need you.” He bent until their noses touched, looking eye to eye. “Mine, Rex. We mate for life.” “You won't be the first,” whispered Rex. “I will be the last.” The words were a vow. Rex's head snapped up, a purring growl going through the kit. He was pushed back down, Rex's mouth covering his in another fierce kiss. Fuck, yes. Sometimes the truth was just the right thing to say. He opened wide, rumbling, offering the kit everything. Rex devoured his mouth and rubbed hard against him, wild and urgent. He met each motion, pushing hard, growling out his need and his want. “Lee ... Mate...” Rex cried out, heat splashing between them. The scent washed over him, and he bucked, spending, growling low. Rex was purring, body hot and heavy against him, the kit nuzzling along his neck. He purred back, stroking and snuggling, enjoying their smells, their heat. Rex licked at his skin, slowly growing heavier on him. “Mmm ... Let me up, kit. Let me figure tomorrow's deposit, then we can go home.” He chuckled, nuzzled. “Or go to eat at the cafe.” Rex bit at his ear. “Not a kit!” He chuckled, head butting him. “No?” 242

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“No!” Rex butted him back and then jumped up. “I could eat though.” “No ... Not you!” He stood, rubbing their scents into his skin. “My own personal bottomless pit.” Rex moved close and bent, scenting his belly, licking once and then purring. The kit started to pull his leathers on. “Not bottomless—I just know a good thing when I see it. Or smell it. Or taste it.” “Good.” He sat at the desk, watching his Mate. “I can smell you on my skin.” Rex growled, nostril's flaring, eyes growing dark again. He turned, pretending to focus on the money, hand sliding over his skin, over and over. Rex's growls grew louder and he could smell his Mate's renewed arousal from across the room. Lee grinned, hand dropping down to circle his cock, stroking it slow and easy. Here kitty, kitty, kitty. Rex roared and leapt over the table, knocking him and his chair over, money going flying. He hit the ground hard, rolling them both, mouths slamming together. His. His Mate. His. Rex was hard again, shaft rubbing against his skin. He thrust down against Rex, crying out over and over, wanting nothing more than to bury himself in his Mate's body. Rex's legs split, the kit cradling him. Lee roared, fighting his instincts, fighting his need, forcing himself to stillness. Need. Oh, he needed. Now. Mate. His. Rex pushed up against him, rubbing their need together, the kit's hands on his ass, pulling him closer. 243

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“Need you. Rex. Careful, kit. Want you so bad.” He whimpered, body trembling. “I'm right here,” Rex growled. “You have me.” He tore out of Rex's arms, lifting the thin hips up towards his mouth as he bent, tongue lapping at his Mate's sacs, at the hot crease. He didn't tease, he couldn't. He needed. He just pushed deep, fucking the tight hole with his tongue. Rex screamed, hips bucking up. He tasted and growled, licking and kneading until his own need flared unbearably. He lifted his head, drawing Rex's ass into his lap. “Need. Mine. Please.” Rex was shaking, trembling hard, though that could have been in part due to the kit's own need. “Yes, Mate. I am yours.” “Yes. Mine.” He drew Rex's body onto his shaft, arching at the tight grip, the incredible heat. Oh. Oh. Mate. His Mate. Yes. Rex's trembling increased, the kit whimpering, hands grabbing at his arms. He forced himself to relax, to focus, to purr. “Good, Mate? More?” Rex froze, eyes meeting his. “What if I said it wasn't good?” Cold water could not have stopped him more effectively. Lee slowly pulled back, pulled away, leaning down to scent his Mate, purring low. He forced his need and ache down, feeding the Beast with the emotions, finding his control. “Then I wait until you are ready and it is good.” “Oh...” Rex whimpered. “It was good, I just ... I needed to know.” He took a long, soft kiss, then backed away, giving them some space. If the kit didn't know, then he would wait. There 244

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should be no doubt. “Let me do the deposit and we can go eat, go home together. Be sure of what you want.” “I'm sorry,” Rex murmured, not looking at him. “I had to *know* you'd stop if ... I didn't ... I'm sorry.” The kit slinked away to the couch. “Rex.” He growled the word, waiting for those eyes to meet his. “I am sorry that you have reason to doubt. I will kill him one day for so hurting my Mate. This changes nothing. You are mine. I want you. I will have you when you are ready for me.” “I want to be ready for you now,” Rex told him. “I am your Mate. I want to be a real Mate to you.” Lee nodded. “I know. You will be ready when you are ready and I will be waiting for you. Help me get the money gathered, kit, and make sure there aren't any quarters stuck to your ass.” Surprised laughter came from the kit. “Not a kit,” Rex told him as his Mate pulled on his leathers. He chuckled, shimmying into his jeans and grabbing the cash. “Close enough.” Still his. **** It had been a couple of days since they'd nearly mated properly and Rex wanted that really, really badly. He couldn't figure out how to bring it up though. He supposed just coming out and telling Lee he was ready and he wanted made the most sense, but he wasn't ready to do that. It was making him edgy. He was watching the rest of the Pride with Lee, snarling anytime one of them got too 245

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close. At this point too close meant close enough to reach out and touch. And yet he couldn't bring himself to ask Lee to take him. It wasn't enough to be taken; he needed to be claimed. He glared at the kits as they tumbled past him and let the Beast have him, slinking off to Lee's bed, tail swishing with anger. Footsteps sounded on the stairs, Katrina and Samuel sliding in, side-by-side, bare and beautiful and purring. Trina moved close, eyes glowing, her Mate's hands sliding over her skin. “Lee sent us, to see if we could ease you. To see if you wanted to play.” He shook his head, curling his tail around his body. He wanted his own Mate, not others. How could Lee send others to him when he himself was filled with jealous anger anytime someone so much as approached his Mate? Maybe it wasn't the same for Lee. He growled unhappily and closed his eyes against their beauty, their pleasure in each other. Something, a familiar, welcome scent teased his nose. Carefully, he cracked an eye, the Alpha was perched on the windowsill, watching him, those bright eyes quiet, focused, seeing nothing but him. He stretched himself out, arching his back, tail up. The softest growl sounded, the tip of that long tail twitching, ears turning towards him. He morphed slowly, the Beast fading, the man naked and wanton, legs spread. He wanted his Mate. Lee leapt down, snarling at Trina and Sammy, running them out with a noise that was clear, sharp. His. He pulled his 246

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knees under him, ass going up into the air, the move as instinctive in his human form as in Beast form. His Mate stalked him, panting, growling low. The rough tongue brushed over his ass cheek, slowly getting smaller, softer. “Rrrrrrrrrrrex. Tell me what you want.” That soft tongue slid along the top of his crease. He shuddered, whimpered. “You. I want you.” “You are sure.” That tongue slid lower, pushing at his hole. He pushed back, body trembling, the need moving through him like waves. “Lee! Yes. Please.” Lee took him, fucking him with that tongue, spreading him, wetting him, tasting him. The scent of his Mate's need was intense, sharp and male in his nose. He shook and growled, body overwhelmed with sensation—with good sensation. When Diego's lieutenants had ... he banished the thought from his mind—they had no place here. Here he was Lee's. Too soon and not soon enough, his Mate's body covered his spine, mouth hot on his shoulder. Thick, stiff heat nudged his hole, pushing, asking entrance. “Mine. My Mate.” He growled, pushing back, needing, wanting, throwing aside his fear of pain and the memories of shame and humiliation. “Yours.” “Yes. My Mate. My heart. My love. Mine.” Lee pressed inside him, sure and strong, body moving against him, within him. Oh. Oh, so full. Complete. 247

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Right. He roared, pushing back against Lee, meeting his Mate's thrusts. His Mate took him, turned him inside out and touched, teeth scraping his shoulder as Lee growled for him. It didn't hurt. It felt good. It felt right. It was what he'd been needing, wanting for days and days, though he hadn't realized it. The pleasure of the claiming was complete, overwhelming him. Then one strong hand reached around and started pumping his prick. “Need to feel you. Come on my cock, Mate. Give yourself to me. Need to know you.” He roared, pushing into his Mate's hand as he came hard. Lee's roar answered his, full and deep, rich as heat filled him, marking him deep. He collapsed onto the floor, shaking and yet he felt so strong, like he could do anything. The purrs that poured over him were rich, sure. Happy. Hands slid over his sides, petting. “Mate,” he murmured. “Yes.” Lee's growl was triumphant, proud. He raised his head and rubbed back against Lee. “Lo ... love you,” he murmured, the words strange on his tongue, but true. Lee slid out of his body, left him empty before pulling him into those arms. “I love you, Rex.” He buried his face in Lee's neck, holding on tight. He felt vulnerable and invincible at the same time, shy yet proud. The grooming started in short order, his Mate's tongue sliding over his skin. Purring, he returned the favor, picking up the salt flavor of Lee's sweat. They shifted, curling 248

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together in the cushions, rough tongues sliding over jet-black fur. Home. Pride. Mates. He'd left Centreville not knowing what he was looking for. It seemed he'd found it anyway.

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Chapter 4 His perch was in the sun. Long and high and soft and warm and only his—Lee could see the whole of his Pride as they slept, watch as he bathed in the sunshine. Of course, if his tail happened to droop down and sway, and said swaying tail happened to attract the attention of his Mate ... Well, that wasn't his fault, was it? No. No, of course not. Lee closed his eyes, bathing in the warmth, just waiting for his Mate to pounce. He waited and waited until he could almost feel the vibrations coming from Rex as his Mate resisted. Lee stretched, claws digging into the wood as his back arched, displaying himself for his Mate. Then he settled back down, tail swinging. Rex started playing with his tail, growling and grabbing at it, chewing on the end. He pretended not to notice, flicking his tail, tempting. Rex's pounce was not unexpected, but it still managed to toss him off his branch, Rex rolling with him, paws whacking at his backside. They wrestled furiously, chests slamming together, paws wrapped tight, playing rumbles and growls filling the air. Finally they lay sprawled together, panting. He leaned over, licking Rex's face, happy purrs filling the air. Rex went to lick back, their tongues tangling together. The sensation made him growl, made him want, and they morphed together, mouths meeting in a wild kiss, hands tangling in one another's hair. Rex rubbed against him, whimpers loud in his mouth. He drank each one up, exploring 250

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his Mate with his hand, touching every part he could reach. Rex writhed, hands clutching at him. “Mate. Love you.” He rumbled the words, rocking them together faster, nostrils flaring at their scent. “Yes, Lee. Love.” Rex gasped, more whimpers coming from his Mate. He wriggled until he had both of their cocks in his hand, pulling and tugging them together. “Lee! Yes!” His mate started keening. “Rrrrrrrrrrrrex. Need. Love.” His toes curled, need flaring through him. “Yes, Lee. Need you.” Rex turned in his arms, pushing the smooth backside against him. Oh. Oh, yes. Yes. Now. He growled, teeth scraping across Rex's shoulder as he mounted his Mate, sinking deep into tight heat. Rex cried out, ass pushing back toward him. They rocked together, fast, then faster still, the sweat and need and heat between them fierce and wild. “Yours,” cried Rex. “Yours, Mate.” “Mine. Mine.” He bit deep, marking his Mate's back with his teeth, cock slamming deep. Rex screamed, body rippling around him as the scent of his Mate's pleasure filled the air. Lee let himself go, seed pushing deep, pleasure hot and rich around him. Rex collapsed onto the ground, panting, purring, utterly boneless beneath him. He licked slowly, lapping at the mark that was blooming on his Mate's skin. So good. Rex raised his head, purrs growing louder. “Mate...” 251

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“Yes. Love you.” He slid away, taking one soft kiss after another. “Mine.” “Yours, Lee.” Rex offered his neck, his belly, his kisses and his love. Lee purred, warm all through. He'd gave up anything for this, even his perch in the sun. **** He was playing pool with Joseph, chuckling and goofing around, wrestling over the good shots, growling over the bad ones. They'd been friends since they were kits. Off and on lovers, constant and good-natured competitors. Joseph had been Alpha of this Pride before him. For exactly three and a half minutes. Lee sank two balls, strutting around the table, to take his next shot, yelping as Joe pinched his ass. “Watch it!” Joe laughed, pushing up into his space. “Why?” He chuckled and rumbled, pushing Joe out of the way with his ass. “Because I'm the great, all-powerful Alpha and I'll kick your ass, Joe.” They both cracked up, his shot going wide. A growling rumble sounded, ending in a snarl. “Get away from him.” They both looked up, laughter fading. “Rex?” Rex's lip curled up, another snarl hovering behind the low growls. “My Mate. Mine. Back off, Joseph or I'll take you down.” Joseph growled low. “He was my Pridebrother before you were born. I was doing no harm.” Lee put the pool cue down on the table, watching Rex. 252

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“I saw you. Touching him. Rubbing against him. I won't allow it.” “We were shooting pool, Mate.” He moved towards Rex, rumbling, purring. “No harm.” Rex's head whipped toward him, hurt filling the green eyes. “My mistake.” His Mate turned on his heel and stalked off, back stiff. He followed without a word, growling low, frustrated, confused. He and Joseph had done nothing wrong. Nothing. Rex went up to the roof, never once looking back. “Rex. Stop. Talk to me.” He pounced, grabbing his Mate and holding on. Rex whimpered, curling in on himself. “Why?” “Why what, Mate?” He moved around his Mate, petting and rumbling. “Why talk? Why do you care? Why do you let him touch you like that? I am your Mate! Me. Not him.” “Joseph is my friend, not my Mate.” Lee growled, muscles bunching. “He was all over you like a Mate would be!” “He is my friend, he was my lover, he never has been my Mate.” “And if he touched me like this?” Rex asked, grabbing his ass, pinching and rubbing. “Would that be all right, too?” Lee snarled, growling low. Joseph would not dare to rub Rex like that. “No. It is not all right. You are Mine.” “Ha! And you are Mine and it is not all right for him to do it to you!” “He was not rubbing me!” 253

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“It sure as hell looked like it.” “This is rubbing!” He growled and pulled Rex into him, rubbing fiercely. Rex whimpered, almost melted against him and then stiffened again. “I'm still mad at you!” “For what? For not rubbing Joseph?” This was ridiculous. Arousing, insane. Ridiculous. “For letting him touch you at all—pinch your ass, get into your face—he wanted to rub you and you didn't make him back down.” He could feel the anger—the jealousy—pouring from his mate. “You're Mine. Mine.” “I only want you. I have not gone to another since I saw you. Not even when you would not have me. I am your Mate!” The last was a roar, sure and loud, echoing through the house. Rex refused to back down, to be cowed by his roar. “Then don't let him touch you!” Oh! Oh, Rex made him just ... Oh! Oh! He morphed, pacing and snarling and roaring in frustration. Unable to vocalize—or to win—in this argument, he stopped trying, letting the Beast speak for him. Rex shifted as well, pouncing him, sending them rolling. His Mate's growls were ferocious, wild. They argued as only the Beasts could, pushing and snapping and snarling, bodies slamming against each other. After a long tussle, Rex grew still, exposing that throat and belly to him. Lee nuzzled the vulnerable flesh, licking and loving. Then, as Rex panted, he morphed, offering his Mate his own throat, the chance to mark him. 254

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Rex roared, big mouth closing around his neck, teeth just grazing his skin, so gentle. Then Rex followed him again, morphing, teeth grabbing hold and biting hard. Tongue and lips soothed the mark. He arched into his Mate's body, wild to touch, to taste. His mouth found the curve of Rex's shoulder, hands sliding over the fine skin of his Mate's body. “Still don't want him touching you,” Rex muttered, forestalling any reply by closing their mouths together. They battled even in the kiss, the passion and fire between them sharp, the need undeniable. They rolled, teeth clashing, drawing blood from their lips, fueling their passion. Lee roared, love and lust filling the sound, the air, answered by Rex's. Their bodies slammed together, rubbing desperately. It was too hot, too much to last long and Rex screamed, the sound echoing loudly, as heat splashed between them. He pushed Rex down, licking and biting and cleaning the flavor from Rex's skin, rubbing it into his own, before pushing up, rubbing hard and letting his own seed spread. Rex purred, hands sliding over his skin. “Mate.” “Yes. Yours.” He headbutted Rex, nudging, loving. “Yours.” Rex growled softly and licked his nose. “Mine.” “Mine.” He nuzzled, purring, starting to groom his Mate with little laps. Rex purred, sated and quiet beneath him. Lee curled around his Mate. “I will speak to Joseph, remind him that I am Mated, that I am yours.” Rex purred louder, nuzzling. “Thank you, Lee.” 255

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He rumbled in reply, letting their cheeks slide together as they scented each other. There was little he would not do for this kit. Precious little. **** Someone was playing with his tail. Lee growled low, letting whoever was playing know that he was sleeping. Napping. Resting in the sun. Not awake. Not playing. Someone didn't listen. He growled again. A chuffing laugh answered him and his tail was pounced, the end chewed on. He twitched it hard, still not willing to give up the appearance of sleeping with his body, even if his tail was awake. The chuffing laughter came again and then he was aggressively pounced. “Oof!” He rolled beneath the pounce, paws pushing at the dark, soft belly. Rex started licking his face and headbutting him. He purred, licking the heavy throat, rumbles shaking him. Rex kept grooming him, interspersing the long licks with headbutts and swats from the big paws. No longer feigning sleep, Lee enjoyed his Mate, stroking and nuzzling Rex's long, lean body. Rex mock-growled and purred, rubbing them together. Lee responded by pinning the kit and grooming those ears, settling each whisker in place, 256

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one paw on Rex's neck. Rex's eyes went to half-mast, his tongue lolled out and great purrs rumbled from him as Lee groomed him. Pretty Mate. Strong and brave. So black. Such long whiskers. Such fine claws. He purred and rumbled, singing his Mate's praises, stroking with sounds as well as touch. Rex stretched his neck out, rump and tail slowly pushing up into the air. The temptation to mount his Mate was strong, to sink his teeth into Rex's nape and take what was his. Still he waited, teasing them both. Rex's purrs grew sharper, edged with hunger and need. His songs changed, now talking of want, of the heat of his Mate's body, of how he would defend his mate from all others. Of his love and want. Rex's rear was vibrating, soft whimpers sounding. His Mate. His Rex. His Heart. His Pride. His Love. His own Love. Rex whimpered again, head turning, the dark green eyes boring into him. They morphed together as he moved to take a long, deep kiss, pushing into Rex's arms with a needy cry. “Want, Mate.” Rex's voice was rough, a growl. “Yes. Need.” He pulled Rex's leg up over his hip, their cocks sliding together. Rex whimpered and pushed closer. “More.” He rolled them, mounting his Mate with a single, smooth move. “More.” Rex's cries were full of passion, his Mate's legs wrapping around his waist.

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His own hands wrapped around Rex's shoulders, pulling them together again and again. He could feel Rex's body start to ripple around him. “Soon.” He would have reached for Rex's prick, but his hands were full, busy bringing them together again and again. Rex's hand slid between them, wrapping around that sweet prick, tugging. Lee roared, Rex was so good, so tight. His. His Mate. “Lee!” Rex's head went back, exposing the long throat to him. The bite was deep, sharp, absolutely necessary as his seed pushed deep into Rex's body. Rex screamed, the sound familiar, and as necessary as the bite, as his seed. Heat sprayed between them. “Mmm...” He purred and licked, so happy, so warm. Rex licked his lips, his cheeks, purring in reply. “Mate.” “Yes. Mate. Love you.” He nuzzled, relaxing against Rex's heat. Rex's purrs vibrated along his body, his Mate's hands warm as they stroked his back, Rex just touching, petting. He rumbled softly, sinking into relaxation, nuzzling close. “Love you, Lee.” “Mmm ... Mate.” His hand stroked through Rex's hair, petting. Rex slowly morphed until he was lying on the long, soft body of his mate, hair becoming fur beneath his fingers. His Mate's purrs were stronger, deeper, harder now. He kept petting, loving his Mate with long strokes of his fingers, 258

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tracing each muscle, each long, silky plane. Rex's paws kneaded the air, those green eyes half closing again in bliss. “My Mate. So beautiful. So strong. So brave. So loved.” He leaned close and whispered soft and low, words and hands drawing a web of love around them. Rex rumbled happily, muzzle sliding along his cheeks. Sleep crept up on him and he shifted, curling with his Mate, waiting until need woke him again.

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Chapter 5 The house was quiet except for the periodic purrs or yawns from the kittens, the rumbling purrs of Jenna and Leah soothing them. The moon was coming full tomorrow, and most of the pride was out. Hunting. Fucking. Playing. Lee paced, wandering through the mazes of pillow strewn rooms, nuzzling the kits, letting one of the little ones chase his tail before Jenna snapped and snarled, drawing the kitten back into the litter. Finally, sure that all was well, his lair was safe, Lee bounded up the stairs to the roof of their building, curling up in the moonlight. Waiting. Guarding his pride. It wasn't long before a lean, black cat came up, dark fur gleaming in the moonlight as he was slowly circled. He stayed still, refusing to show concern, refusing to acknowledge the danger. He was Alpha. He was threatened by no cat. When the dark leopard came back around, it turned, lying with its back to him, head lowered. There was a ripple and then Rex was spread out before him, long spine and pale skin vulnerable in the moonlight. He purred, stretching forward to rest razor-sharp fangs on the bare nape. His. He slowly pressed against that bare heat, welcoming his mate home. Rex's purrs vibrated beneath him. “Lee.” “Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrex.” He chuffed with laughter, slowly changing forms, feeling the reluctance of the cat to fade. Tomorrow night, it would not. Tomorrow the Pride would follow the Will of the Moon. 260

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But not tonight. He wrapped his arms around his mate, stroking the warm skin. “Good hunt?” Rex stretched and purred, nuzzling back against him. “Yes. It didn't feed all my hungers though.” “No?” He nuzzled along Rex's soft hairline, nibbling and nosing. “How do you hunger, kit?” “Not a kit,” growled Rex, muscles tensing and releasing. He chuckled, nipping hard. “So snarly when you're horny.” Lee reached down and cupped his mate's heavy balls. “Kit.” Rex snarled, but couldn't risk moving with his hands where they were. Instead, his mate pushed back against him, neck stretching forward, offering him a wide expanse of skin. Lee rumbled and purred, tongue sliding over the salty skin, tasting desire and need. The flavor of Rex in his mouth stoked a fire in his belly, making his cock hard, his need fierce. Rex whimpered, rubbing the fine ass back against him. “Mine.” He pushed up over Rex's back, teeth fastening over his lover's nape. Rex remained still, purrs making his body vibrate. “Yours.” His cock slid along Rex's crease, and he growled low, the heat sharp and sweet, desire rich in the air. Rex jerked, shuddered. “Damn it, Lee, take me!” Snarling, Lee's world went bright and he mounted his mate, teeth biting deep, holding Rex still as his body answered their need. Rex yowled, ass pushing back to meet him. He fucked Rex hard, hips slamming into the tight hole over and over, rejoicing in the needy sounds pushed from his 261

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mate. Rex took everything he gave and begged for more, body rippling around his cock, those sounds rising into the night sky. They rutted until the pressure, the pleasure, flared furiously, his hand digging into Rex's hip, pulling him in tight. Rex roared, the scent of his mate's seed growing strong as the tight tunnel around his cock rippled and squeezed hard. His own cry was lower, harmonizing as he spent himself inside Rex's body, marking the kit as his own. His. Rex lay quietly beneath him, back expanding with each panting breath. “Lee ... love you.” He purred, lapping the mark at the back of Rex's neck. “Love you, mate.” A shudder went through the kit, Rex rolling beneath him, offering him the tender belly and vulnerable throat. Lee bent his head, mouth and tongue tasting, marking, accepting all his mate would give. “Mine.” “Yours,” growled Rex. His mate licked his cheeks and curled in close, purring. He draped himself around his mate, rumbling softly. Good. His mate. His Pride, blessed by the moon. Good. Rex's rich purrs vibrated with his own. Very good. **** Someone was playing with his tail. No, not playing. Chewing. Chewing on his tail with tiny, needle-sharp, brandnew baby teeth. He was going to kill Leah for finally having a kit and then deciding to go back to the clinic before the kitten was 262

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properly weaned. Then he'd kill Jenna for letting the wee thing escape the nursery and letting it decide Rex was his best friend. After that? Rex, for thinking it was cute and bringing it everywhere. Lee cracked open one eye. This was a punishment for sleeping too much. He knew it. He flicked his tail, groaning as the kitten gave chase. There was a sound that sounded suspiciously like his Mate's laugher. He growled low and the kitten, tiny and furry and bouncing—fucking bounced up to headbutt him, completely fearless. The laughter—and it was definitely laughter—got louder. This time he opened both eyes, looking over at his Mate, baring his teeth and rumbling. Someone needed to teach the kitten manners or at least self-preservation. Not that he'd eat the kitten. On purpose. The kitten pounced his head, bouncing on him and chewing on an ear. Rex laughed harder, rolling. Oh, that was it. He roared and grabbed the kitten by the scruff, bounding down the stairs to where Jenna and Samuel were minding the brood. He dropped the kitten on the floor, snarling and expressing his displeasure. Loudly. The kitten tried to bounce up to headbutt him again, but Jenna grabbed the little monster, carrying it to safety. She growled at him reprovingly. He snarled at her, tail slashing from side to side. He advanced on her, teeth bared, eyes flashing. She would not 263

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question his authority, not before the others, before the children. He was still Alpha here. This was still his Pride. Jenna pushed the kitten behind her and stepped up to him, head lowered, offering him a soft whimper. He huffed, but accepted the apology, rubbing their cheeks together once. Then he moved away, heading downstairs for some coffee, some food. Maybe a bit of a scratch, if Katrina was down there. He was almost all the way downstairs when Rex pounced from above, sending them tumbling down the last few steps. He hit the floor hard enough to rattle him, but managed to roll, slamming Rex to the ground and roaring in a wild fury. The dark green eyes blinked up at him and then Rex whimpered, head going back to expose the vulnerable throat. He snarled and groused, rumbled and snapped and fussed until his anger eased. Then he leaned down and touched his mouth to his Mate's pulse, just breathing his lover in. “You must have woken him up wrong.” Katrina's voice was low, deferential. “He's grumpy in the morning. Next time? A nice long scratching and coffee. Makes him purr.” Rex snapped at her. “I know how to wake him up.” Katrina laughed. “Oh, really? Did you forget this morning?” A cup of coffee was set on the coffee table by his head, Kat's motions fearless. Rex morphed back and growled at her, the kit less than impressive trapped beneath him as Rex was. He slowly morphed, wanting the coffee. He nipped at Rex's neck and then rolled off the kit, reaching for the mug. 264

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Rex wrapped around his legs, subdued now, rubbing silently. He drank his coffee, reaching down to pet and stroke, frustration easing as he woke up, settled in his bones. Rex purred once and licked his ass. He tousled Rex's hair and stood, stretching. Better. Much. Rex licked his ass again and then let the beast go, standing behind him, arms going around his stomach. “Mmm ... Mate.” He leaned back. “Upstairs. We'll start again.” “Yeah? You usually don't react like that when I pounce you.” He gave Rex a look. “You usually don't pounce me when I'm frustrated and you usually kiss me after, if you pounce me in bed, kit.” “You've gotta admit he's got guts though,” Rex told him, grinning. Then his kit nipped at his earlobe and took off running. He looked over at Katrina, who arched an eyebrow. “Kick his ass, Lee. Then fuck him so hard he won't move for a day or two.” Lee nodded. “Right.” Then he morphed and went hunting. **** It had started pouring on his way home from the bar. Pouring. Huge, wet drops and oh! Oh, he hated getting wet. Hated it. He ducked into an alleyway and tried to wait it out, but it just got harder and so he morphed, sacrificing the clothes and 265

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made a dash for it, roaring and snarling to get someone to open up for him. Samuel let him in, keeping well away from him. “Oh man, Lee.” He growled and snapped, shaking hard, unhappy. Samuel jumped back and glared. “Rex is upstairs. On the roof. There's something wrong with him—he's in human form out in the rain, completely naked. It's not right.” Lee stopped, blinked, then gave Sammy a questioning purr. On the roof? In the rain? “Yeah. And he's there by choice.” Samuel shook his head. “Not right.” He nodded in complete agreement and took to the stairs. Maybe his Mate was sick. Feverish. He'd get the kit in and then get Leah. She'd fix Rex. He shouldered open the door to the roof, calling to Rex from the doorway. His mate was indeed standing on the roof, naked in human form, arms raised to the sky, head tilted back. The water ran over Rex's skin. His Mate turned to look at him, a feral grin on his face. “Come out, Lee. We can make love in the rain.” Definitely a fever. He let the Beast go and looked out at his Mate. “Rrrrrrrrrrex. It's wet. Do you need Leah? Are you sick?” Rex laughed, the sound wild and happy. “I'm not sick, Lee—have you never run naked in the rain? It feels so wonderful on skin.” “Rex. Mate. It's water. It's wet. Wet.” He growled and shook his head. “Wet.” Rex laughed again. “Well you don't see me getting it on my fur do you? I'm not crazy.” 266

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Lee shook his head. Rex's words reminded him that his fur needed grooming, cleaning, so he settled in the doorway, morphing and grooming himself, eyes on his Mate. “Awww. Come on, Lee—give it a chance. If you hate it I'll come in with you and I'll groom you.” He licked his paw, rumbling. It was unnatural. Still ... Grooming. He lifted his head, shaking off the Beast to answer. “I come out and you groom me, regardless.” A nice long grooming might be worth it. Maybe. If Rex took his time. Rex laughed again. “It's a deal!” His mate held out his arms. He stepped out, growling as the first drops hit him. Lee darted out beneath an overhang, closer to Rex, but not there yet. Rex spun in place, head turning back up into the rain. “Listen to the thunder—Mate to the rain.” Pressing back against the wall, Lee fought the instinct to lift his feet, shake the wet off them. “Oh, come on Lee!” Rex darted beneath the awning, grabbed his hands and tugged him out into the rain. Oh. Wet. Blah. Wet. He growled and rumbled, dancing instinctively, ducking the drops. Wet. Wet. Rain. Wet. Rex's arms went around him, his Mate starting to lick the drops off his shoulders, his face. That was familiar and warm and enough like grooming to soothe him, calm the itching under his skin. Rex slowly worked his way down, focusing on his nipples and then his belly, leaving the rest of him to get wet. He curved over his Mate, instinctively trying to keep Rex dry, 267

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safe, out of the water. Rex laughed up at him. “I want to get wet, Mate.” “It's unnatural.” He bent farther, licking at Rex's skin, purring at the familiar flavor. “Wet is ... wet.” Rex turned and brought their mouths together, sucking on his tongue before pushing him back to standing. “I like the rain against my skin. Makes me feel ... alive and electric.” He got another grin and then Rex was swallowing down his cock. Unnatural. Completely and thoroughly unnat ... “Mate. More.” His head fell back, a loud growl filling the air. Rex purred around his cock, head beginning to bob. Cool, wet fingers cupped his balls, pushed behind them and teased his warm sensitive skin. He growled, rocking, cock pushing deep, hands wrapping around Rex's head. Rex looked up at him, eyes hot despite the blinking from the rain. His Mate sucked him deep and hard. Whimpering, he took Rex's mouth, body shivering. The mixture of heat from their need and cold from the rain was maddening, undeniable. One of Rex's fingers pushed against his ass as his Mate swallowed around his cock. Lee jerked, a low sound of surprise pushed from him. Then he moved harder, faster. No one ever dared that touch. Still sucking hard, that finger slid into him as he pulled out of Rex's mouth, cool for a moment and then so very hot. “Mate. Need. Oh...” He jerked, sobbing, pushing deep, legs trembling. In and out went Rex's finger as he fucked his Mate's mouth. Those dark green eyes blazed up at him, so hot. 268

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When he came, he roared into the night, scream echoing in the rain. His Mate swallowed him down and then let his cock slide away. Standing, Rex turned his face to the rain and screamed, heat splashing against his belly. Oh. Oh. He growled, leaned in to lick and suck on Rex's lips. “Good. So good.” Rex's arms wrapped around him. “Mate. Love.” “Yes. Love you.” He pushed close, rubbing them together. “Inside. Grooming. You promised.” Rex laughed. “You won't stay out a little longer with me? The storm's not done.” “‘s cold, Mate. Wet. Come inside.” He took another kiss, tempting, licking. Rex purred and tilted his head again to the sky. Then his hand was taken and Rex ran inside with him. He shivered and shook, brushing off the water as best he could as they headed down the stairs to their bed. Rex morphed and began to lick him, rough tongue licking away the water. Oh. Yes. He purred and slowly morphed, twisting until he could return the favor, grooming his Mate. Rex's purrs soon joined his, his Mate's tongue working harder. He stretched, paws curling in bliss. Oh, this was worth the Wet. Yes. Worth the rain. Rex chuffed with laughter, as if he had heard, as if he knew. Lee nipped him lazily, then went back to basking. It felt too good to bother growling. 269

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Rex chuffed again and then continued grooming, tongue drying his fur, pulling it back into place, making him purr. Oh, he was happy. Content. Home with his Pride and his Mate and grooming and ... Yes. Yes. It was good. Let it go ahead and rain. **** Having a full belly was still somewhat of a novelty to Rex. Oh, it had been a couple of months now, but he still had the urge to gobble down as much as he could whenever a shank of meat was brought home to the Pride. He tried not to, though, tried to be nonchalant and easy about it. Like today. He'd waited until the kittens had all had their fill, and then the nursing mothers. Then he'd pounced and attacked what was left, subduing it and eating until he was going to bust. Naptime came after that. And that was a novelty, too. A full belly and a nice spot to nap in, the knowledge that he could nap and not worry. He curled up in the middle of Lee's pillows and slept. A hot, rough tongue moved over his skin, a rich purr vibrating his spine. Oh. Lee. The musk of his Mate was heady, the grooming slow and lazy. He began to purr, stretching out. This was a novelty, too. One he cared about more than the others. His Mate stretched with him, hot and lean and strong behind him. The soft sounds felt good inside him, the touches and licks made him melt. His purrs got louder, arousal sweet and slow inside him, making him rub back against his Mate. They snuggled and shifted, the heat between them rising in 270

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tiny increments. The peace and ease was like magic—this slow touching and thorough grooming proving Lee's need and love. He morphed, needing to tell Lee, to let his Mate know. “Love you. Lee. Mate. Oh, I love you.” Silky fur became hot skin and wide paws became sliding fingers, petting his belly. “Mmm ... Rrrrrrrrrrrex. My love.” He purred. “Love the way you say my name.” A series of soft, licking kisses teased his nape. “Rrrrrrrrrrrrrex.” He shivered, hand sliding down along his own skin to pet Lee's. Lee was hard, full, dick sliding along the curve of his ass, fingers painting a similar pattern on his skin. He moaned. “Mate. Want you.” “I'm right here. You have me.” The kisses smoothed over his shoulder now, gaining an edge, gaining teeth. He growled. Lee liked to make him say it. “I want you in me.” “Mmm...” The wet-tipped cock nudged against his hole. “Here?” “No, Lee, up my nose.” Lee snorted, the bite on his shoulder sharp. “Be careful, Mate. I wouldn't want to slip.” With that Lee pushed in a bit and then pulled out again. Whimpering, he pushed back against Lee. Lee's hand flattened against his lower belly, pushing him onto that waiting cock, purrs vibrating all through him. He moaned, body opening to his Mate. Lee's. He was Lee's. 271

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He was filled slowly, that hot flesh spreading him wide, the hand on his stomach strong and sure. Whimpers and gasps came from him, hands holding onto Lee's wrists. So good. There was nothing like it. Finally his ass was cradled in the curve of Lee's hips, his Mate purring as they rocked together. So gentle and yet so complete, so wild. “Mine. Mate. Love.” The words rolled over him, Lee breathless, hungry. Wanton. “Prove it,” he growled, pushing back. “Show me.” The next thrust was sharp, insistent. The bite against his shoulder made him gasp, shake. “Oh yes, Lee. More!” Another fierce thrust rocked him, then, unbelievably, Lee stilled. “Mine.” He whimpered, hips pushing restlessly. “Yes, yes, Lee. Yours. Now fuck me!” Lee stretched and rolled atop him, pushing hard and harder. He screamed and screamed again, coming and coming and coming as Lee fucked him hard and fast. Teeth closed over his nape, biting deep, holding on as Lee filled him. He whimpered and cried out, breathless, boneless. Lee purred, tongue lapping at his neck, body covering him. So warm, so good, so right. This was still a novelty, but he could get used to it.

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Chapter 6 Rex loved watching Lee move. Beast or man, Lee was sensual, confident, beautiful and fierce. He'd been sitting at the back of the bar all night, watching Lee serve drinks, talk, laugh, move. The place had cleared out after last call and the staff helped Lee clean. It was Lee he watched though. It was always Lee. His cock ached from being hard all evening, squished inside his leather pants. He was waiting until the place cleared out because he needed and once he moved? He was going to pounce. Hard. Lee was scrubbing the bar, body moving to the music from the jukebox, one of the waitresses coming up behind him and rubbing for a heartbeat, making Lee laugh and pop her hip with his towel. He growled, body growing tense, hand fisting where it rested on the table in front of him. If she did it again he'd rip her throat out. Lee's eyes met his in the mirror behind the bar, bright and green and sparkling, shocking against the dark hair, the black t-shirt. Lee licked his lips, nostrils flaring, tempting. He bared his teeth, his own nostrils flaring as he scented the air, searching beneath the smell of smoke and perfume and alcohol for Lee. Lee's chin went up, exposing the long line of throat, the barest hint of his mark visible. His. Mate. His eyes flicked toward the waitresses as he growled just loudly enough that Lee could hear him over the sound of the 273

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music. He could see the ripple of muscles under Lee's shirt, the flash of pure need in those eyes. That was it. He didn't care who was still in the bar. He practically leapt at Lee, mouth attaching to his Mate's. There were a few giggles and the door closed behind the last two girls and it didn't matter because Lee was devouring his mouth, hands hard on his ass. He whimpered and pushed closer, so hard, so needy. Lee's hips were moving in time with the music, slinky, seductive, pure sex as they rubbed against his. His hands pulled at Lee's t-shirt, wanting skin. Lee rumbled for him, reaching to strip of both their shirts before diving back into the kisses, skin hot against him. His hands went to Lee's chest, fingers finding the little nipples already hard for him. “Mate...” Lee's hands tightened, tugged him closer, a growl vibrating his lips. “Need you, Lee. Please. So badly.” He begged shamelessly, body aching and on fire. “Yes. All night I could smell you.” Lee spun him, bending him over the bar. “Felt your eyes on me.” His pants where tugged down, Lee's teeth testing his shoulder. He jerked and screamed, pushing back against Lee. “Now. Please, Lee.” The burn was sharp, strong, familiar as he was claimed, his Mate's need meeting his, matching it. He screamed again, bracing his hands on the bar. “More,” he demanded, ass pushing back. “All of me.” The words were snarled, a vow, a promise as his Mate loved him, took him. 274

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He growled and he purred and he moaned and he screamed, meeting every thrust, taking everything Lee gave. The need crashed over him again and again, Lee's eyes hot in the mirror, desperate, glowing. “Mate,” he growled, his own eyes rolling as his climax took him. Heat filled him, his Mate's gasp loud in his ear, hands hard on his belly. He whimpered, head pushing back, nuzzling against Lee. “Love you,” he murmured as he tried to catch his breath. Lee's arms wrapped around him, soft lips nuzzling his jaw. “Mmm ... love you. Mate.” “Good.” He turned around and wrapped his own arms around Lee's waist, pressing close. “Take me home and do it all over again?” His lips were licked, then taken in a long kiss. “Yes, Mate. Come home.” He nodded and reluctantly let Lee go. They both did up their pants and put their shirts back on and then headed out. He hung back just enough to watch Lee move. **** Jenna was evil. Pure evil. Maybe even vicious. She was ostensibly knitting, making some stupid thing for someone. That wasn't the evil part. The evil part was the yarn. Bright red. In a ball. On the floor. Rolling. Lee twitched, the urge to pounce strong.

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Then a half scream half caterwaul sounded, Rex's body flying past him, his Mate pouncing the red ball and rolling with it across the room. He arched an eyebrow, staring over at Jenna, unrepentant. There were benefits to having an ... enthusiastic mate. Rex growled and rolled and was soon wrapped in red wool, the ball within his claws much smaller now. Jenna blinked. “You should have him caged.” Lee grinned. “You should not tempt the Beast.” Jenna chuckled. “I almost had you.” He arched an eyebrow, reached out with one hand to tug the yarn, play with his Mate. “You'll never know.” Rex growled and rolled, paw swiping at the yarn he was disturbing, his Mate trying to pounce, but tangled enough that Rex went down in a heap instead. Lee chuckled, dropping to his knees to tease and tickle, fingers alternatively plucking yarn and digging into soft, dark fur. Rex went wild, unable to focus on either the tickling or the yarn, bouncing between the two with feral fun. Jenna got up with a grin. “I'm going to find Joseph. You two try not to ruin my yarn?” Lee didn't say a word, just chuffed with laughter and went back to playing with his kit. It wasn't too long before Rex was hopelessly tangled and suddenly playing turned to panic, his Mate thrashing about, trying to get loose. Lee growled, threw his body atop Rex's to still the motions that were just making the yarn tighter. Purring loud, he started working through the yarn, trying to free his Mate. 276

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Rex was whimpering, breathing hard and fast. “Lee ... let me up! Get it off me! I can't move, Lee!” “Shh. Shh, kit. You gotta chill the fuck out and let me get you out.” He worked as quick as he could, purrs continual, close, so the kit knew he was right here. “I don't like being tied down, Lee.” Rex whimpered some more, legs twitching, shifting from Beast to man to Beast again. “You're not tied down, kit. You're tangled, and I'm getting you loose.” He licked Rex's cheek, getting one arm free. Rex finally settled in man shape, breathing heavily, but lying still. “There. Good. Just close your eyes and talk to me while I untangle this.” He got Rex's fingers on the other hand free, licking them gently. Rex's eyes were still wild, the pupils huge, green almost gone and they closed slowly, a tremor moving through his Mate. “I don't like being tied down, Lee. I can't be tied down.” “I won't tie you, Mate. I'm getting you untangled. I would never let you get hurt, Rex.” He stroked and kissed, nuzzling him. Rex's breathing slowed, the whimpers coming further apart now. “Mmm ... that's it, Mate. Relax for me.” He kept licking, nuzzling, purring as the strings broke and fell away, freeing the kit. Rex stayed still for all of thirty seconds before he began vibrating. “Can I get up now?” 277

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“Sure.” Lee took another kiss and rolled off. “All untangled.” Rex morphed back into the Beast, leaping off the floor and well away from the bright yarn, growling at it from afar. Lee hid his grin and let the Beast have him, tearing and snapping at the offending string, defending his Mate. When he was done, Rex came to him, nuzzling and licking, purring. He scented, licking the soft pelt, headbutting with a rumble. Loved his Mate. Would do anything. Anything. Rex walked back into the yarn free corner of the room, tail and ass swaying, enticing him away from the sea of torn yarn. Growling softly, Lee crouched, muscles tensing, preparing to pounce. A gentle ripple moved through Rex, the only indication his mate had heard him, knew what was coming. He snarled as he pounced, rolling them, tails flicking madly as they played. So good! Fun! His Mate! Rex headbutted him and batted at him, big paws knocking into him. They rolled and wrestled, licked and growled, Rex's eyes shining for him. Finally they settled under the stairs, wrapped together, tongues moving in slow patterns. Rex's purrs were content and happy, blissful. He nuzzled and rumbled, grooming carefully, licking away every bit of tension, every ruffled hair. Rex was lazily returning the favor, though the kit was near to boneless, tongue swiping idly at his fur. So good. Comfortable, warm. Home. Pride. His. 278

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Lee stretched, nuzzling Rex's belly. Rex's purrs changed in tone, warned of incipient hunger and arousal. Lee curled close, smiling into dark green eyes, letting their need bloom and grow. Rex licked his muzzle and shifted, the human in his arms lithe and pale skinned, smooth. The green eyes alone remained the same. He nuzzled Rex's cheeks, not letting the Beast go, letting his pelt warm his Mate. Rex smiled, hands sliding through his fur, fingers digging in and rubbing. Oh, that was good. He purred and stretched, rubbing happily against Rex. “Want you,” Rex murmured, rubbing soft skin against his face. The sounds that rumbled from him were pure happiness and he changed slowly, exchanging the softness of fur for the heat of a kiss. Rex pressed eagerly into his mouth, tongue warm and wet and agile. Lee wrapped his arms around Rex, tugging them together, bodies rubbing and sliding and hot. Rex purred noisily, pressing even closer. He petted and pressed, rubbed and purred and licked and oh ... Good. So good. His Mate. Rex rubbed hard against him, whimpering and purring and the look in those green eyes was happy and hungry. “Love you, Mate.” He nipped Rex's bottom lip, hands cupping that fine ass. Rex growled, the sound fierce. “Mate. Lee. Mine. Love you.” “Yes.” He answered Rex's call, happiness too huge for silence. “Mine.” “Yours, Mate. Yours.” Rex rolled, putting the kit beneath him. “Make love to me, Mate.” 279

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“Yes. Mine.” He drew Rex's legs up, draped them over his shoulders, wet-tipped cock sliding against the tight hole. Rex whimpered, pushing against him. “Please.” “Yes.” He let Rex's weight join them, his happy growl filling the air. Rex cried out as his cock sunk deep. “Good. Good. Rrrrrrrrrex. Good.” He rumbled, leaning over Rex's body, hips shifting and pushing. Rex met his thrust, body humping up, pulling his cock in. “Yes. Good.” The thrusts were hard, but slow, steady, driving them higher and higher, making him ache. Rex whimpered and moaned, cried out and screamed, writhed on his cock. Finally the pleasure was too much and he bucked, almost bending Rex in half, roaring as his hand wrapped around the hard, hot cock. They slammed together, all heat and need. Rex screamed and roared, body jerking hard within his grasp. The tight heat around his cock rippled, milking him as Rex came. He pushed deep, filling and marking his Mate with his seed. “Mine!” Rex purred, hands sliding down his back to his ass, keeping him where he was. “Yours.” “Yes.” He let Rex's legs down and cuddled close, shaft still buried deep. “Better, kit?” Rex headbutted him gently. “Not a kit, Lee. And yes. Better.” Lee chuckled softly, purring low. “Not a kit, Mate.” Rex petted him. “Love you, Mate.” 280

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“You know I will not let another harm you. I will never let another touch you, take you. You are my Own.” He met Rex's eyes. “My Pride. My Heart. My Mate. Mine.” Rex nodded, holding him tight. “I know. I just ... I panicked, I couldn't move.” He licked, nuzzled. “There are things like that that scare me also, Mate.” Rex chuffed. “Not you, Lee.” “Oh, yes.” Lee settled more comfortably. “Ask Joseph. When we were all kits, I fell from a ledge and hit my head. When I woke up I couldn't see. It lasted for four days. I have never been so scared.” Rex whimpered, hands stroking, petting. “Oh Mate ... how awful.” He nodded, nuzzling. “But I can see now and I have you to be an extra pair of eyes for me, for the Pride.” “Heights don't still scare you, do they?” Rex asked quietly. “No. But they did for a while. I had to learn to trust myself again.” Rex nodded. “I love you, Mate.” “I love you, Rex.” Lee nuzzled and lapped. “I want ice cream. Wanna go get banana splits downtown?” “Oh! Yeah!” Rex bounced up. “Race you upstairs—last one dressed has to eat the banana!” He chuckled and followed nice and slow, watching Rex's ass. Lee liked bananas. **** Dancing. 281

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Lee was taking him dancing. O-kay. He was wearing his usual leather pants and one of Lee's mesh t-shirts. He was skeptical. Until he walked into the place. Dark corners, only the dance floor was lit with strobe lights, loud music—so loud he could feel the bass in the floor through his boots, and a press of bodies. He could feel the Beast responding to the driving beat and the lights and the bodies and realized why Lee had had chosen a night when there was no moon. It was going to be hard enough to stay human as it was. He looked around, trying to find Lee. When he saw his Mate, the club stopped moving for a second, kind of hiccupped. Lee was leaning against the bar, wearing tight, tight denim pants that had a lace-up fly, just hanging on those lean hips. The shirt was white and sheer, clinging to the firm muscles, the flat belly. Add that to the sleek black hair and firm jaw? Classy. Hot. Pure hunger. With a low growl he started toward his mate, not even seeing anyone else. A guy came up, simpering, flirting, trying to get Lee's attention, all big eyes and blond curls. Oh, he so didn't think so. He pushed between them and looked the guy in the eye, not saying a word, just growling. The guy swallowed and backed off with a last look beyond him toward Lee. He turned around to meet his Mate's eyes. “Mine.” Those bright green eyes sparkled, looking him up and down, then Lee smiled, the look feral. “Yes.” 282

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Rex was hard, hungry, almost ready to forget the crowd and beg Lee to fuck him right here, right now. Lee slammed back a whiskey. “Want a drink, kit?” “Yeah. I do.” He pressed forward, taking Lee's mouth in a hard kiss and pulling the flavor of whiskey and his Mate into his mouth. Lee growled, opening wide, tongue pushing deep. His Mate was hard against him, hot. He wanted to get fucked. Here. Now. He growled, rubbing hard against Lee. Lee broke the kiss, backing away. “Dance. We're here to dance.” “This isn't dancing?” he asked, panting hard. Lee chuckled and slid out onto the dance floor. He could see the beast within his mate, see the slide and purr and play of slender muscles. He followed with a half growl, half purr, not willing to let his Mate get too far away. He had to admit the music felt good along his spine, spurred him to moving. That body started moving, dancing with a preternatural grace, drawing the eyes and interest of the crowd. Free and feral, Rex had never seen Lee out and about, no kits or Pride to worry over. He was going to come just from watching and when he added his own movements, matching Lee ... They were having sex, no matter what Lee wanted to call it. Lee brushed against him, moved away, tempting and playing and touching. Wanting. The rest of the dancers faded into the background, not that he didn't know they were there, but he didn't care as he played with Lee, danced with his 283

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Mate, making it all about heat and moving together and seduction. He could smell the heat, the hunger, the pleasure pouring off his mate in waves. When they got closer, Lee scented him, lips sliding up his jaw. He shivered, pushing close and burying his nose in Lee's neck, pulling the scent of Pride and sweat and sex and Mate into himself. “Want you, Mate. Want to fuck you, make you scream.” A sharp nip bruised his throat. “Make you come.” He growled, head going back, exposing more of this throat. “Yes.” Right here, right now, Mate, if it was what was wanted. “Upstairs, there's a roof. The sky.” Lee's eyes shot to a flight of stairs. “Yes.” He pushed against Lee, needing. “You go first, I'll meet you.” Lee licked him. “Hurry.” With a whimper he tore himself from Lee and headed for the stairs, pushing through the crowd. He didn't look back, even as he reached the stairs, knowing his Mate would follow, would not make him wait. He made it up without a problem, the night air cool and good on his skin. He looked around for a few heartbeats before he heard a soft growl and was treated to the sight of his Mate, leaping from a balcony to the roof. He growled, watching the beauty of his Mate in motion, cock throbbing. As he watched, Lee unlaced those tight jeans, cock pushing free. He dropped to his knees with another whimper, mouth opening in anticipation. Lee stalked him, sex and heat pouring out into the night. “Mine.” 284

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He sucked Lee's cock in as his answer. His Mate roared, bucking into him, hard hands finding his head. He sucked hard, tongue working the hot prick, hands sliding up along Lee's legs to grab hold of his hips. Lee moved strong, steady, pushing with a furious rhythm that matched the music vibrating his legs. He growled, wanting his Mate's climax, demanding it. To his shock, Lee pulled away, panting, spinning him around. “Want to come in your ass. Need you.” Whimpering, he pulled open his leather pants, pushing them down to his knees. He leaned against the wall, legs spread as wide as he could get them. “Hurry, Lee. Please.” “Yes. Mine. My Mate.” Teeth brushed his nape as Lee grabbed him and pushed deep, fucking him with desperate strokes. He screamed, pushing back to meet each thrust. His Mate took him, teeth sinking in and holding him as they moved, bodies slamming furiously. He clawed at the brick, trying to find leverage, body shaking with intense pleasure. Hot fingers surrounded his cock, tugged, heat splashing within him, filling him, pushing his own seed from his body. He screamed out his pleasure to the night sky. Lee's weight slumped against him, breath panting against his nape. “Mate.” “Mine,” he growled, body still shaking with his pleasure. “Yours.” The word was purred, a soft tongue soothing him. His own purrs started then as he arched into the sweet touches. Lee rocked inside him, slow and easy, just touching, licking. 285

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“Mate ... oh Mate.” He leaned his head back, breathing deeply, scenting them together. “Yes. Love you. So fine, my Mate. My heart.” The soft, needy sounds poured over him. His cock twitched and he whimpered, pushing back into the slow thrusts. “Shh ... easy. Slow, now. So we can feel it.” Lee's voice was pure, distilled sex, sliding on him. Another whimper and he stilled, letting Lee take him, letting that hot cock slide into him and make him feel so good, so needy. “Love you.” Lee purred, the sound loud and good, vibrating through his spine, one hand stroking his cock. He growled, a ripple going through him. How did Lee expect slow and easy when he did things like that. A soft chuckle answered him. “Impatient.” “For you? Always.” He pushed into the hand around his prick and back again. “Lee ... Mate. Need.” “You've got me. I'm inside you.” Lee pushed hard, purring. “Can't you feel me?” “You're teasing me,” he growled. “No, kit. I'm loving you.” The words were soft, husky. “When you become Alpha, you can do as you wish. Today, I am still Alpha and I want to make love to you.” He growled, whimpered, pushed back against Lee's cock. Nothing he did sped his Mate, the thrusts sure and strong, but slow, steady. Inexorable. Lee was going to kill him. He leaned against the brick, whimpering and moaning, body pushed higher and higher but never quite high enough. His Mate shifted, cockhead sliding against his gland now, harder 286

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and harder, never missing. He started screaming, with each thrust, body on fire. That thumb worked his slit, the sensations unbearable, amazing. “Come for me. Let me feel you.” He screamed out his Mate's name, seed pulsing from him in long waves. He could feel his body growing tight around the thick prick inside him. He shuddered and whimpered and shook. When the pleasure eased, Lee was pulling away, hands sliding down his spine, comforting. He turned, pushing into Lee, burying his head in Lee's neck. His Mate held him, purring softly, strong and sure and his. “Love you,” he whispered, hands sliding around Lee's waist, holding on. “Love you, Mate.” Lee nuzzled him, lips sliding on his skin. The music was still thumping through the roof beneath his feet, a constant, driving heartbeat. They were still dancing, really, standing close, nuzzling each other. Yeah, he could see why Lee liked this. **** Rex was horny. He was hungry and needy and wanting and ready to just pounce his Mate as hard as he could just as soon as he could. Only they were on the street. Walking casually to the all night grocery store. It was a hot night, not the kind where you walked quickly. He scanned the street. There was an alley coming up right ahead. It wasn't particularly deep or dark, but it was off the street. As they passed it, he shoved into Lee, sending his Mate stumbling into the wall. A low, surprised snarl ripped through the air. “Mate?” 287

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“Need.” He pushed up against Lee, taking his Mate's mouth. It only took Lee a second before those hot lips opened, took him deep. He rubbed against his Mate, taking that mouth, making it his. Lee moaned, opening wide, licking at his tongue, his lips, his teeth. He found Lee's hands and slid them up over his Mate's head, increasing the force of his kisses. Lee rumbled softly, but let him control the kiss, let him hold those strong arms against the concrete. He wanted to tear off Lee's clothes and lay bites along his Mate's collarbones and neck. He wanted to pinch Lee's nipples and tug on the man's cock, roll the sweet balls. Of course he would need extra hands for that and he didn't have any to spare. Sharp teeth scraped across his bottom lip, Lee's eyes bright, challenging. He growled, pushing his need hard against Lee. Lee met his motion, pushing back, pushing hard, making him fight for everything. He growled again, his teeth joining the kiss, clicking with Lee's. It made him harder, made him ache. One strong leg wrapped around his hip, pulling him closer, rubbing them together harder. He whimpered, trapped between his own hold on Lee's arms and Lee's leg around him. Lee licked at him, teeth sliding along his throat, marking him. “Taste good, kit.” Oh. Oh, Lee knew he hated that. Knew it. Said it anyway. All the time.

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With a snarl he broke free of Lee's hold and turned Lee to face the wall. Lee growled, shoulder muscles bunching, rippling against his hands. “Not a kit. Not.” He pushed, sliding his cock along Lee's ass through leather and denim. At the touch, his Mate snarled, entire body clenching, pushing away from the wall. “Younger than me. Mine.” “Prove it!” he snarled back. The world seemed to spin, a roar splitting the air as Lee moved, slamming him against the wall, eyes alight. “Mine!” He struggled, breath slammed out of him, fighting Lee, refusing to give—forcing his Mate to prove himself. Nails threatening to become claws landed hard on his nape, keeping him still, holding him down. “Say it.” He held Lee's eyes for three of the longest heartbeats he'd ever had and then he dropped them. “Yours,” he whispered. He met Lee's eyes and repeated the word louder this time, letting his joy in his Mate show. “Yours.” “Yes. Mine.” Those eyes were glowing, growls continuous. “Mate.” “Yours. Mate.” He tilted his head back, exposing the full curve of his neck, the long, vulnerable vein. The bite was quick, deep, burning into his soul, burning him with Lee's mark. He screamed. He came. His cock stayed hard, demanding more. He didn't demand though, it was not his place. “Please, Mate. More.” 289

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Lee reached for his pants, tugging them down, exposing his ass, before popping open the button fly on the blue jeans hiding his mate's need from him. He turned to face the wall, offering Lee everything—his obedience, his allegiance, his love, his need. He whimpered, pushing back with his ass. “Hurry, Lee. Need you, Mate.” A desperate roar was his answer, Lee slamming inside him, taking him with strong, sure, burning strokes. Growling, he met Lee's thrusts, pushing back hard, demanding the best Lee could give him. He was fucked hard, not given a second to breathe, to think, to do more than feel. He put his hand in his mouth to muffle his screams as Lee's thrusts rocked him against the wall. “Mine. Do you hear me, Rex? My heart. My love. My Mate.” He didn't say anything, couldn't, breathless and gasping, screaming. He nodded as best he could, shoved back as hard as he could. The pleasure was spectacular. Teeth fastened on his shoulder, biting deep, Lee's thrusts wild and jerky. He screamed, not even his hand able to muffle the sound as his come hit the wall. Heat filled him, Lee pushing hard against his shoulder. He collapsed against the wall, panting, trying to find his breath as shivers went through him. Lee held him, supported him, licked him as they floated down. “Mine.” “Oh, yes, Lee.” He purred, head falling back against his Mate. He was nuzzled, a low purr sounding. “Love you.” “Love you. Mate.” He felt good. Sated and boneless. Right. 290

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“Shopping. No sleeping.” Lee pulled away, a soft groan leaving his Mate as they separated. He whimpered, turning to get a kiss. Lee took his mouth, the kisses overwhelming and sharp. “You will best me one day, but not today, Rex. I am still strong today.” He purred. “I know. So strong, my Mate. You make me hungry.” “Good.” Lee grinned, chuckling. “Now. Shopping. Milk. Eggs. Food.” “Then we go home and fuck.” “Yes. Then we go home and fuck.” Lee winked. “Again.” “Good.” He headbutted Lee and then took off, laughing as he headed for the grocery store.

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Chapter 7 There was a mouse. In the midst of their home. A mouse. Rex stalked and pounced and ran and slammed into walls and slid around corners. He was having the time of his life. He was currently waiting. Back end up and vibrating as he staked out the wee beast's hole in the wall. A shadow fell across the hall, familiar, large, Lee's eyes glowing in the darkness, fangs white. A soft low rumble sounded, Lee watching the hole, whiskers twitching. His butt twitched harder. His mouse. His. He growled warningly. Lee tilted his head, lip curling. Then his Mate settled, stretching out along the baseboard. He watched Lee for a moment and scooted closer to the hole. His. Lee chuffed softly and inched a little closer, eyes twinkling. He growled again and slid a few inches closer himself, putting his paw near the hole. One black paw stretched out, claws showing. He whimpered, nose flaring. His tail switched. His Mate's tail answered his, sliding along the floor, thumping. Probably scaring his mouse. He growled, hissed. Quiet! Those bright green eyes widened, then narrowed. He got exactly one breath before Lee pounced him, biting his ass hard before loping down the hallway. 292

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He vibrated in place. Torn. The mouse or revenge. The mouse. Revenge. With a growl he left the mouse hole behind in his dust, going after his Mate. Lee tackled him as he rounded the corner, bit his ass, and then took off again, tearing up the stairs. No. Bounding up the fucking stairs. Growling, he took them four at a time. Intent on his new prey. He caught a glimpse of Lee's tail, disappearing through an open door. He gave chase, paws skittering on the floor as he rounded the door. He got pounced again, this time with a happy purr, the heavy, thick body thudding against him. He growled. Damn it. Lee probably would have caught the damn mouse anyway. He headbutted Lee and then lay back, enjoying the feeling of that heavy body against him. Lee licked his face, his ears, snuggling into him, purring loud. Those green eyes watched him, almost glowing with passion, with pleasure. With joy. And it was all for him. He purred, headbutting Lee again and then shifting, stretching, offering himself to his Mate. A rough, wet tongue slid along his belly, scraping over his nipples. He jerked and moaned, nipples and cock going hard. Lee purred, the motion repeated, his Mate tasting him, lapping at his skin. “Oh, fuck, Lee.” He whimpered, hands sliding into Lee's fur, holding on tight. Another purr, then those muscles rippled beneath his fingers. Lee's tongue slid over his hip, over his balls, over his shaft. 293

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Bucking, he pushed up into the licks. The licking continued, brushing over his cock, over the sensitive head, over his balls. Rough and warm, Lee's tongue sent him soaring, made him shiver and whimper, hips starting to rock. That black pelt was silken, soft against him, the tongue nowhere near as soft and twice as hot. His legs spread and he whimpered again, begging for more. Lee's cheeks slid along his inner thighs, breath panting against his balls, his ass, then that tongue slid again. He screamed, pushing against Lee's tongue. Again and again, his Mate laved and licked at him, nuzzling and nipping, driving him mad. “Lee! Please...” He was writhing, bucking, needing. Lee settled, tongue moving faster, harder, purrs filling the air. Whimpers and moans and needy sounds filled the air, coming from him. The sounds were hungry, Lee licking, lapping at the tip of his cock, feeding from him. He twisted Lee's fur, trying to get more. Lee rumbled, slowly morphing, tight sucking mouth pushing over his cock, pulling hard. He screamed, bucking up, hips pushing his cock deeper into Lee's mouth as his fingers slid through his Mate's hair. His Mate shifted, turning until that long, hard prick brushed his cheek, leaving a wet trail. His mouth opened and he reached for Lee's prick, wrapping his lips around the side of it, licking and sucking. Lee jerked, moaning loud around his dick, head moving faster, bobbing against him. He brought his hand up and got the tip of Lee's dick into his mouth and sucked the rest right in, pulling hard while he 294

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could, before Lee made him forget everything. Sharp and strong, Lee's prick leaked for him, proving his Mate's need even as that mouth proved Lee's hunger. He wrapped his hands around Lee, holding his lover's ass, squeezing as he sucked. He moved his own hips without thought, pressing up into Lee's mouth over and over. Oh, so good! They made a wild circle of want, of need, of lust. Lee sucked and he kissed and they fed and growled and purred and it was good. Screaming wasn't an option, but he tried anyway as Lee's mouth pulled his orgasm out of him. Lee drank him down, mouth so hot, pulling out every second of pleasure. He shuddered and shook and it was only when the last aftershock went through him that he started sucking Lee's cock with renewed fervor. “Rrrrrrrrrrex! Mate! Love!” Lee's voice was no more than a needy growl, so feral, such pure sex. He sucked harder, tongue sliding along Lee's cock. Soft cries sounded, mixed with purrs and sobs, Lee's hips rocking, pushing, needing him. He swallowed around the tip of Lee's shaft, pulling as much of his Mate into himself as he could. Lee growls were sharp, fierce, desperate. “Soon. Please.” He growled in return, sending vibrations along his Mate's cock. The pulse of seed was hot, sharp, so male upon his tongue. He swallowed again and again, taking Lee's essence into himself, marked by the burning seed. His Mate purred, cuddled close, licking his thigh. “Good.” “Yes, Mate. Good.” He rubbed his face against Lee's heat. “Love you.” Lee rolled and stretched, groaning. 295

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“Love you, Mate.” He morphed and curled up around Lee, purring. His Mate changed, started grooming, tongue running over his pelt. His purring grew louder. Sometimes it was better to be hunter. With Lee it was better to be Prey. **** There'd been rumors filtered down through drifters that Diego was sending scouts to Edgetown. That the Centreville Alpha was planning a little takeover. Rex had followed the rumors back to the Bakers, just outside of Edgetown. The rumors weren't wrong, he'd run into two of Diego's lieutenants, nosing about. He'd taken them by surprise, and he wasn't the kit who'd left Centreville. He'd sent them home with scratches across their noses and their tails between their legs. Not without a cost, though. His leather pants were the only reason he wasn't bleeding to death and he was terrified of what was going to happen when he took them off. He drove straight to the Pride, unsure where Leah was, needing his mate more than a doctor anyway. He nearly fell off his bike, but he did manage to get it parked, the engine turned off and then dragged himself up the stairs. Joseph was guarding the door. The surprise in the man's eyes was the last thing he saw as he collapsed. The sound of constant growling filled the air, furious and low, He could smell his Mate. Close and strong and raging. “Lee...” 296

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The growls stopped, the scent of love and Mate stronger. “Shh ... No talking, kit. Leah's got you all patched up, yeah? You're going to be fine.” Warm familiar hands stroked his face, lips moving over him. He wanted to just relax, just drift in Lee's love, but ... “Diego's men ... at Bakers.” A dark, furious roar sounded, the sounds of breaking glass filling the air. Leah's familiar scent came close. “I'm going to give you something, Rex. It'll make the pain stop. You'll be fine.” “Wait! Sent them home. But someone ... needs to watch. Lee! Diego needs watching.” He whimpered, needing Lee. A series of short, sharp snarls sounded, ringing through the room, then his Mate was there, furry and purring, tongue sliding over his skin. He whimpered, turning to bury his face in the soft fur, tears finally coming. The purrs were endless, the comfort and warmth cradling him, surrounding him. Lee's presence was everywhere, loving him. He wrapped one arm around Lee, holding on, holding tight. The growls and purrs echoed with the soft calls of “Mate” and “Mine” and “Love” and “Need” and “Pride". Again and again Lee sang to him. He floated there, healing as Leah's drugs and Lee's love worked on him. He wasn't sure how long he dozed, how long he floated with Lee holding him and purring, calling for him, for his health, but the strength of the Beast and the healing power of his Mate poured over him, easing him. 297

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However long it was, he finally opened his eyes, searching for his mate. Lee was curled at the end of the bed, stroking his leg, whispering with Joseph and Jenna. None of them looked like they'd slept in days, pale and drawn and worried. “Lee...” He called out to his mate, but it was little more than a croak. Thirsty, he was so thirsty. Six eyes looked over at him and Lee moved, so fast he couldn't keep track of his Mate. “Mate. You should rest. Jenna. Water.” “Need you,” he muttered, hand reaching out, searching for the warmth of his Mate's skin. “Shh...” Lee kissed his shoulder, moving until he was resting on those strong thighs, a straw placed to his lips. He felt better immediately, drinking down the water, feeling it rush into his stomach. Jenna stopped him from taking too much and he growled. Lee rumbled. “Easy, kit. You don't want to tear your stitches puking, yeah?” “Stitches?” “Just a few dozen. You were cut pretty bad. Healing quick though. Leah says you're strong, stronger than she imagined.” Jenna gave him another little drink. “Diego? Bakers? The Pride is safe, right?” “You don't worry, Mate. Diego will pay for his insult.” Lee's eyes flashed, a low growl sounding. “Mate ... the Pride needs you here.” He reached for Lee, grabbing his Mate's hand. “I need you here.”

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Lee nuzzled him, taking his hand. “Diego needs to understand he cannot interfere, cannot enter my territory, my Prideland.” He held as tightly as he could to Lee's hand. “I sent them away, Lee. With their tails between their legs. Two on one and they could not defeat me. Diego won't like those odds— he'll stay away.” Those bright eyes sparked. “So strong, my Mate. They're already scaring their kits with your name.” He laughed, hardly wincing at all with the pain. “If they are so scared of me, imagine how they feel about my mate, the Alpha of Edgetown. They must know you as the fierce Beast you are.” “Yes. And they will shudder soon when I tear Diego's throat out and smear his blood along the streets.” He growled, the sound low and dangerous. “I would like to see that, Mate.” He was nuzzled, Lee licking and nibbling his fingers, purring. Sensation moved through him, sweet need responding to his mate's touch. “You need to sleep. Joseph and I need to do rounds, Mate.” Kisses brushed his forehead, his brow. “You're leaving?” He clung to Lee's hand. “Shh ... I'll be close by. Samuel will watch you.” Lee leaned in, gave him a soft kiss. “I love you, Mate.” “Samuel isn't you,” he pointed out with a pout. “No. And if Diego sends out more men? Would you rather Samuel meet them, or me?” 299

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“He wouldn't dare.” But he let his pout go, let Lee's hand go. No one could protect the Pride like Lee could. “I will not risk us all, Mate. I will be close.” His hand was squeezed, then Lee moved away, the air around the Alpha crackling with violence. He watched Lee go, worry and pride and arousal all wrapping up within him. **** Five nights since his mate was attacked. Five. Five nights and between him and Joseph and Jenna? They'd taken down three scouts, leaving one alive with a message torn into its pelt, into its face. This town belonged to his Pride. Stay out. The last two nights had seen no sign of trouble, the message taken. Good. It was about damned time. He nodded at Sammy as he padded up the stairs. His Mate was home now. In his bed. Better. Lee suffered through a quick bath and then went to curl around Rex, sleep with his Mate. Touch. Taste. Rex purred in his sleep, pushing close. He purred back, slowly grooming, gentle and careful not to disturb. It infuriated him—that someone wanted to hurt Rex. His Mate. His. The dark green eyes opened, Rex's purring growing stronger. He rumbled and nuzzled, tongue sliding over the warm face. Loved this one. Loved his Mate. Rex's tongue tangled with his, his Mate pushing closer still. Oh. Oh, yes. He wrapped his arms around his Mate, rocking them together, kissing until the flavors were rich and 300

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sweet and familiar. Slowly they shifted, fur becoming skin, sliding together. “Mate.” He held and touched, happy purrs and soft moans vibrating his entire body. Rex growled a little and pushed him over, taking a longer, deeper kiss. Oh. Oh, yes. He pushed up into Rex's heat, rubbing hard, hands sliding down to pull Rex closer, deeper. “Mate. Need you.” “Are you well?” He reached down, wrapped their cocks together, growling low. “Yes.” Rex cried out the word, pushing hard into his hand. “Mate...” He growled low, arching, thrusting so their cocks slid together. Rex whimpered. “Need you, Lee. Need you.” “I'm here, Mate. Right here. I have you.” His hand moved faster, pumping and stroking. Rex moved wildly above him, need and hunger pouring from him. He pumped Rex hard, moving fast, squeezing hard, thumb rubbing that weeping slit. Rex screamed, seed spilling over his hand. It was the scent that sent him over, rich and male and strong. Rex was heavy and good on him, his Mate panting and nuzzling into his neck. He began petting, stroking and easing those long muscles. Rex purred, licking at his neck. “Mate. Lee. Love you.” “Mmm ... Love you. Better? I've missed you.” “Starting to be better. I didn't think Leah was ever going to let me come home.” 301

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He settled Rex into the curve of his body. “You were hurt bad, Mate. She knew better than to risk you.” Rex growled, but the noise soon slid back into a purr. “I'm okay now.” “Good. Need you.” He licked, nuzzled, breathed in the good scent of his Mate. Rex purred louder, hands stroking, petting lazily. “Mmm...” He closed his eyes, just let himself touch and love on Rex, let himself sink into the smells and tastes. “Gonna nap now,” Rex told him. “But after—want you to claim me.” “Shh. Sleep, Mate. With me.” He cuddled, draped himself over Rex. “Need you to take me after, Lee. Promise me.” “As soon as we can, kit. I need you.” “After my nap,” Rex told him, head lifting, green eyes dark as they gazed into his own. “I need.” He nodded, purring low, rubbing their cheeks together. Yes. Yes. “After your nap.” Rex relaxed, head going back down, purring. “Love you. Mate.” “Love. Mate. Mine.” The words were growled and then he was dreaming, stalking in high grasses, following Rex's tail.

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Chapter 8 The morning after the moon began to wane was always a bit ... dicey. You were never sure how hard the Beast rode you. Whether you hunted or slept, growled and snapped or snuggled. Lee opened one eye, stretched out each leg, slow and easy, checking for soreness, wounds. Nope. Whole and healthy. Next he looked for his Mate, to assure Rex had survived the moon intact. Rex was asleep next to him, lying on his back, making a snuffling noise with each breath. He looked healthy enough. He purred softly, curling towards his Mate, cuddling close. Mmm ... smelled good. Rex rolled toward him with a purr, his Mate still asleep. “Mmm...” He draped himself over Rex's body, licking soft and slow, grooming and scenting. Even in his sleep, Rex responded to him, arousal making the air tart. It made his movements slower, slinkier, his tongue trailing over his Mate, tasting. Rex's purrs got sexier, rumblier and one of his Mate's eyes opened, green, dark, exposing his Mate's need. He rumbled softly, licking his way up the beloved body for a kiss. “Rrrrrrrrrrrrex.” Rex growled lightly and headbutted him playfully before licking his face. 303

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Oh, his Mate made him happy! Lee rolled them slowly, bumping and bouncing along the cushions. Rex chuffed with laughter, body rubbing against his wherever possible. Their cheeks rubbed together, the strong, good, male scent of them everywhere. Rex was purring and growling, tongue licking, paws batting at him. They wrestled and he pushed against those paws, enjoying the touch, the strength there. Rex wasn't challenging him though, not today. Today Rex was wrestling for fun, for sweet, slow arousal's sake. Chuffing with laughter, little playful nips making them both needy, they settled in the sunlight, stretching on the warmed spots. They continued to rub and shift against each other, licking and nuzzling, the arousal building until Rex shifted. His Mate gasped, rubbing a hard cock against him. He purred, vibrating his whole body, offering the softness of his belly to Rex's touch. “Oh, Lee ... Mate.” Rex's hands buried in the fur of his ruff, shaft sliding along his belly. Yes. Mate. Good. He stretched and purred, pleasure filling him. Rex whimpered, moving faster, his Mate's cock like a brand against him. So hard. So hot. So good. He growled softly, eyes watching his Mate closely, the need a hot burn in his belly. Those green eyes gazed at him, full of heat and hunger. Panting, he rubbed harder, pelt sliding over Rex's heat. “Lee! Oh love. Mate.” He could tell from the smell that Rex was close, body working hard for its pleasure. 304

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He growled, arching, teeth closing gently over Rex's wrist. Rex screamed, heat splashing against his belly. Lee jerked, his own body responding to the scent, the taste of his Mate's skin. He spent, roaring, muscles rippling in pleasure. Rex whimpered, hands scratching now, face nuzzling his muzzle. He purred, bending to lick the salt and cream from his Mate's belly. “Lee ... oh, love you.” Rex scratched up along his back and behind his ears. Oh. Oh, yes. More. Mate. He stre-e-e-e-e-e-e-etched. Rex chuckled. “You are such a sucker for this.” His Mate's fingers dug in harder though. His tongue lolled, paws kneading the air. Good. Good. “You're lucky I love you, you know.” Rex kept scratching. “Someone who didn't would take advantage of you while you were like this.” Purr. Happy. Good. More. Mate. Good. Good. “Love you,” Rex said again, voice becoming a purr as those fingers kept making him drool. He panted, vision blurring, completely blissful. Rex never stopped, just kept scratching, face nuzzling his muzzle. He licked and nuzzled, melted and warm. Slowly he morphed, blinking into Rex's eyes. “Love.” “Yes.” “Mate.” “Yes.” They curled together in the sun, letting the heat bake their bones. **** 305

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He came home mad and ruffled, one ear bit, cheek bruised and sore, a deep cut on one paw. Granted, he was still alive, which couldn't be said for the fool who jumped him, but still ... Lee growled, pacing in front of the door, impatient to be let in. He was going to just drive to Centreville and kill Diego himself. He'd had enough. Just drive in, tear the bastard's throat out and run like hell before the Pride attacked en masse. He'd have to go in disguise, because once they killed him, they'd come for the pack. Rex and Joseph were strong enough, but to hold strong against another Pride? He roared again. Somebody open the fucking door! Chris opened the door, eyes widening. “Lee!” He loped in, rumbling and snarling, limping more than a little now. He watched until the doors were locked and secured and then started prowling, making sure his Pride was safe. Chris paced him, shifting and trying to groom, to lick at his wounds, offering concern and comfort. He made it everywhere but upstairs before he collapsed, let Chris help him, let the huge one-eyed golden cat lick away the scent of a foreigner's blood. He was so tired of fighting. Leah came in, growling softly. “Where's Rex?” Chris shrugged and morphed. “Out. He didn't say where but I think he's looking for Lee.” “That kit's going to be pissed.” “I'll impress upon him the need to be here helping Lee.” Chris morphed back and gave him one last lick before slinking off. 306

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Leah gave him something cool and clear to lap up before checking him over. She put stitches in his left paw and bandaged it and his ear, then gave him a shot of something that made him dizzy and lazy, made him growl at shadows. He had no concept of how long it had been before Rex showed up, his Mate growling and angry, pushing close and beginning to groom him. He relaxed, melted, purring loud, finally able to stop thinking and just feel. His Mate was home. Rex cleaned him everywhere, sniffing suspiciously at his ear and paw before licking the bandages, making them smell like his Mate. He stretched, rubbing against his Mate, whimpering as he started kneading the air and his sore paw hurt. Rex growled again, nuzzling and licking his muzzle. Soft whimpers of concern filled the air. He started chewing off the bandage, wanting Rex's touch there, Rex to clean and soothe the wound. Rex headbutted him and then morphed, fingers warm and gentle, stroking his head and then his paw. “Sh ... let me get the bandage off before you rip out the stitches.” He panted and nodded, watching patiently, trusting his Mate completely. Rex growled as the bandage came off. “I'm going to kill him.” He growled low. Oh, he so didn't think so. Diego was his. Rex gave him a look. “You aren't in any shape to protest, Mate.” Then his Mate shifted and gently licked at his paw. Lee whimpered and nuzzled. His mate's touch was so good, easing the ache and the itch, Lee's body responding to Rex's strength. Rex finished cleaning him and then licked his 307

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muzzle, lying close and offering comfort and heat and strength. He nestled close, offering his Mate the highest honor, offering Rex his weakness and need. Rex curled around him, grooming idly and purring, keeping him warm and safe. Lee closed his eyes, nestling close, wrapping himself in that purr. **** Lee wasn't as badly hurt as he'd been, their Alpha having only suffered a few cuts and bruises. Still, it made Rex snappish, snarling at anyone who came too near, even the kittens. Lee was his. His Mate. His Lee. His. The instinct to go back to Centreville and take down Diego was large and screaming. Louder than that though, was the instinct to stay and protect his Mate, so that was what he did, soothing Lee back to sleep whenever Lee awoke. Lee was shifting again, licking restlessly at the wounded paw, fussing and worrying at the stitches. He went to his Mate and nosed Lee away from the paw, taking it between his own and holding it still as he gently licked. His Mate relaxed, began grooming him, purring with a low, peaceful rumble. He growled softly and shifted, hands going to rub Lee's ears, knowing his Mate went wild for this. Lee's eyes rolled, big head landing on his lap. The torn ear had already healed under his care and tongue. Still it was odd and bumpy against his fingers. It made him growl again and he buried his hands in the fur just behind Lee's ears, scratching hard. If Lee purred any louder, he was going to shake the paintings off the wall. Rex grinned at those 308

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pleasure-dazed green eyes, the tongue sticking out between sharp teeth. “Love you,” he murmured. “My Mate. My Lee. Mine.” Lee morphed for the first time since the attack, cheekbone bruised, but healing. “Yes. Yours. Rrrrrrrrex.” He ghosted his fingertips along the bruised cheek, feeling the heat of blood there, near the surface. “Love you,” he said again, bending and bringing their mouths gently together. Lee opened to him with a soft rumble, lips parting for him, tongue sliding against his own. He whimpered, not wanting to hurt his Mate, but needing so much, needing to touch and feel and love, to know that Lee was good. Not hurt. So he deepened the kiss. Lee purred, pushing closer, opening to his kiss. The scent of arousal flared, heady, addictive. So male. He shifted, lying down and encouraging Lee to lie on top of him. Wrapping his arms around Lee's neck, he held his Mate close and one kiss pushed into another and another. Lee shifted, rocked against him, rumbling softly. The kisses were lazy, long, but edged with his Mate's need, that ever-present hunger. He spread his legs, cradling his Mate, feeding noises of need and want into Lee's mouth. Their cocks slid together, Lee hot and sleek above him, kisses devouring him. “Need you, Mate. Need to feel you deep inside.” “Mmm ... ride me? My hand...” Lee held up the cut paw, nuzzling and nipping at his jaw. He nodded and pushed Lee over, his own hand cradling Lee's head. He straddled his Mate, teasing them both as he 309

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slid back and forth, rubbing Lee's cock along his crack. Lee rippled beneath him, a wanton rumble filling the air, lean hips pushing up against him. He leaned over, kissing and licking at Lee's skin. Then he sat back, guiding his Mate's prick into himself. “Mate! Love!” His Mate stretched, so beautiful in passion, in need. He kept pushing down until he was sitting on Lee's hips, that thick shaft buried deep inside him. He whimpered. So good. So very good. “Love you.” Lee was panting, muscles twitching. “My Rex. My Mate.” “Yes, Mate. Yours.” He started off slowly, pushing himself up and then dropping back down again, hands on Lee's chest for leverage. Lee was deep inside him, filling him, stretching and claiming. He purred and growled, moaned and groaned, letting Lee hear everything, hear how much he loved this. One hand reached up, trailed down his belly, petting, stroking. He moaned, body bucking once before settling back into its rhythm. His cock was taken in hot fingers, Lee panting and watching him, soft growls filling the air. “Lee! Oh, Mate.” He roared softly, moving faster, coming back down harder on Lee's cock. “Yes. More. Good.” Lee lifted his knees, hips pushing up. They moved fast and hard together, Lee's need sending his own soaring. Lee roared, fingers squeezing, heat filling him as his Mate came. He screamed, his own seed shooting from his body. His Mate relaxed, purring, slowly licking long fingers clean. “Mmm ... Mate.” 310

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He tightened his ass around Lee's cock. “Yes. Mate. Mine.” Lee's eyes flashed. “Rrrrrrrrrrrex! Yours.” He purred and carefully lay down upon his Mate. “Love you.” Lee nuzzled. “Have I been asleep long?” “Long enough,” he complained, nuzzling back. Lee chuckled. “You're the one who kept petting me.” “Leah said you needed your sleep. And you didn't smell right.” Lee purred, stroking his spine, his thigh, his cheek. “And now, Mate? Do I smell right?” He nuzzled Lee's neck, breathing in the pride and Lee and himself and sex. “You smell perfect.” “Good.” Lee yawned and stretched. “Mm ... let's go eat, Mate. Hungrrrrrry.” He climbed off his mate and shifted, licking Lee's face. His Mate lifted his chin, purring. “Rex.” He headbutted his Mate gently. Come on, Mate. Food. You need to eat. “Pushy kit.” Those green eyes twinkled, then Lee slowly got to his feet. He growled. Not a kit. He pushed closer to Lee, offering his Mate support if it was needed. Lee draped over him, scenting him. “Thank you, Mate. I needed you.” He purred, head going back to rub against Lee. “So brave, my Mate. So strong.” His Mate stroked his belly. “Not a kit, yes?” Oh. Oh, no. No he wasn't. His purrs increased and he rubbed hard against Lee's legs. Lee shifted, rumbling and vocalizing softly, leaning against him as they limped into the kitchen for the Pride to see. See 311

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the Alpha leaning on him. No. Not a kit. Not a kit at all.

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Chapter 9 Rex loved the feeling of his motorcycle between his legs. Engine thrumming, noisy and vibrating, wind rushing past him, wheels hugging the road. It was almost as good as sex. Almost. All right, no where near as good as sex, but it was the next best thing, so all that proved was that Lee could make him purr faster than anything. Thinking of his mate made him hungry and he turned the hog at the next corner, winding his way back through the dark, midnight streets. He pulled up in the alley behind the bar, letting the motor idle for a moment or two before turning it off. Stepping off the bike, he took off his helmet and gloves and then leaned casually against the bike, waiting for his Mate. It wasn't long before the back door open, Lee dark and sultry in his white shirt, tight jeans. “Rrrrrrrrrex.” He purred. “Lee.” He moved slowly toward his Mate, slinking as the need thrummed through him. Those bright eyes trailed over him, one of Lee's hands dropping to frame that sweet cock. His purr became a growl, telling Lee the tale of his need, his hunger. His growl was met by Lee's, his Mate's thighs parting, muscles rippling. Offering that hard need, that feral sex that belonged to him. His growl changed and he launched himself at Lee, knocking his Mate into the wall as he plastered their bodies together, took Lee's mouth. Lee's hand wrapped around his 313

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head, sliding into his hair and tugging him close. He bit at Lee's lips, fingers digging hard into his Mate's hips. Low growls filled the air around them, the full moon only days away, the Beast strong and hungry, needing. Too many clothes and the urge to turn into the Beast was strong, but this wasn't the place. Instead he grabbed Lee's t-shirt and tore it, baring his Mate's torso to his hungry mouth. The growl was sweet, the arch into his lips better. “Mate!” He bit at one nipple and then the other, nipping the tight belly. The tight muscles rippled beneath his mouth, Lee snarling, growling. Wanting him. He tore open Lee's jeans sucking down the fat prick that leapt out. “Fuck!” His Mate didn't play, didn't tease, just wrapped hard hands around his head and started fucking his mouth. His growls vibrated along Lee's cock, his hands wrapping around his Mate's ass. That thick cock pushed hard, deep, thrusting into his throat. He moaned and whimpered, purred and growled, sucking hard, taking it all, wanting more. He felt Lee tightening, beginning to shake when suddenly he was lifted, spun against the door, Lee's hands tearing down his leathers. “Mine. Need. Mate.” He helped Lee get his pants off, pushing his ass back toward his Mate. The wide, thick cock pressed into him, fucking him deep and hard, not giving him the chance to relax, to adjust. He whimpered and then growled, rocking back to meet each thrust. Sharp teeth fastened onto his nape, Lee holding him, marking him, tasting him. He screamed, coming hard, body 314

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clamping down on Lee's shaft. The thrusts within him grew fierce and then Lee roared, filling him with heat, with his Mate's seed. He slumped against the wall, purring. A hot tongue slid across his nape, nuzzling and stinging just a little. “Love you.” His purrs got louder. “Love you.” “Good. Want to come in? I have to do the deposit and make an order.” He nodded. “Yeah. And then we can do it all over again.” Lee chuckled, the sound a rolling purr, “My clothes won't survive a do-over, Mate.” “So take ‘em off first,” he growled. Lee's teeth scraped his skin, the answering growl delicious, sensual. “If you're good...” He shivered. “And if I'm bad?” “Then I'll make you take them off me with your teeth, Mate.” “Is that a promise or a threat?” he asked, rubbing back against Lee. “You'll have to find out, won't you?” Lee dropped a kiss on his neck. “Come on in. After we're done, you can take me for a ride.” “Oh, I'd love to.” He turned and took Lee's hand, squeezing tight. “Love you, Mate.” His hand was brought up to Lee's lips, licked. “I know.” Happy, sated for the moment, he followed his mate.

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Chapter 10 He stumbled home, torn body and soul. Lupa had called him, whimpering, scared, begged for help. “I want to come home, Brother. I want to be free. Diego, he ... Please, Lee.” So he'd gone to get her, his sister's agony ringing in his ears like a roar, like water falling and falling, like the call of the moon. She had been alone, standing silent and dark and small in the alley—only her eyes, bright as his own, giving her away. “Lupa? Can you walk, love? Come on, let me take you home, get you safe.” He could see the tears in her eyes, the loss hidden there, sown there. Her features, a match to his own, two hearts in a single litter. She stumbled toward him, tears streaking her face. “You came.” “Yes, you called. You knew I would come.” Lupa nodded, sobbing. “I knew.” “Come home, Lupa. I will protect you.” He held his arms open, reaching for his twin, his sister. The neon lights were red and blue and flashing, almost a warning and he felt the sudden instinct to move, to take Lupa and run home. Run fast. Something in Lupa's face hardened and she pushed into his arms. “You will protect me. You will.” The blade was so sharp it didn't hurt, simply left a chill deep in his belly. “Lupa?” 316

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Her eyes were cold and hot all at once. “He has my children, Lee. You will protect them, protect me. Once he has your pelt at his feet, all will be well. You promised to protect me.” “I...” He felt wet heat pouring over his hand, agony so deep he could not feel it. Oh. Oh, please. No. “I would have brought you home with me. I would have given you a home.” “Like you gave the weakling I sent you? Your mate? Diego will tear him apart and stake him out as a gift for his lieutenants, a hole. You will die. Your Pride will fall. You have no home, Lee.” Rex. Mate. His home. He could still hear the sound her head made as it rolled into the darkness, the click of her earrings against the concrete echoing in his ears. They had slept together, curled and snuggling for years. She had been beside him in the womb, in the world. Soon, in the grave. Lee walked up the stairs, silent but for the slow drip of blood from the cuff of his pants. Home. Home to his Mate. Home to the one who would soon be the Alpha. Home to die. Rex was in the rec room, watching a movie with the others, laughing. Beautiful. Strong. Oh, how he loved ... Lee kicked the couch, snarling. “It's time, kit. Get up. Fight me.” 317

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They all jumped, startled and Rex's nostrils flared. “Lee! You're hurt!” His Mate came to him, worry and concern etched deep. “Call Leah!” demanded Rex. He shook his head. He didn't have time for this. Gathering the last of his energy, he attacked, trusting in Rex's instincts, trusting in the Beast. Rex morphed, one big paw batting him easily aside. Then Rex was standing over him, human once again, snarling at the kits. “I said get Leah! Now!” His Mate turned back to him, anger and hurt and fear making the green eyes dark like the night. “What's the matter with you—have you gone mad? You're hurt!” He forced himself on his knees, forced his eyes open. “He'll come now. Lupa is dead. You ... You protect them. The Pride is yours. Mark me.” He sobbed once, looking into his Mate's eyes. “Please. Let me die as your own. As Pride.” The beast stood again in front of him, Rex growling. Then his head was pushed back and Rex's mouth closed over his throat, teeth sharp and strong, breaking the skin. Then Rex stood over him and roared. The victor. The new Alpha. Lee sighed, tears sliding down his face as he morphed, slinking into the Beast, into the darkness. So beautiful, his Mate. How he loved. **** Smelled bad. Sharp. He fought his way up out of a nightmare where Lupa's disembodied head chased him through the streets, teeth flashing in the lamplight. 318

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Hurting. Trapped. Cages. Home. Home. He roared, or tried to, the sound that escaped him only a squeak, raw and tiny. A gentle hand slid along his fur, petting, soothing. “Sh ... Lee, it's okay. You're home. With the Pride.” The voice belonged to Leah, the smell to her antiseptic and her medicines. Lee let his eyes fall closed again, panting as he tried to relax. Home. Home. Home. “Are you still in pain? The wound is healing nicely. You were lucky—it didn't get any of your intestines.” He whined, not quite able to find his human form, needing his Mate's strength. His Mate. Rex. Where was Rex? He lifted his head, calling out, worried and needing. Leah pushed him back down, shushing him again. “Rest, Lee.” She turned, bending to speak to one of the kits who bounded away. He forced himself up, legs buckling as they hit the floor. The ache inside him bloomed into pain as he started sliding, back legs moving stiff on the floor. He needed his Mate. “Damn it, Lee! I told you to rest.” Leah reached for him, but was pushed away, Rex there, snarling at her, making her back off. Then his mate was sniffing him. Lee tried to purr, pushing close. Mate. Mate. Mate. 319

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Rex roared and out of the corner of his eye he could see everyone scatter. He was pushed to the ground, Rex beginning to lick him, groom him. Oh. He relaxed, sinking into the feel and scent of his Mate touching him, loving him. Lee rubbed his cheek against one paw, tongue sliding clumsy over Rex's fur. Rex growled and headbutted him gently, moving out of range. He was groomed from ears to the tip of his tail, Rex spending a long time at his wound, licking, cleaning, adding his Mate's scent and strength to the healing process. He was purring by the end, the pain faded to a dull throb by Rex's touch. Rex nudged him, pushed him toward a patch of sunlight. Oh, warm. Bright. He curled up carefully beside Rex, chin leaning against Rex's heat. Rex put a paw over him, growling softly. He managed to tilt his head, lick Rex's jaw and chin, just loving and touching . Rex morphed suddenly, the pale skin bruised and scarred, fingers digging into his fur and scratching him behind the ears. Lee melted, crying out his worry, his pain, rough growls and sobs and almost-barks sounding as he laid his soul out for his Mate, baring himself and his pain. “He's dead, Lee. I killed him. All his lieutenants are gone, too. Joseph stayed in Centerville. He's the Alpha there now. He'll teach them the proper way to be a Pride.” Rex's voice was rough, as if from disuse or abuse. He whimpered softly. If only he'd gone earlier, fought Diego earlier, been stronger. Rex looked down at him. “I'm mad at you, you know. I 320

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thought I'd killed you. I had to go fight Diego thinking I'd killed my mate.” He forced himself to morph, knowing he couldn't hold it long, knowing he couldn't bear it, but needing to speak. “I'm sorry. I couldn't leave the Pride without an Alpha. You should have been Alpha before. I ... I'm old, Rex. Too weak.” Rex growled at him, hands gentle on his face, stroking his skin. “Not old.” “I ... I love you. You...” He swallowed his pride, his ego, tears falling onto Rex's fingers. “You are free now. To take another. A younger Mate. Stronger. No one will blame you.” Rex's growling grew stronger, angry. “Don't make me beat you again, Lee.” He chuckled, wincing as it pulled his wound. “I'm at a disadvantage, kit.” “Not a kit,” Rex shot back immediately, the growls easing. Rex's fingers were warm and soft on his skin, his Mate's tongue licking at his cheeks, cleaning away his tears. “You are my Mate, Lee. I will kill anyone who tries to say otherwise.” Lee nodded. “Yours. For as long as you need me.” He blinked, fighting the need to change. “Lupa's kits? Did you find them? Bring them home?” Rex growled again. “I will not have them here.” “They are Pride. They are family.” “Joseph is Alpha at the Centreville Pride now, he will take care of them.” “They are mine to protect.” He blinked, losing his form, so tired. He slumped into Rex's strength, purring softly. 321

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“Joseph will protect them as his own.” Rex petted him, stroked and scratched him. “I am Alpha now, Lee, and I will not have them here.” Lee would have argued, would have fought, but ... he was tired in a place deeper than his bones, deeper than his heart, and he needed to heal. To rest. So he stopped fighting and slept. **** Rex wasn't happy. He didn't mind being Alpha, though he wasn't as good at it as Lee had been. And he'd enjoyed the fight against Diego. He'd wanted to kill that rat for a long time. He hated how it had happened though. Hated that he'd thought he'd killed Lee. Hated that he'd had to take his Mate while Lee was already down. It was like he'd cheated. And now he was Alpha and the threat from Centreville was neutralized and he should have been happy but he wasn't. He and Lee should have taken Diego down together. He lay in the middle of Lee's pillows ... his pillows, letting the sun warm him. The rest of the Pride gave him a wide berth, even the youngest of the kits keeping their distance. He smelled Lee before he saw him, his Mate aged by the last few days, moving slow and careful. Lee looked at the pile of cushions, then up at his perch, then sighed and curled up on the floor in the sunshine, unwilling to leap. He could feel the growl building and he wanted to tear Diego to pieces all over again along with that bitch who hurt his Mate. He 322

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swallowed it and leapt down, landing next to Lee, nuzzling, licking. Lee's eyes lit up, the low purr sounding immediately. His face was groomed, Lee nuzzling close, scenting him. He groomed and licked Lee all over, searching for the wounds, checking to make sure they were healing. He could not taste sickness. Lee was getting better every day. Physically. But his Lee would have attempted the leap. Lee nestled close, eyes closing, breathing soft and quiet. His Lee would be heading back to work, would be hunting. Would be eating with them all. Would be playing, pouncing and making love. Would be their Alpha. He headbutted Lee. His Mate rumbled softly, curled tighter, licked him. He growled and pounced Lee's tail. One eye opened, blinked at him. Then Lee's tail flicked his nose, thwapping him. That was more like it. He pounced Lee's tail again, biting the tip. Lee growled and nipped his leg, tail pulled in close, hidden except for the twitching, moving tip. He batted Lee's hip and headbutted his Mate again. Lee would play with him or make him stop. Lee made a soft, curious noise, moving close, licking his face in long, slow motions, loving on him. He whimpered, growing more upset. He bounded away, ran around Lee twice and bounded back, headbutting his Mate again. Lee growled, pushing back against him, baring those teeth a little in warning. Yes!

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He bounced and headbutted again. His Mate puffed up, growling steady, eyes focused on him, tail swishing sharp and hard. The message was clear. Stop or Lee would bite. Yes! Maybe they would fight. Maybe Lee would win. Maybe things could go back to normal. He headbutted his mate again. Lee was rumbling, meeting him head on and pushing back, teeth nipping his ear. He batted at Lee's shoulder, bounding away and then turning back and headbutting again. Lee's eyes were bright, watching him with a look that was halfaggravated, half-amused. He growled. Come on, Lee. He ran around Lee again and pounced Lee's tail, biting hard. Lee spun with a roar, pushing hard, backing him up with a flare of fury and energy and teeth. The snarls were strong, sure, careful warnings, clear warnings. He'd never been so happy to hear anything in his life. He growled back, batting playfully at Lee's shoulder, butting their heads together again. Come on, Lee. Fight! The roars filled the air, aggravated and pissed off and alive. Strong. Lee meeting him head-on, protecting that scarred belly, refusing to give up any ground. He pounced his Mate and they rolled. Lee ended up beneath him, back legs raking at his belly, teeth sharp against his shoulder. He backed off, head low, growling softly.

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Green eyes watched him, breath coming hard. When Lee morphed, it was almost odd, seeing the man. “What are you up to?” He growled and went to Lee, butting his Mate's hand, wanting a scratch for a moment, then he morphed. “I wanted you back.” Lee opened his mouth, then nodded. “It's hard. I hurt.” He spread his fingers over Lee's belly. “I don't smell anymore sickness. Leah will give you something if you have pain. I need you.” “Not there. I ... She was my twin, my sister. I ... I hurt. I don't know how not to be the Alpha. I don't know where I fit.” “Then fight me. Take it back from me.” He backed off, opening his arms, offering Lee a target. “You don't understand. I ... You are Alpha, Rex. You defeated Diego. You have been able to best me for months now. We both know it. Now the Pride knows.” Lee shook his head. “I won't take what is yours.” “I don't want it,” he growled. “You're good at being Alpha. All I'm good at is fighting and playing.” “Then learn.” Lee growled back, eyes flashing. “This house is yours now, the Pride needs you.” “The Pride needs you.” “The Pride needs strength, Rex. They need strength and youth and power. Things I can't offer anymore.” Lee opened his arms. “What am I supposed to do? Pretend? Lie about the fact that you can best me? I have honor, Rex.” He sighed and threw himself down among the cushions. “I just want things to be like they were before.” 325

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Lee settled beside him. “I know, Mate. But we knew it would happen. I ... This would have been easier if I'd died, you know? I thought I would.” He growled and pushed Lee down, straddling him. “NO! I thought you were dead and it was awful.” Lee met his eyes. “I came home to you. All I could see was you.” “I thought I'd killed you. I had to face Diego thinking I'd killed you.” He lowered his head, leaning to rest his head on Lee's shoulder. “I was so scared,” he admitted, whispering. “I'm still scared, Lee.” “I know.” Lee wrapped around him, purring, holding him and easing his soul like no one else could. “But you did it. You did your duty. My brave, beautiful Mate. My Heart. I lived because I could not do without you.” He purred. “My Mate.” “Yes. Yours.” Lee nuzzled him, snuggling close. “We will find our way, kit. We mate for life, yes?” He chuckled. “Call me that again.” “My kit. My Mate.” He nodded. “Yours, Lee.” He brought their lips together, the kiss slow and soft. Lee snuggled close, purring and pliant, warm in his arms. He whimpered, body shaking. It had been too long since they'd come together like this, he'd come too close to losing it. Lee's hands were in his hair, on his skin, the sweet mouth moving over his face, his mouth. “Oh, Mate, Mate. Love you.” He slid his own hands over Lee's skin, so warm and soft and hard muscles and good. 326

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“Love you. Oh ... Oh, I thought I'd lost this. Touch me. Mate.” The words were whispered, his Mate needing him. He pushed Lee down into the cushions, following his Mate down, mouths fused together. Lee's hunger met his own, tongue pressing deep, then backing off and letting him in, meeting him as an equal. He growled into Lee's mouth, tongue diving in as he ground their dicks together. Lee's hands were everywhere, petting and stroking and driving him mad. He whimpered and purred, growled and moaned, driving their hips together as sensations slammed through him. “Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrex! Need! Mate!” Lee gasped, eyes rolling. He nodded, pushing a hand between them and wrapping their pricks together, pulling hard. “Mate. Mine.” “Yours.” Lee arched, throat bared for him, his mark obvious on the smooth skin. He wrapped his lips around Lee's skin, his Mate's heartbeat pulsing beneath his tongue. He let his teeth sink into the skin, sucking hard to pull up a new mark. Lee cried out, the sound of need slamming through him, sweeter and sharper than he remembered, pure. “Oh, Mate! Mate!” With a roar, he came, spilling his seed on his Mate's belly, marking Lee with the scent of their pleasure. Lee whimpered, groaned as more heat joined his, as their need scented the room. He gave Lee's neck one last suck and kissed the skin that held his mark and then brought their mouths together again. The kiss was sweet and went on and on, their purrs and rumbles shared between them. 327

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At last he morphed, kisses turning to licks, to scenting as he rubbed his cheeks against Lee. His Mate. His. Lee shifted, rumbling for him, bright eyes watching him, loving him. That was better. That was his Lee. He gently nipped Lee's nose and then settled, tail wrapping around his Mate. Lee nuzzled close, eyes closed, one paw gently rolling against his belly. The weight of responsibility was heavy, but he had this, he had Lee. That made it worth it.

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Chapter 11 Lee wiped off the bar, put the glasses away, not hurrying, just working with the slow steady rhythm he'd found as he healed. He was spending longer and longer hours here, giving Rex a chance to lead, to be Alpha. It was hard for all of them—but what had been done could not be undone. Rex was younger, stronger. Rex had taken out Diego. He had ... not. So, he was giving the Pride what they needed, time with the new Alpha, time to restructure, time to settle. Still, he was lonely and his heart yearned to just go home and stay for days and days, surround himself with good Pride smells, good food. His Mate. He let the music keep playing as he went to do the night's deposit, curling into his chair and counting as he hummed along. He thought he heard the sound of an engine revving hard, then it came again, out in the alley. Lee tilted his head, listening, sniffing. That was definitely an engine revving, a motorcycle. The sound came one more time and then cut out. Someone was out there. He locked the money away without a thought, rumbling softly, before going to the back door and opening it, meeting whoever it was directly. There he was, leaning against a bike, dressed head to toe in tight, black leather. 329

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He purred, eyes traveling over the fine form, nostrils flaring as the scent of his Mate. “Rex.” “Lee.” His mate stood and slowly stalked toward him. Oh. He watched, rumbling softly, eyes burning in his head as he drank in his Mate, his beautiful Rex. “You've been hiding from me.” “I have not. You know where I've been.” Hiding was really a strong word. Really. “You haven't been home where you belong. Haven't been with the Pride for days.” “I've come in a few times. You all need time. You need it, the Pride needs it. I'm just giving you some room to breathe.” He offered Rex a wry grin. “It's not like it's common, changing Alpha males and having them both stick around...” “I need you,” Rex growled, eyes hot on his. “I'm yours. I'm not going anywhere.” He stepped forward, rumbling, refusing to back down. “Nowhere but home.” Rex growled, the sound deep, necessary. Then Rex leapt at him, slamming him against the wall as his Mate's mouth took his. His world spun a minute, his lips parting immediately, need slamming over him, almost hurting. Rex tore at his clothes, baring his skin, fingernails clawing at him. He arched, roaring, body jerking beneath Rex's touch. “Mine,” growled Rex, mouth going to his throat, biting, pulling up a mark. “Fuck!” He pulled back, hands pushing through Rex's hair. “Yours! Mate!” 330

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Rex grabbed his thighs and pulled him up so he was straddling his Mate's body. “Want you.” Oh. Lee stiffened, pushed back. Not like this. It had been too long. Too many years. Not out here in an alley. “Mate. Not like this.” Rex's lip curled and he was dropped, Rex backing away with a growl. Lee met Rex's eyes. “Don't, kit. I haven't ... been mounted in years, and then only once. I just...” His words trailed off. Just what? Just needed time? Care? Just needed to be twenty years younger and in his prime? Rex's nostrils flared, he kept backing away. “If I stay, I'll take you.” Still growling, Rex turned and got on his bike, revving the engine, eyes never leaving his. Then Rex was gone. Oh. Lee went back into the bar, locking the door, and pulled the deposit back out. It was a long time before he noticed the radio station had gone to static, the music over. **** Rex rode all night. He just went, letting the beast lead him. If he'd stayed with Lee he would have taken his lover, right there up against the wall. It had surprised him. Shocked him. The way the beast had risen, had demanded he have his due as Alpha. Scared him. He could have hurt Lee. If he'd stayed he would have. 331

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Dawn saw him back at the house where the Pride lived. His Pride. The beast inside him was more than willing to be Alpha, to fight to keep the title. He wasn't willing to hurt Lee though. So he'd stopped at the drug store. Picked up stuff. They would go at their own pace and he wouldn't hurt Lee and it would be good. He slipped in, rubbing cheeks with Chris who was standing guard duty at the door and then headed for his nest of cushions, hoping Lee had decided to come home tonight. He found his Mate, curled tight in the windowsill, tail draped over closed eyes. He purred softly, hands digging into Lee's fur. So beautiful his mate, strong and virile. Lee's eyes popped open, searching his face for a heartbeat before the soft purr answered his own, muscles rippling. “Mate,” he murmured. He rubbed his cheeks against Lee's, the soft fur like silk against his skin. His jaw was licked, Lee's tongue rough and hot, dragging on his skin. He chuckled. “Love you, Mate.” Lee morphed slowly, sitting on the windowsill, black hair tousled. “Love you.” He stood between Lee's legs, hands sliding over his mate's warm shoulders. The low rumbling purr never faltered, Lee's eyelids drooping, eyes blinking slowly. “Rrrrrrrrrrrrex.” “Lee.” He brought their mouths together, tasting the purr from the inside. Oh, his Mate tasted hot, salty and dark and rich and wanton. Lee opened easily, fingers stroking through his hair, petting him. He pulled Lee close, his Mate's bare skin 332

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hot against his leathers. No resistance, no worry—his Mate melted against him, all long muscles and pure heat. “I want to make love to you,” he murmured. “Make my claim as your Alpha. As your Mate.” Bright green eyes met his own, quiet, warm. “Trust you, Mate. Love me.” He purred, the sound sliding into a growl of possession, of need. Lee's lips covered his, strong and sure. His. Only his. “I'll need your help. You'll show me what to do, right?” “We'll be fine.” Lee nuzzled, whispering low. “You'll touch me and I'll need you and I'll wear your mark deep inside.” “Lee...” He purred, taking Lee's hands and tugging him from the windowsill to their nest of cushions. They settled together, his leathers pushed away, Lee's mouth and hands warm and sure on his body. So different from earlier, the need held no anger, no fury, only a sliding sensuality that threatened to drown him. He almost wished that Lee was going to take him, but his body knew what it wanted, what they both needed and he pushed Lee onto his back, mouth moving over warm skin, hands sliding, finding the places that made Lee moan for him. “Rrrrrrrrrex...” Lee arched, rocking up into his body, rubbing slow, cock hard and hot against his belly. “Oh, love you, Mate. Love you.” He reached over for the lube. “It's time now, isn't it?” Lee nodded. “It's time.” He got his fingers all slick and slid them behind Lee's balls, moaning at the heat and the silk slide of skin. Lee hissed 333

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softly, legs parting, hips tilting with a jerk. He pulled back, eyes going to Lee's. “Mate?” “Rex. Love. Don't stop.” Lee panted, eyes shining up at him. He nodded and bent to kiss Lee, lips clinging to his Mate's before his fingers slid back down below Lee's balls, searching. Lee's hole was tight and hot, Lee moving slowly against his finger, just barely pressing. The need grew stronger. “Don't let me hurt you,” he whispered, pushing one finger in. “You won't.” Lee moaned, muscles rippling around his fingers. “Just love me. Make me yours, Mate.” His. He could do that. He pushed a second finger in, stretching slowly, carefully. Lee's face was buried in his shoulder, body beginning to move, to ride his fingers, Lee gripping his shoulders. Rex purred, growled. Need and want were chasing him, sharp hunger nipping at his heels. The beast demanded he take Lee, take him now, take him hard, let no one have any doubt he was the Alpha. He knew he didn't need that though, knew all he needed was Lee and whatever time it took for them to love each other. He kept his fingers moving, stretching, going until Lee was moving easily on them. His Mate was beautiful, eyes wide open, the rumbling purrs vibrating the long, strong body. Lee's cock was full, dark, clear drops sliding from the slit and dropping onto his belly. He didn't ask this time, just let his fingers slide from Lee's body and pushed his cock in. Lee was tight—tighter than anything he could imagine, anything he had imagined, a 334

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burning grip around him, holding him, squeezing him. He stopped, panting, whimpering. “Okay?” Lee's eyes rolled, sweat sheening his Mate. “F ... full. Full of you. Of you, Mate.” He nodded. “Yes. Full of me. Mine. Mate.” He pushed the rest of the way in, cock throbbing. It was so good. So very good. “Yours.” The whisper was trembling, almost lost, but the hands on him were sure, encouraging, loving him. “Mine,” he whispered, taking a long kiss. “Tell me when I can move.” He needed to move, was desperate to, but he wouldn't hurt Lee. “Love ... love you.” Lee moaned softly. “Now, kit. Love me. Make me your own.” “You already are.” He withdrew partway, Lee's body holding him tight, dragging against his flesh the entire way, and then pushed in again. It made him roar it felt so good. “Beautiful.” One of Lee's hands slid over his belly, petting him. He whimpered, moving again. “Oh, Lee ... Lee ... Mate.” “Yes. Yours.” Those eyes were so serious, so focused, almost a caress of their own. He bent, bringing their mouths together, tongue sliding into Lee's as his cock slid back into Lee's body. Lee's hands tangled in his hair, holding them together, the kiss growing wild, toothy, edged with hunger. It pushed him on and he began to move faster, thrusting harder, body on fire. His Mate held him, stayed with him, met every push with a low cry. 335

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Harder and harder he moved, sinking so deep he couldn't tell where he ended and Lee began. He held Lee's eyes, watching his own pleasure playing there. “Love you. Mate.” Lee arched, cock a brand against his belly. He grabbed it with one hand, pumping in time with his thrusts. “Now, Lee!” he called out. “Now!” Lee roared, heat spraying between them, throat arched and offered. It was pure instinct driven need that found him biting down hard on that beautiful throat, adding another mark to those already there. Then he was coming, cock milked by Lee's body as he roared. Strong, warm arms held him, his Mate there for him in this as in all else. “Oh, Mate. Mine. Love you.” He couldn't find words, so he didn't try, just nuzzled into Lee's neck, licking at his marks. Lee petted him, stroking long and slow as that low purr wrapped around him. He whimpered as he slipped out of Lee, staying close. Green eyes met his, watching closely. “I am yours.’ He purred. “As I am yours.” He settled against Lee, petting and purring. Lee relaxed, nuzzling his throat, teeth sharp as Lee marked him, claiming him again. “Yes. As you are mine.” He threw one leg possessively over Lee, hand on his Mate's belly. Yes. His. **** Lee woke up slowly, aching gently in muscles that hadn't been stretched in years. He uncurled, heading for the roof, stretching himself lazily as he walked. Lee kept waiting for the 336

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sadness to hit him, the sorrow of losing his role made firm by the claiming. The sensation of Rex within him had been good, rich—the act one of love. He leapt up onto a low box, grooming himself, enjoying the sun. He stopped worrying, stopped thinking, just allowed the beast to be. It was a good feeling. He could feel Rex's presence come up behind him, his Mate's mouth closing over the back of his neck for a moment before Rex began to clean him, tongue grooming. He purred, panting and nuzzling into his Mate's flank, inhaling that good musk. Rex's purrs answered, his Mate's tail sliding over him. They curled together, tongues and paws touching. Their scents mingled until they smelled the same in his nose—he was Rex and Rex was him and they were Mate. Pride. Rex slowly morphed, lying draped over him, fingers sliding into his fur. Lee purred louder, enjoying a nice long scratch before shifting, moving into Rex's arms. “Mate.” Rex nuzzled him, soft purrs sliding into his mouth as Rex licked at his lips. “Love you, Mate.” “Yes.” He offered Rex a soft, slow smile, lips parting easily. Rex took his mouth gently, but thoroughly. Lee moaned, relaxing into the touch, enjoying the chance to be tasted, taken. It felt good, to share himself, to encourage Rex's need. Rex's hand came up to slide over his skin, stroking his belly, the marks on his neck. The marks tingled, made him gasp and press closer. His cock filled slowly, rubbing against Rex's heated skin. More purrs filled his mouth, Rex pushing him onto his back. 337

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“Mmmm ... Rrrrrrrrrrrex...” He stretched, nipping those warm lips, purring loud. “Mate. Mine. ‘s good,” murmured Rex, nuzzling close, hands moving over him. “Yes. Yours. Good.” He shivered, toes curling with pleasure. Rex nudged his chin up and licked at his neck. Oh. Oh, good. He arched and growled, the sun bright in his eyes, on his skin. “Rex! Mate! Need!” “I know. I'll give you what you need, Lee.” The nip to his neck was quick and sharp. He yelped, body jerking and awash in sensation. Rex scented him from neck down, nose sliding over his skin. He found one of Rex's hands with his own, pulling it up to his lips to bite. Rex purred and nipped at his hips. “Rex!” His thighs parted, moaning, teeth scraping against Rex's wrist. “You make me need, Mate. You make me forget everything but the scent of your body with mine.” Rex nosed his shaft and then swallowed him down. He roared, hips bucking, taking that hot, beautiful mouth with all he had, nails scrabbling. Rex purred around him, sucking hard. His feet were planted, thrusts fast and furious, eyes rolling in his head. “Mate! Mate, please!” Rex's fingers slid into his Mate's mouth alongside his cock and then slipped away again, pressing against his opening, pushing in. The burn rocked him, pure and sweet and exactly what he needed, his seed spraying as he roared his pleasure for all to hear. 338

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Rex swallowed him down, tongue gentle as it cleaned him. Rex looked up at him, smile smug, fingers still inside him. He purred, licking his lips, watching Rex closely. Then he tightened his body around Rex's fingers. Rex moaned, the smug look fading as his Mate's eyes went dark, hot. Oh. Oh, yes. He did it again, teasing. “Mate,” Rex growled. “Need.” “Mmm ... yes.” He grinned, eyes burning in his head. “Yours.” Rex nodded, growled softly. “Mine. My mate.” The fingers inside him started moving again, scissoring and stretching him. He rumbled, knees spread wide, hips shifting as he rode his Mate's touch. Rex purred and settled close between his legs. “You want me.” “I do.” He met Rex's eyes, proud and strong, refusing to back away, to kowtow. “You want me.” “I do.” Rex's fingers disappeared, the heat of his cock taking their place, pushing against him. He rose up, impaling himself on Rex's flesh, angling until he was in his Mate's lap, riding, smiling down into stunned eyes. Rex whimpered and brought their mouths together, kissing him eagerly as his Mate's hands wrapped around his waist. Soon they were moving together, Rex thrusting up, pulling him down. “Rrrrrex...” His hands were hard in Rex's hair, holding his Mate close so he could take those sweet lips, feeding from their passion. Rex whimpered and moaned, hands still hard on his hips, moving with him. His cock rubbed against Rex's belly and it 339

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made him growl and purr, eyes closing as his balls tightened. Rex broke the kiss, mouth sliding along his jaw and then down to his neck, gnawing on him. “Yours! Mate!” He threw his head back, hips grinding down. “Mine,” growled Rex, biting, working yet another mark into his neck. One of the hands on his hips dragged around to his prick, wrapping around it and tugging as Rex fucked him. He roared, offering the proof of his need, his love to the city, heat spraying between them. Rex's roar followed his, heat filling him deep. Lee settled, moaning soft against Rex's shoulder, wrapped around his Mate. Rex's fingers stroked along his back, petting him as sweet purrs vibrated against him. “Love you, Mate.” His own hands settled on Rex's hips, circling loosely. Rex nodded. “I know. Love you, too.” His mate's tongue slid along his skin. “So much, Lee.” “Are you happy?” Rex's head lifted, his mate looking at him. “I am, Lee. What about you? Are you happy?” “I am.” Lee nodded, meeting Rex's eyes. “I don't know what to do sometimes, what my place is. But I am home and with my Mate.” Rex chuckled. “You don't know what to do sometimes? How do you think I feel?” Then his Mate shook his head and ran strong fingers through his hair. “Your place is here, with me.” 340

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He purred, stretching beneath the touch. “Yes. My Mate. Mine.” Rex's purrs answered his, soft bites covering his shoulders. “Yours. Mine. Yours. Mine.” “Yes. Yes, kit. Ours. Us. For life.” He leaned down, licked Rex's ear. “We mate for life.” Rex purred some more for him. “Yes, Mate. For life. You are mine for always.” “Always.” He closed his eyes, purring, basking beneath the sun. “I want to stay here forever,” murmured Rex, holding him close. “Forever.” He held tight, nodding. Yes. Just like this. For life.

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Chapter 12 Rex patrolled the borders of his Pride every day, taking the motorcycle out past the city limits in all directions before returning home. It probably wasn't necessary, Diego was dead, one of their own leading the Centreville Pride now. Still, it wouldn't do to get complacent. Though Diego's lieutenants had been killed and life was better for the Pride with Joseph as Alpha, there might be those who wanted to take revenge. And though he trusted Joseph far more than he trusted Diego, there was always the chance the Alpha of Centreville Pride would decide they needed the Edgetown Pride to join them. You never could be sure and he was not willing to risk his Pride for being cocky and overconfident. He was settling into the role of Alpha, Lee's guidance and support making all the difference. There were still times he wished Lee was still the top cat, but those moments came less and less often. He pulled up into the garage and strode up the stairs and into the heart of his Pride. He could smell the tension, see the worry in Jenna's face as she met him at the door. “Someone's come to petition the Pride. He's making his way through the males.” He growled. “Where from?” The gold eyes were dark, Jenna rumbling softly. “Somewhere north of Centreville. St. Henri, I think? He knew Joseph's name. Stopped in Centreville, then came here.” He nodded, already headed for the stairs, the beast nipping at him. “The roof?” 342

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“Yes. Lee is...” Jenna followed close behind, her worry bitter on his tongue. “Rex. Is Lee strong enough to fight?” “Lee doesn't have to fight,” he growled. “I'm the Alpha, Lee is my Mate.” He stopped and turned to her. “Are the kits safe?” “The kits are fine.” She met his eyes, dead serious. “If the new-comer challenges him, Lee will fight. You are Alpha, but Lee has his honor. Is he strong enough to fight?” “You just said yourself that he will fight regardless. Yes, Jenna, he is strong enough to fight.” He pushed his own doubts aside, he would not embarrass Lee by insisting his Mate not fight. At the same time he would not allow Lee to become fatally injured. He let the beast take him and bounded up the stairs. Samuel was licking his wounds at the top of the stairs, Leah bent over Chris, stitching up a long slice in the scarred man's chest. He stopped only long enough to scent them both and give their wounds a quick lick, assuring them they were still a part of his Pride. He burst out onto the roof with a low, menacing growl. Lee was circling the newcomer, tail swishing slowly. The new male was large, strong, young—maybe even younger than him—and hungry, lonely, the scent of desperation strong on the tawny pelt. The Pride needed another adult male, maybe even two. But not at the expense of the ones they already had. Not at the expense of his Mate.

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He roared. My Pride. Mine. Lee's eyes met his, his Mate answering his roar. Strong and possessive—the sound was almost a challenge in itself. Together, they shook the sky. He padded over to Lee, not even looking at the newcomer until he stood by Lee's side. Lee licked his muzzle once in greeting before facing the newcomer again, rumbling and growling low. With his mate at his side, he felt safe in morphing and he stood there, naked and proud. “This is my Pride. Why are you here?” The newcomer changed for him, a tall, tan blonde, eyes green as grass. Young and strong, hungry and lost, the kit was bruised, deep scratches marring him. “I wish to find a Pride. A home.” He wondered if this was what he'd looked like when he'd first come to Edgetown. He thought maybe he'd been a little more desperate. “Where are you from?” “Everywhere. I've been traveling. Word's out that your old Alpha is fading, your second gone. I'm a good hunter, a good fighter. I'm strong.” Nervous too, and eager. “I'm Alpha here and I'm not old,” he growled. “My Mate is my second.” He walked slowly around the kid, growling low, warning the kit not to do anything stupid. “I'm not saying we wouldn't invite the right person in—new blood keeps a Pride strong.” “The new Alpha from Centreville sent me here. Said ... said to tell the Alpha here that your second had a home there with him, a family.” The kit was shaking, watching him closely. “I am strong. Worthy.” 344

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He growled. Joseph had no right. “My second is my business,” he snarled. The kit immediately dropped his head, submitting. He liked that. The kit would make a good addition if they could trust him. He resisted the urge to look over at Lee. He was Alpha, he needed to be able to make these decisions himself. “You can stay,” he told the cub. The kit gave a soft sigh, green eyes meeting his. “I'm Cole. Thank you.” Lee watched for a moment, then left, heading for the others, nuzzling at Sammy, licking gently. He watched Lee leave, wanting to go to his Mate, but he knew he needed to welcome the kit properly. He morphed back, letting the beast scent the kit, lick the cuts and bruises. Cole whimpered softly, settling down on the concrete, offering him the thick column of neck. He wrapped his mouth around the flesh, biting, leaving his mark there. Welcome to the Pride. The kit growled, then started purring, morphing back into the tawny beast. He groomed the kit until Cole smelled of the Pride, fighting his need to go to Lee, to be with his Mate and let the adrenaline free. The kit nuzzled him, purring and relaxing, sharing their scents. He had no idea how long he was expected to share himself with the kit, but his need for Lee soon had him morphing back. “I will show you the kitchen and Leah will look at your injuries.” “Leah?” Cole blinked over, eyes dazed and tired. 345

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“Our doctor. Come with me. You're safe here now.” He headed toward the stairwell, the kit would follow. The stairwell was empty except for Leah. “Lee told me to wait, said the newcomer was Pride.” He nodded. “This is Cole. Cole—Leah. Our doctor. She'll patch you up and then show you where the kitchen is.” Leah nodded, holding one hand out to the kit, completely unafraid. “Come on, Cole. We'll do both at once.” “I'm going to find, Lee.” He left Cole in Leah's capable hands, taking the stairs as quickly as possible. Lee was curled in his perch, back to the room, still and dark and quiet. He went to his Mate, reaching up to dig his hands into Lee's fur, knowing where his mate liked best to be scratched. Lee was stiff for a heartbeat, then melted, muscles relaxing as a loud purr sounded. He gave a sigh, melting against the warmth of his Mate, adrenaline rushing through him, leaving him shaking. Lee leapt down, took his hand in that tooth-filled mouth and led him to their bed. He was unceremoniously pushed down and groomed, tongue rough on his skin. He purred, letting his Mate make his claim. Lee licked every inch of him— head to toe, front, back, covering him in the familiar, musky scent. “Better?” he asked. Lee growled, headbutting him, tail slapping his thigh. He laughed, hands going into the fur behind Lee's ears. “You're jealous. You don't need to be you know.” Lee growled again, but the sound was weak, fading into a happy purr, those bright eyes half-closed. 346

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“We mate for life, remember?” He pulled Lee down onto him, wriggling against the heavy, warm, soft-furred body. Lee rested heavy, tongue licking at his jaw, his throat, tail tickling his legs. “Love you, Mate,” he murmured, hands scratching and petting. His Mate morphed, cheek nuzzling his. “Love you, kit.” He licked Lee's nose. “Not a kit.” The protest was just token though, habit and comfort. “Mine.” Lee nipped his bottom lip, eyes hot. “I won't share you.” Growling, he flipped Lee and glared down into the green eyes. “Did I ask you to? I'm yours, Lee. Mates. For life.” “Didn't ask. I was letting you know. Letting everyone know. My Mate. My Rex. My love.” Lee rumbled and pushed him over, sending them rolling over the cushions, mouths meeting in a flash of passion and fury. He kept them rolling until he was on top, humping against Lee. Lee's eyes flashed, teeth sharp on his shoulder. “Mine.” He sank his own teeth into Lee's neck. “Mine,” he growled back. Sharp nails slid up his back, bright and sure, Lee hard and hot, rocking against him. “Mine.” He split Lee's legs, pushing into his Mate without ceremony. “Mine.” Their bodies slapped together, sharp and feral, growls and snarls hot between them. So good. Raw and primal. Harder and harder he thrust, Lee's body pulling him in. 347

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Lee's eyes rolled, fingers bruising on his ass, tugging hard. “Rex. Mate. Love you.” “Yes, Mate! Love you!” He put his head back and roared, letting the whole Pride hear him. Lee's hand trailed over his throat, stroking his skin. “Beautiful.” The long body tightened around him, gripping hard, rippling as the scent of Lee's seed filled his nose. He roared again as he filled his Mate with his seed, branding Lee once again as his own. Lee was hot beneath him, arms wrapped around him. He purred, nuzzling into his neck, licking at his skin. “Feel better?” Lee stroked his hair, purring low. He nodded, kissing Lee. “You always make me feel right.” “It's my job.” Lee's eyes were quiet, still. “I won't submit to him. I am your second.” “And my Mate. I do not want you to submit to him.” “Eventually one will come that can best me.” He growled and licked his Mate. “You are my Mate and I will protect you when the time comes.” “You ... You would honor me, even weak?” “Lee ... how could you think for a moment that I would not?” He headbutted his Mate. “You are mine. For always. Remember?” Lee purred, nodded. “Yours, Mate. For always.” He shifted, curling around his Mate, head on Lee's shoulder. “And don't forget it.” Lee chuckled, petting him gently. “I have a feeling you won't let me.” 348

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He nipped at Lee's neck and then licked. “I won't.” Lee went very still, then a soft whispered “thank you” sounded. He purred, nuzzling. “Anything for you, Mate.” Lee relaxed, curling into him and morphing, the rough tongue sliding on his skin. He morphed as well, wrapped around his Mate and purring. **** The new kit was going to get himself killed—and the way it was going, he wasn't going to have to do it, either. Cole had jumped Katrina, snarling at Samuel, demanding her as his own, as his right for defeating Sammy on the roof. Lee thought Jenna was going to spit nails. Either that or rip the kit off Katrina and fuck him herself. She really missed playing with Joseph. Katrina had whirled away, spitting and clawing, catching the kit's face but good. Rex's roar was loud and angry as he bounded over to stand between them, fur raised, tail up high in the air. Lee watched closely, fighting the urge to purr. There were benefits to not being the Alpha. You didn't have to fight as often, you got to watch. You got to have all that delicious sexual fury turned on you afterwards. Cole snarled angrily and Rex pushed him, mouth wrapping around the kit's neck. The kit backed off and morphed, growling unhappily. “You have a mate!” “And Katrina is Sam's. Find your own.” Katrina snarled and swiped again, then hurried over to Sammy, posture worried and unhappy. Samuel started 349

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grooming her, rumbling softly, eyes flashing. Oh, yeah. There would be new kittens coming from there. Sammy was pissed. “But I bested Samuel,” complained Cole. “She's mine.” “We don't work that way here, Cole. And she doesn't want you. You don't like the rules? Try and take me and if you win you can make your own.” Lee did let his purr out. His Mate. So beautiful. So brave. So fine. Jenna growled low. “And you did not best me. Or Kat.” “What?” snapped Cole. “Our females mate with who they want to mate with, Cole. We're more than just beasts. We don't forget that.” After a long look at Rex, Cole backed off, hanging his head. Rex petted the kit's head and his belly. Lee and Jenna shared a long look, then she shifted, padding over to nuzzle at him. He licked her face, easing her aggravation and, hopefully, starting a spark in the kit. Jenna wanted Cole, but the kit would have to prove he wanted her. Rex said something more to Cole, patting him on the belly one more time before morphing and coming over to them. His Mate growled softly and nudged Jenna out of the way none too gently. He purred, eyes meeting Rex's dark ones. Oh, there was another spark started ... Jenna complained with a growl of her own and Rex headbutted her, growling getting louder. The message was clear. Mine. He met the new kit's eyes over Rex's shoulder, rubbing his cheek along Rex's jaw, marking his Mate. Mine. Cole turned 350

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away and headed for the stairs. Rex was oblivious, nudging him toward the pile of pillows by the window. Lee almost resisted, almost until he saw Jenna take off up the stairs, rumbling. Oh. Oh, good. His purr was deep, needy, tail swishing seductively as he moved. Rex's growls were continuous now, warm and needy instead of warning and angry. He licked Rex's chin, nipping, daring, playing. Come get me, Mate. He could hear Samuel's growl, Kat's happy cry. Oh, yes. Come get me. Rex growled and pounced him, sending him down onto his back and following. His paws batted the air for a second before he slid away from the beast, offering his Mate the vulnerable belly and throat of a man. Rex purred and began to lick him, rough tongue sliding over his skin. Lee moaned, twisting at the mixture of ticklish and arousing. “Rrrrrrrrrex.” Rex rubbed their checks together and then went back to licking, grooming him with long strokes. His hands found Rex's pelt, scratching and smoothing, finding all the spots his Mate couldn't reach. Loving his Mate. His. Rex just kept purring, kept loving on his skin, eventually lying with that heavy head on his belly, tongue licking lazily at his hips, his thighs, his cock. “My Mate. Love you. Love you.” He was purring, moaning, lost in his Rex. Rex morphed, a soft kiss sounding against his navel before Rex answered. “Love you, Lee, my Lee.” 351

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“Yes. Yours. Kiss me.” He tugged Rex up, purring as Rex moved. “So strong. So beautiful. So brave. My Rex...” “Mine.” Rex's mouth closed over his, cutting off his litany with a hot, wet tongue. He moaned, growling into the kiss, heated all through. He arched up, rubbing his shaft against Rex's, showing his need. Rex growled back, hips grinding down into him. He cradled Rex in between his thighs, pushing, letting the kiss deepen. Wanting. Baiting the beast. Rex growled, shifted, shaft hot and hard and insistent between his legs. He met those eyes, baring his teeth. Then he reached up, started tweaking Rex's nipple, pinching the hard skin. Rex bent and bit at his neck as that long cock pushed into him. Yes. Yes, Mate. Good. He didn't cry out, didn't have the words for it, but he snarled, voice low and desperate, echoing. Rex's breath was hot and heavy against his neck, his Mate's cock pushing into him over and over again with hard thrusts. Lee turned his head, meeting Katrina's dark eyes as she panted, moving with Samuel. He roared, proud, strong, sure. His Mate was strong, beautiful. His. Rex's mouth closed over his neck, teeth sinking into his skin, marking him as Rex's own. The sensation pushed him over the edge, seed spraying between them, his cry feral. Rex humped a few moments longer and then roared, filling him with heat. He leaned up, fastening his teeth against Rex's throat, biting deep. Rex whimpered and shuddered, cock jerking inside him. 352

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“You have a good Pride, Mate. A strong Pride.” He lapped at Rex's throat, purring. Rex nodded. “My Mate did a good job building it.” “I would stand beside you forever, here, with our Pride.” Yes. Theirs. Their home. Their family. “Yes, Mate. Stand with me forever.” Rex purred, licking at the marks on his neck. Lee nodded, chin lifted as he purred. He could smell Katrina and Samuel, could hear the kittens below. Yes. Yes, Mate. “Forever.” Rex purred, slowly morphing, heavy, solid on top of him as the rough tongue began to lick him. Forever. It was a good word. A real word. A Pride word. He curled beneath his Mate, their tails twining. Their word. End.

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In the Hearts of Tigers Chapter 1 He would never chase the pretty winged ones again. Never. Never ever. He swore on his tail and his claws and his stripes. Never. If his Raj would just come now and help because the mans had him in a hard box, a very hard box with tiny sticks that hurt his teeth and shoulder and he wanted Out. Out. Outoutoutoutout! “Ma-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-alik!” His roar was loud as he could make it, his fear so big inside him that it took up everything. He wanted his Rock, his Tree, his Raj. He wanted out to run and pounce and not stay by the badhotbright burning fire and the smelly mans. Rishi wanted fresh water and running and hunting and grooming and purring. Oh, he wanted purring so bad. “Ma-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-alik!” “Ma-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-alik!” Please, Raj. Please hear. “Ma-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-alik!”

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The biggest, smelliest meanest man ever came and poked him with a stick and he snarled and swiped and broke the stick before it hurt him. Mean man. Ugly man. It was not Right and Good that he be in a box. Not. Not at all. Ever. “Ma-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-alik!” Oh, Malik. Love. Home. Heart. Please. Please hear your Rishi

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Chapter 2 Lynn curled up, arms around his legs, face buried in his knees and rocked in place. He was going to die. Lord Ledringham was gone. Not just gone but eaten. Eaten. At least that's what the guides had said before they'd fled, the two guards going with them, leaving Lynn alone to bury the remains, such as they were. He'd been unhappy when Lord Ledringham had first suggested going into India and capturing several animals for the London Zoo. Even more so when his Master had made it clear that he would be going along. India was hot and humid and his fears and unhappiness had not improved when they'd left the overcrowded city for the wide open spaces. Indeed, he was as trapped by his servitude as that poor tiger was in his cage. Oh, sweet Lord. The tiger. When was the last time it had been fed? Watered? He wiped his eyes and stumbled up, finding his Master's machete and stumbling over to the antelope they'd killed. Disgusting. There were flies everywhere and the stench of rotting meat was unbelievable. He chopped a leg off the carcass and dragged it back to camp, throwing it into the cage. 356

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The young tiger just kept roaring, the sound so constant that Lynn could ignore it now. Surely it would tire of caterwauling at some point and give him some peace. He went down to the river and stood in the water, cleaning the blood and dirt from his hands and then filled the two skins with fresh water. He used one to fill the tiger's water bowl. He watched the beast pacing and roaring, wishing it would stop, just for a moment or two. He'd let it go if he wasn't sure it would attack him the moment the gate was open. He went and sat by the tree again, watching the tiger, trying to ignore the grave of his Master. There wasn't even a proper headstone, but the ground was disturbed there, dry grasses dug away. He supposed he should dig his own next to it, if he wanted a proper burial. Yes. That would be something to do at least. Taking up the broken bowl he'd used as a shovel, he crawled over to Lord Ledringham's final resting place and began to dig next to it. His hole was a foot deep and three wide before Lynn realized the clearing was quiet. The tiger had stopped roaring. Blinking, wiping the sweat from his brow, he turned. At the mouth of the clearing, where the trees swallowed it up, stood the first man he had seen since the native guides had all run off in fear. This man gave native a whole new meaning, as he was nude but for a bit of cloth about his waist. The man watched him intently, saying not a word. “Oh sweet Lord, preserve me,” he murmured. He stood, limbs not quite steady, weak as he was from hunger and exhaustion. He was almost too worn out to be afraid, but the 357

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man's stare was quite frightening in its intensity, in the way it didn't seem quite ... human. Perhaps it was the man's looks. Tall, muscular, the fellow had skin the color of beaten copper, and a shock of thick hair that looked dappled in the half light, dark brown warring with bright orange, fading to almost white. The eyes that stared right through him were the most startling thing, however. They were bright blue. Malik? Illo “He..hello.” His voice was a croak, barely more than sounds and he cleared his throat and tried again. “Hello?” The tiger was making the oddest sounds—almost barking, almost speaking sounds. He shivered, half-stepping toward the man, taking a path that would keep him away from the tiger's cage. The man spared a glance for the tiger, tilting his head briefly, and the animal quieted once more. “Hello.” He nearly began to cry again, managing not to by biting his lip hard. “Oh, hello. Hello.” He took a few more steps toward the man, moving slowly so he wouldn't stumble. “Did the guides send you back for me? Are you here to take me...” He was going to say home, but really, with Lord Ledringham quite dead he didn't exactly have a home anymore, did he? The man did not even seem to blink, watching him so carefully. “I am Malik. I will help you get back to the man's city.”

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The voice was different from the guides and guards, lower in pitch, the cadence different. The tone was more guttural, much less nasal. “Oh ... oh thank you.” He started to shake. It was all too much. “What about the tiger?” he asked. “We can't just let him go—he'll eat us. We can't leave him in the cage though— it would be cruel.” He was responsible to properly finish Lord Ledringham's task now. The man, Malik, frowned at him. “I will help you, but for this I ask of you two things.” He blinked. Oh, dear. He didn't seem to have much choice in the matter—well he did actually—he could do whatever this Malik asked of him or he could go and finish digging his final resting place. “W..what?” he asked, voice wavering. “The tiger must be let go. And when you go back to the man's place, you must tell the Eenglish who will ask that the other man, who you put in the ground,” here Malik waved a hand at Lord Ledringham's grave. “Tell them he was not killed by a animal.” “What do I tell them then? That he was eaten by ants?” His voice rose shrilly. Malik's voice remained perfectly calm. It was maddening. “To my tribe, the tiger is sacred. If you tell the men your Raj was eaten, they will hunt tigers. Tell them he drowned in the river, or tripped over a root and broke himself.” He thought hard—the men who had run away would contradict him if he said something like that. “I guess I could 359

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say he was poisoned by a snake.” He nodded to the tiger. “But he's going to eat me if we're still here when he gets out.” “He will not.” Malik smiled, and made a low sound, much like a purr. “I will let him out now. You will see.” Before he could even protest, Malik went to the big cage and opened it right up. The tiger ran out, twining around the man's legs, growling and snarling and ... nuzzling? Nuzzling? Tigers didn't nuzzle. Malik squatted, taking the big cat's head between his hands and rubbing their noses together. The tiger rumbled, their cheeks rubbing together, slowly, surely. He was obviously hallucinating now. Probably the heat and the shock of recent events catching up with him. He sat down hard. The man probably wasn't even real. He wasn't even sure the tiger was anymore. He closed his eyes. He thought maybe sleep would be a good idea and thought maybe he could sleep now. Or at least pass out. **** Malik tried not to be very, very angry with Rishi. It was not the young one's fault that the men caught him. The young one only did what was his nature, and if that was chasing winged bugs, how could Malik fault him for it? No, it was the men who upset the balance, who made things wrong by catching tigers and putting them in cages. Not that the one that had just crumpled to the ground with a small, soft sound was so bad, Malik supposed. Grudgingly. He had given Rishi food, and water, and was willing to release him. For now, the man was not his worry. Rishi was, and he ran his smooth man-cheek along Rishi's familiar one, sharing 360

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their scents, comforting his frantic mate. Rishi shook and shuddered, panicked little sounds filling the air—sounds of apology, of need, of faith, of fear, of pain. He shushed, petting and scratching, nuzzling Rishi's face. He knew he needed to take Rishi off, needed to become his real self and let Rishi lean on his strength, but he could not so long as the man was there. The wind blew and the cage rattled, sending Rishi spinning around with a furious roar and attacking the cage, leaping and raking at the hated box. Oh. His poor Rishi. He let his young one vent the rage on the box, vocalizing in soft purrs. Sooner or later Rishi would calm, and Malik would be able to tell him the plan. Which Rishi would not like, as it involved him leaving Rishi in the jungle to take the man to the city He heard the man, making a soft noise and stir behind him. “Rishi.” He made his voice hard, knowing the young one had to calm. Rishi stopped, whimpering softly, turning to look at him with sorry, sad eyes. “Shhh. You have done nothing wrong. But you will scare the man.” Malik held out a hand. The young one slunk up to him, nudging his hand with his nose. Poor, sweet one. Malik purred and stroked, soothing. “Oh dear Lord, I'm still dreaming.” Rishi growled, shaking, moving closer to him. “I am dreaming, aren't I?” There was a plaintive note in the man's voice. Malik kept petting Rishi, but he turned to look at the man. “No. I told you he would not eat you.” 361

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Rishi rumbled, lip curling, exposing his teeth. The man whimpered, scooting back until his back hit the tree. Malik sighed and thumped Rishi's nose. “Be easy, young one.” He stood, and made his way to the man. “He will not hurt you.” Rishi began to pace, rumbling, worrying about him being so close to the man. The man looked past him, keeping an eye on Rishi. “Are you sure? He looks like he wants to eat me.” “He does.” The man squeaked, eyes going wide. A low snarl agreed with him, Rishi's head swinging. “But he will not, for I can command him.” Malik decided to impress the man with what would surely be believed to be native magic. He turned back to Rishi and held out a hand, growling a short signal to come. Rishi whimpered, eyes flashing from him to the man, but the young one came, pushing at his hand. “There, you see? He comes when I call, and he will not eat you by my order. Even though your men put him in a box.” The man swallowed. “I had nothing to do with that. Really.” “I know that. But does he?” Malik hid a smile. The man was very brave, to talk so when he smelled so strongly of fear. “How soon can you be ready to leave?” Rishi went still, listening, trying to understand the foreign man-tongue. “Leave? Oh. Yes. Now? Can we go now?” The man glanced at Rishi and swallowed again.

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“Yes. We may go as soon as you have your things together.” Malik absently scratched Rishi's ears. Rishi purred, the sound almost happy, almost right. The man nodded. “Can you ... move him away a little? So I can get my things?” Nodding, Malik took Rishi some distance away, kneeling before him, and speaking in the man-tongue Rishi knew. “I want you to go into the jungle, Rishi. I will take the man, then return for you.” Rishi growled, shaking that big head. His hand was taken carefully in that toothy mouth, Rishi tugging, the message clear. Come with me. Come home. How he wanted to just leave the man, go back with Rishi and be his real self. “I promised him, Rishi.” Another soft growlwhimper. Another tug. No. No, Come home. Malik tried very hard not to roar his frustration. He would rather be sleeping. Or swimming. It was hot, and the flies were fierce on his naked skin and the stench of man was all over. “Do as I say.” The man made a noise. “Oh Lord, he's going to eat you!” Rishi turned and growled at the man, the sound frustrated and scared, tired. Malik sighed once more. “No. He simply does not trust you, and wants me to leave with him. Are you ready?” “Let me just...” The man pointed toward a small boxlike object and went for it with unsteady steps. The man wobbled and Rishi growled, and Malik shook his head. This was going to be a long trip. 363

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Chapter 3 He did not like the mans. Or the box. Or the burning fire. Or leaving their Rock. Or that his Raj would not be Real. Rishi did not like that his Raj would not groom him. Or lick him. Or purr for him. He trudged behind them, growling and snarling and snapping. Of course, Malik did not like that Rishi was following, now did he? Well, ha! Rishi was. The man and Malik went before him, Malik cutting a path through the jungle and the man staggering along, and every so often the man would sit down and sleep and Malik would come and scold him, tell him to wait behind. He would not. No. Not at all. What if the mans caught his Raj? Rishi might not hear from the Rock. Rishi might think his Raj's cry was a night-bird. What if the mans were bad to his Malik and poked his most fine mate with a hard, pokey-stick? 364

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No. No, he would not wait. Rishi would go and defend his Raj while he pretended to be a man. Malik stopped, wiping wetness from his face and speaking to the man for a moment. Then Malik was there, in front of him. “You make the man very nervous, Rishi.” Rishi blinked. Of course he did. He was Real. Strong. Pointed. Silly Malik. “Come and walk with us. That way he will not be worried you will attack us from behind.” He nuzzled Malik's hip, padding up to walk with the skinny man and his Raj. “Oh. Oh, he's really very big, isn't he?” Rishi strutted. Yes. Yes, he was. “Quite beautiful too, really. In a very ... scary way.” Well, the man might be horrid, but he was not blind and had very good taste. “Yes. He is the most handsome young cat in the jungle. A very fine m ... cat.” Malik sounded very proud. Oh. Oh! He purred as loud as he could, letting his Malik know how happy that made him. His Raj was so good, so handsome— well, for a man—so strong.

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“You're sure he isn't going to eat me, though—he looks hungry.” The man stopped, sitting suddenly on the ground. “He must be hungry. I know I am.” “You have no food in your box?” His Raj frowned at the man, and that frown was not at all as fearsome as Malik's roar. “What? Oh, no. This is only a change of clothes, my bible. A razor.” The man sighed. “Is it much longer?” They should eat the man and go home. The poor skinny man was suffering. It would be merciful. “At least two days. Do you not remember how long it took to get here?” His Raj sighed, a sound that was becoming familiar and looked about in the trees, finally sighting something. Rishi got a stern glance. “Do not chew on him.” Then Malik was shimmying up a tree. “We took a rather roundabout ... hello? Oh dear. Malik? Oh my.” The man swallowed and looked at him with very large eyes. “Nice kitty.” There was a very fine line between biting and chewing ... He looked at the man and rumbled. The man blinked and grew even paler than he already was. “Malik...” His Raj was back much too soon, pulling his tail. “Stop that, Rishi. Here. Fruit.” Rishi swished his tail hard. Oh. He hated that. Hated that. 366

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The man reached with a trembling hand, taking the fruit and eating it like he had not fed in days. Three fruits were eaten very very quickly and then suddenly the man went green and turned, making horrible noises and pushing food out of his mouth. Rishi looked at his Raj. Okay, maybe they shouldn't eat him. “You must not eat so fast.” The sigh came again. “I will get you some water, you can try again.” The man was shaking his head and holding out a thin, shaking hand. “I fear I shan't make it much farther. I dare say the water will only prolong the inevitable.” The man hunched in on himself. “I would prefer not to be eaten, so if you could bury my body, I would be most grateful.” If the man wasn't careful, Malik would eat the skinny thing. Chomp. His Raj was not the most patient of beasts. Rishi chuffed pleasantly. It would be good to watch. Instead of changing to his right form and biting down on the man, Malik frowned again, very mightily and went to get water. “I said I would take you to the man city. I will. And you will live to see it.” Oh, no fair! Rishi stomped over to the man, looking at him closely. He did not bite—partially because this man had been kind to him, but mostly because Malik would be very angry if he did what he was told not to. “Are you going to eat me?” whispered the man. “I don't think I really mind anymore—but if you do, could I beg of you 367

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the favor to make it quick, please. I would rather not hurt longer than necessary.” Silly man. Malik said no. Rishi yawned, showing his teeth, then plopped onto the ground beside the man. Malik came back. “You will not die. You will drink and then you will sleep and then try to eat. Here.” His Raj was so smart. A little grouchy, but so smart. He lifted his head, sniffing at the water. Maybe they could swim, him and Malik. Malik liked swimming and splashing. The man took the water with a trembling hand. “I exonerate you of your promise. Just leave me.” That made his Raj growl, the half human sound still making his hackles rise. “I will take you there if I must drag you.” Oh, dragging sounded almost fun! The man blinked. “I beg your pardon?” “I make a promise. I do not go back.” Malik urged the cup to the man's lips. “Drink, then rest. Then you will eat and we will go.” His Raj nodded firmly, the whole thing decided. The man sighed heavily and allowed himself to be forced into drinking. Rishi harrumphed and put his chin back on his paws. He supposed this meant no dragging. When the man was done drinking, Malik helped him to make a pallet, and cover himself so the insects would not crawl on him. “Rest now,” he told the man. “You will feel better when you wake.” The man sighed again. “If I wake.” 368

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Rishi was going to bite the man's backside if it sighed one more time. One. More. Time. He thought maybe he would have to fight his Raj for the pleasure. The look on Malik's face was long suffering. “Sleep now.” The man's eyes closed, another sigh coming from him. Rishi bared his teeth, mouth opening for a nice, healthy chomp when Malik gave him a look. One of those ‘don't make me drown you, cub’ looks. The man was snoring lightly when Malik motioned him away, reaching the edge of the water before that sleek human body shimmered, becoming the finest most wonderful tiger ever. He made a soft, needy sound, almost hurting with happiness, with love. Malik grumbled loudly and began sniffing and licking, not so much grooming him as checking for injury. So good to him, his Raj. Grumpy, but good. Rishi chirruped and rumbled, purred and called, letting his Raj know how happy he was to be found, to be free. He told of the badmeannasty man, of the thorns they hit him with that made the sky grey, of the horrible, hard, scary box. Of how he knew his Raj would find him. In return his Raj told of his fury, of tearing the man who was the owner of the box limb from limb, of his need to see Rishi alive and well. All the while Malik nuzzled and tasted and made sure he was whole. 369

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Finally they told their stories, purring together, bodies rumbling, vibrating, Rishi licking at his Raj's paw, his Raj's chin, his Raj's ruff. Malik chuffed at him, nipping his nose before wading into the water with a grunt of sheer happiness. Rishi bounced into the water, not even minding the splashing. He was free! With his Raj! Well, as soon as they delivered the Man to his city. He didn't see why they couldn't just eat him. **** The water was good. So so good after the heat and the bugs and Malik did not want to leave it. Or Rishi. They played and splashed and Rishi did not even pout as water got in their eyes, which meant his young one had indeed been afraid. But he had heard, and had come, and there was no more box or pointy stick. They did have a man, though. One who was tired and weak from thirst and hunger. Malik was very angry at himself for not remembering that men had to eat more often than he. He hoped the man did not get a fever. With a sigh and one last splash at Rishi, Malik waded out of the water, letting the breeze cool him, stretching his muscles. He had to enjoy the feel of his real self before he went back to man form. Rishi followed him, worrying and fretting. Rishi was worried about them traveling with the man, worried about moving away from their home—their rocks and their pond. More than all of that? His Rishi was worried about him 370

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traveling as a man. His dear young one still found it difficult to understand the man-form, the man-speak, his Rishi would go season after season and never lose the real self. The rocks and the pool would be theirs still when they returned. All who dwelled near knew it was theirs and would not intrude. And Malik was not worried about his real self being lost, though he did not know how to tell Rishi that. He worried more about Rishi getting shot by the Eeenglish guns. With an apologetic growl, Malik thought hard of a man's body, and felt himself shrink to fill it. He pushed his wet hair back and set about gathering roots and leaves to make the man a broth. He hadn't been working long when he heard the rough murmur. “Mmmmmal?” Then Rishi with his too-bright eyes and his striped hair appeared, walking upright. “Rishi!” Malik blinked, then smiled. He knew how hard it was for Rishi to be as they were now, and he was all the more touched for it. “Love.” Rishi nodded, moving into his arms. “Lllllove. Love.” They shared a warm, damp kiss that made his belly tight. Oh, his Rishi felt good against him. Malik stroked and petted, licking the skin of Rishi's neck. “I must tend to the man, Rishi.” “Man sleepsssss,” Rishi purred, head falling back, offering him the vulnerable throat. “Mmm.” He purred, tasting the salt and musk of Rishi, rubbing against his young one's belly. So good. 371

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Curious hands explored his chest, his shoulders. Rishi patted and stroked, all the while making happy, needy little sounds, the scent of want strong. His own need grew, his Rishi making him hot, making him ache, and he pushed Rishi against a tree, kissing very hard. Rishi stretched out against him, rocking and pushing, humping against his leg with loud, deep barking cries that pushed into his mouth. “Shhh.” They should not wake the man, but Malik could do no more than that to keep Rishi quiet. It was too much; they had been without too long. Malik pushed his hand between them, grasping Rishi's shaft and pulling. The young one grew stiff for a heartbeat, eyes wide, then fingers wrapped around his heat, mimicking his motions, pleasuring him. He all but roared, biting deep into Rishi's shoulder to stop the sound, heat splashing between them, on their closed fists. “Mal! Rrrrrrrrrrrrraj!” Rishi's cry was a roar, rich and happy, filled with praises for him, filled with love. The scent of the young one's seed was heady, filling the air. Together they rested, breathing heavily, until he heard the man stir. Then Malik slapped Rishi's haunch and they splashed back into the water to clean before Malik returned to the man to feed him water and mashed fruit. He had to help the man sit up and then to eat because he was so weak. Rishi strolled up and began to groom himself, eyes watching them both until sleep took him. The man took some soft fruit, and more water, moaning a bit as Malik lowered him down. He felt a pang of sympathy for the man, who was not at all suited to his beloved jungle. 372

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Soon the man slept again, and Malik covered him carefully. Then he gave into his urge to go to Rishi and curl around that big body, so much bigger than he when he was a man, and nap a bit himself. The man would still be there when he woke. And then he would take the man home.

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Chapter 4 The walking was interminable. Surely it hadn't taken them this long to get into the wilds to start with? But then they'd had real guides and guards and he'd been terribly busy making sure Lord Ledringham's shirts were properly pressed. Not at all an easy task when one was so far removed from civilization. He'd not been as weak then either, food was easy to come by, water was carried by their guides, there had been other people around. Malik ... while certainly he was another person, he was very laconic and strange. He was after all a native of the wilds, unlike their guides who lived part of their lives in the city. Still the man had not abandoned him, even when pressed to do so, unlike those guides. He sniffed. Obviously Malik was a better class. Lynn noted that the man carried himself quite regally, in fact. Possibly he was a chieftain's son, certainly someone of note among his people. And he had awesome command over the tiger. The tiger who, more and more, seemed a bit like a great big pussycat to Lynn. The beast slept as much as he did and seemed to dote on Malik. It had even stopped looking at him as if he would make a tasty appetizer. “Will it be very much longer?” he asked. What he wanted was another break, but if there was a promise of a bath within a few hours, he wanted to push on. 374

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Malik stopped and looked back at him, only then seeming to realize how far behind he had fallen. “It is still at least a day. You should rest.” “A day?” Oh. He'd thought maybe he'd seen the smoke of fires ahead of them, perhaps the glint of sun off roofs. “Yes, if it is that long, I think I shall take a break.” He set down his box and sat on it. Once sitting it occurred to him he might have looked for a spot of shade, but now that he was seated he could not be fussed to get up again. It seemed like far too much work. The tiger harrumphed and made an odd chittering noise, nose pointing into the tall grasses. Too bad Malik did not agree. The man came back to him and took his arm, hoisting him up and pulling both him and his box into the shade of a large, leafy tree. “You sit. I will get you water, yes?” “Please. I ... I don't suppose the water is very far away? I'd give my right arm for a bath.” “It smells close. Let me check to make sure it is safe, and if there are no other animals besides us, you may have one.” “That's very kind of you, thank you.” A short nod was his only reply, and Malik gestured for the tiger to precede him before melting into the jungle. It occurred to him as he sat there waiting, that Malik could abandon him at any time and he would be at the mercy of the elements and whatever predators were out there. Of course, the man could have abandoned him already, really. And he did ask to be abandoned earlier. And these circular thoughts were only serving to make him quite mad. 375

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At this rate it would be a miracle if he arrived back in Bombay sane. He realized suddenly that Malik had been gone some time and wondered if perhaps he had been abandoned after all. Or perhaps the tiger had decided to eat the man. There was a desperate-sounding roar, the tiger crashing through the grasses, teeth bared. Oh, sweet Lord, the tiger had eaten the man and now it was coming for him. He shrieked, backing up against the tree. The tiger roared, dancing, head swaying frantically. It was playing with him. Like a cat with a mouse. He bit his lip, refusing to whimper. The tiger panted, running towards the grass, then back, breathing hard. Then, to his utter shock, the tiger stretched, growling. The orange fur disappeared, faded, and then the tiger stood. No, a man stood. “H-h-h-h-hhelp Malik.” He was going to faint. He was sure of it. Then he realized that the tiger—the man—had spoken, what he'd said. “Malik? Where?” “Come.” The ti ... man grabbed his arm, pulling hard, running into the grasses. He went with the tiger-man, mind focusing on Malik being hurt instead of what he'd seen. “R-r-r-r-r-raj!” The cry was fierce, panicked, needy, the hand on his arm tightening. “Where is he? What happened?” The man didn't answer, just continued with the odd cry, the desperate running until they came up to a patch of quicksand, Malik struggling in the muck. 376

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Malik stilled when he saw them, arms and shoulders still above the surface. Those bright blue eyes were glazed with panic. “Please...” “Help. Help Raj.” Gold eyes begged him. He nodded, searching for something to reach out to Malik with. “There,” he said pointing to a tree with long weeping branches. “Bring me a long branch from that tree,” he told the tiger-man. “Malik, you must stay absolutely still or you will keep sinking. Please, do not move at all. My Master told me about the sinking sand, told us to avoid it and what to do if we were ever caught.” The visible lines of Malik's body bespoke the difficulty in following his suggestion, but Malik stayed still as he asked. Low growls came from the man, eyes focused hard upon him. The tiger-man brought him handfuls of branches simply torn from the tree. “Help.” He grabbed the longest one, testing it for strength before rejecting it and taking the next longest. It seemed sturdier. “Hold onto my legs,” he instructed the tiger-man as he lay down and threw out the branch. It reached. “Grab the end.” Slowly, carefully, Malik took the end of the proffered branch, sinking a bit more as he did. The tiger-man whimpered, growling low. “Raj...” “Hold tight!” He looked back at the tiger-man. “You must pull me back and he will be pulled out as well.” A roar sounded, then he was pulled back with unbelievably strong hands. Malik came up out of the muck slowly at first, as the sucking undertow fought them. Then there was a great noise, and Malik came free, sending them all rolling back. 377

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They were all tangled together, and he was pinned between the tiger-man and Malik. The tiger-man suddenly felt considerably less manly and more tiger-y, roaring in his ear. “Rishi.” Malik struggled against him, coating him with foul smelling mud, and finally won free, throwing himself at the tiger. The tiger rolled Malik, roaring and nuzzling, licking desperately at Malik's face. He watched for a moment and then sank back against the ground, the world greying out in the edges a bit. What he'd seen could not be real, but he'd seen it twice. He let the grey take him. **** Nasty sand. Nasty evil mean bad sand. Bad sucky sinky ugly stinky sand. He roared and rubbed and licked, cleaning his Raj. Icky bad ugly scrapy bitter yucky sand. Tried to eat his Raj. Tried to take his Raj away. Tried to hurt his very own Malik and he wanted to go home right now because he'd been good and good and good and got stuck in the box and poked with the stick and he didn't eat the man and he was DONE. DONE. He stamped and growled and snarled, telling his Raj exactly how he felt. Malik sat up and pushed at him, crawling over to check the man, who was sleeping again, right there on the ground, like his Raj had been in no danger. But it was good the man slept, 378

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for his Raj blinked, and the very fine realness of his Raj appeared, fur matted with the mud and needing grooming. Malik came back to him and nuzzled, licking him. Rishi purred as loud as he could, then started licking, straightening the beautiful, very fine pelt of his own Raj. He looked at the sandpit, snarling. His Raj. His. His own. And the sand couldn't have either one of them. So there. Ha! A low snarl from Malik told him his Raj agreed, and then Malik was distracting him, pushing against him, biting at his ruff. He turned his focus back to his Raj, grooming and purring. So beautiful. So fine. So strong. So real. His Raj was skinny and had No Claws and Odd Fangs when pretending to be a man. And there was only little fur. And dangly bits that were not a tail. He knew—he'd tried to play with it the night before and his Raj had been most cross. His Raj's tail twined with his, big paws pushing him down so Malik could stretch out atop him and rub, mixing their scents. Ridding them of the mud smell. Yes. Oh, very good smells. His paws wrapped around Malik's neck and he licked and nuzzled the spots his Raj could not reach. His Malik was all there, from the tip of that large nose to the end of the fine dangly bit that was a tail. He went all shivery inside, all hot and good and happy and almost perfect. 379

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If they were on his Rock, they would be perfect. The man stirred, muttering querulously, and Malik growled, the excellent realness fading away in to the light man-form. “Soon, Rishi. Soon we will go home.” No. No. Not soon. Now. Now now now. He Pouted Mightily. The man sat up with a groan. “Oh ... was I dreaming?” Malik looked over at the man, his Raj's face perfectly blank. “Perhaps. What did you dream?” Dreams? He was not a dream! Not even when he was not Real! The man shook his head, looking at the bad sand. “No ... it was real.” The man had very wide eyes. “The tiger turned into a man. He came to get me. We saved you. And then he ... turned back into a tiger.” Malik nodded, breath coming out on a sigh, stirring his fur. “You saved my life. You and Rishi.” “I still can't believe it. A tiger and a man. I have heard stories but I never believed such things could exist. What a marvel!” Rishi harrumphed. Not a mar-vel. A Rishi. Silly man. Something about the way Malik's posture changed made him want to growl. “Yes. Rishi is unique. And could be in great danger if anyone knew of him.” “You were trying to hide his nature—this is why you didn't want him to come with us.” 380

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“Yes. I did not want him to be in danger in any way.” Malik stroked him, murmuring praises. Rishi tilted his head. He wasn't hiding his nature. His Raj was. He was Real ... Oh ... Oh so good ... The man blinked a bit, watching them, and then said softly. “You do not want me to tell anyone what I have seen.” “I do not. I owe you my life, and for that I will protect yours with it. But Rishi is my life, and I will let no harm come to him.” He growled low, so proud. Such a good Rishi. Such a fine Raj. Malik dug strong fingers into his ruff, scratching hard. The man was looking at him. “How come he didn't change while he was in the cage? He could have freed himself.” “He did not know how. He is ... he has not spent time as a man.” Malik sighed again. “We need water, and food. We should leave this place.” Yes. Home. They should go home. To their Rocks and their Pond and their Trees and their Home. Home.

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Chapter 5 Once they were recovered from his rescue from the sinking sand, Malik got the others up and moving, much to the man's dismay and Rishi's rumbling. He simply could not stay there any longer, once they had water, and fruit. Such a stupid thing for him to do, such a man thing. And now the man knew. The man knew what Rishi was, if not him, and any other man would be dead now, feeding he and Rishi and the death birds besides. This man Malik could not kill, though, for the man had saved him from the quicksand, and Malik owed him that debt of life. He had two choices. He could take the man to the city, and trust that he would tell no one what he had seen. Certainly that was a possibility. The man did not seem like the vicious type, and it was very likely the man would die of starvation or disease before he could speak. The other choice was to keep the man with them, keep him safe, but not give him a chance to tell tales. That was the option Malik chose, not knowing what else to do. So, as Rishi wished, they were going home. Malik set off, making his way like he was going to go to the city, but leading them in a large circle, heading back for Rishi's rock, and his pool, and their home. The man did not seem to notice the change in direction, indeed the man rarely looked up from his feet, trudging along slowly after them. Rishi, on the other hand, was bouncing, purring almost continually, gold eyes 382

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alight. His Rishi knew. Just as Rishi knew that they moved more and more away from home before, his young one knew when they reached the outer limits of their territory once more. Malik drove them relentlessly, wanting the man exhausted, so that he would not know what Malik was about. Rishi wandered further and further from his sight, rolling in the grasses, spooking the birds and hares and marking their territory. The happy, familiar chirrups and calls soothed Malik, eased him as little else would. “Is it much further?” the man asked. “It seems like we've been walking forever.” “We will stop soon.” Guilt, a feeling he had not felt since he left the world of men behind, weighed heavily on him for his deception, but he must protect Rishi. His Rishi. By twilight they were close enough to their rocks that Rishi fairly ran him down to get ahead of them, and he realized how far afield in the opposite direction of the city the man he had eaten had traveled. Silly men. Rishi's roar was filled with happy pleasure and the birds scattered wildly, squawking and fluttering as his young one pounced and rolled. Malik wanted to roar as well, but instead he turned to the man. “We will camp here.” The man nodded and sat abruptly. “I can't believe we aren't there yet—you've been really pushing the pace.” “I ... Rishi likes this place. I wanted to make it here for him.” That, at least was true. “If you wish to rest, I will get 383

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you water for a bath.” He smiled slightly. “I will promise not to sink like a stone.” “Oh, a bath. Yes, please! I could even get up and get to the water if there's promise of a bath.” At the edge of the clearing, Rishi scrambled onto his stone, spine arching as he roared. “Oh. Beautiful,” murmured the man, voice awestruck. Torn between laughing at Rishi and roaring a bit himself, Malik nodded. “There is no other like him. You stay, rest. I will get water.” “Thank you. Thank you very much, Malik.” Malik nodded, and went toward his pool. The man would soon realize there was no cause to thank him. None at all. Rishi's footsteps sounded, soft and steady behind him, the gentlest questioning purr sliding against his leg. “Home, Rishi. We are home.” Soft, thick fur under his hands made him smile, and Malik knelt to rub noses with his mate. “We will stay here. With the man.” Rishi blinked, but rubbed their cheeks together, purring loudly. The man concerned his mate not at all, so long as they were home and together and real. Real. Oh, he missed running and playing and sleeping with Rishi as his own self, and not this weak man-form, and Malik let it slide away, body becoming long and strong and heavy. He growled, rubbing cheeks once more with Rishi. Rishi was vibrating, purring with all his strength, the soft sounds of love and desire and pleasure filling the air. Leaning with all of his weight, Malik pushed Rishi down and lay atop him, letting their tails curl, teeth closing on Rishi's 384

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neck. Rishi stretched, paws reaching in pleasure, spine curling and sliding beneath him. At least Rishi was happy. That was the important thing. The man, well, he owed the man much. So Malik would work to make him happy as well. With a bath. As soon as he and Rishi waded a bit. Rishi leaned up and licked him, playful, happy. His beautiful Rishi. Malik nipped at Rishi's nose, rubbing them together before rolling away and wading into his pool. Oh. That felt so good and right. So right that he almost didn't mind Rishi leaping over the top of him and splashing. Oh. He growled, letting his roar out like he wished to, and splashed his way over to Rishi, intent on dunking the young one thoroughly. Rishi chuffed and ran, water flying as the cub bounded away, ears perked and happy. They played for as long as Malik could let them, rolling in the mud, washing in the pool, biting and scratching and grabbing each other's tails. Soon he would have to return to that other form, go back to the man. Rishi stood up on his back legs, paws batting the air, then splashed down with a roar. Just then he thought he heard a human noise. A gasp. Malik turned back toward the shore, body already slipping into man form, the water rising around him. The man was there, sinking down. “You're one, too.” “Yes.” There was no use denying it. He waded out to squat in front of the man. “You can have your bath now, if you like.” “You're not taking me to the city, are you?” 385

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So matter of fact, the words, and there was no use denying that either. “I cannot. I am sorry.” “Are you going to eat me?” The man didn't seem upset by the prospect. Rishi bounced by, chasing a fish, water flying and soaking the man. “No. I will not, and neither will Rishi. I will protect you with my life. But I cannot take you back.” “I think I'll get that bath now.” Without another word the man began to strip. Unsure of what to do, Malik let out a sharp sound, calling to Rishi. They would guard the pool and let the man have his bath. And figure out where to go from there. **** Well, he was clean at least. In fact he could have as many baths as he wished—the tigers certainly spent enough time in the water that it was safe for him to do so as well. And he wouldn't want for meat, there were plenty of nuts and even fruits to be found without venturing too far. Plenty of fresh water. The exhausting trek was over. Unfortunately he was not anywhere near a city and for all intents and purposes, he never again would be. He had been kidnapped, really. Tigernapped. Whatever. The long and short of it was that this ... wilderness inhabited by two tigers who were also men—although neither of them seemed very fond of their man shapes or him—was 386

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his new home. The good news, aside from the ample water and food, was that he would never again have to wrestle a portly-bellied, pale-skinned man into his holiday breeches. The bad news was that he was lonely. He'd given up being scared and shocked yesterday, it seemed de trop after several days of it. It was time to take stock. Aside from the blouse and breeches he wore, he had his boots, his rather bent jungle hat and his box. He opened the box and began to unpack it. The first item was shoe leather and a shoe brush. How very useful. If Lord Ledringham were still alive and in possession of his good boots. Something made his skin tingle and he looked over to see the smaller tiger slowly creeping over, belly on the ground, eyes fascinated. “I'm going through my box,” he told the tiger—Rishi, its name was Rishi. “I don't know if I even have a change of clothes.” He held up the polish and the brush. “These are useless here ... well...” He took another look at the brush. Lady Ledringham's house cats enjoyed a good brushing. Rishi responded with a series of chirrups and coughing sounds, head bobbing. “Yes, well maybe we'll use the brush later, when I really believe you won't bite my hand off.” He chuckled dryly and put aside the polish and brush. The next thing he pulled out was a small mending kit. Oh, this would be handy, especially if he had no other clothes in 387

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the box. He put that aside as well and pulled out a small blue bottle. A tincture for seasickness. Well, they weren't exactly near the sea, now were they? Of course he suspected that it would work for any stomach malady, so it was quite possibly useful. Two out of three. Now if the odds just remained in his favor. Rishi had reached the base of his box, was sniffing and snuffling along the edge. A splashing sound drew his attention to the pool, and Malik waded out, shaking the water out of his fur and looking like nothing so much as one of his Lordship's hunting hounds. Then the huge animal padded over and nipped the tip of Rishi's tail before settling down a few feet away and staring at him. Rishi sniffed his box once more, then wandered over to lick and begin grooming Malik, tongue sliding over the damp fur. He watched them a moment before digging back into his box. He pulled out a cape, one of Lord Ledringham's, obviously not expected to be worn and so packed with his things. It would make an excellent sleep roll. “Yes!” Both tigers looked at him, blue and gold eyes blinking. He beamed at them. “I've had a touch of luck.” The big one, who was Malik when a man, rolled up and ambled over, sniffing at the folds of the cloak. Low growls came from deep within the animal's chest, those impossibly large teeth baring at him. He shrank back. “You can't have it—you and Rishi have fur and I don't. I need it.” They would not take his things, it was all he had. They would not. 388

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Rishi followed, scenting the air, backing away and snarling, beginning to pace. Before his eyes the body of the tiger became the familiar body of the man, Malik, the transformation happening in less than a heartbeat. “Wash it. It stinks of the man.” “Oh. Oh!” He nodded. He could do that. “I can do that.” Malik peered into his box. “Do you have...” Malik stopped, obviously searching for a word. “Tools?” “I don't know—I just grabbed one of my boxes when we left—my things and my Master's were mixed between the two. What kind of tools?” “Something to break tree limbs with?” Those blue eyes met his briefly. “To help make a place for you to sleep.” He shook his head. “Things like that would not be kept in my personal effects. I had a machete back at the camp, but I didn't bring it with us.” “Oh.” Clearly disappointed, Malik shrugged and went back to Rishi, squatting to pet the still growling cat's ears. He put the cloak aside. “I will wash this once I've gone through the box—there may be more which requires washing.” The next item had him crowing again. Bath salts and soaps. Several different varieties. All his Master's personal store. The smaller cat almost turned to look at him. Almost. He grinned at the two of them, and went back to his box. Not much else left. He did find a second pair of breeches, for which he was quite happy. Malik obviously had no worries 389

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about wandering around naked when in man form, but he was brought up quite differently and would not have been comfortable if he could not count on being clothed. At the very bottom of the box was his razor and a small alternating blade knife set. What had Lord Ledringham called it? Oh yes, an army knife. It had been a gift from his Master before they'd begun this rather ill-fated adventure. “I do have a tool,” he told Malik, showing him the knife and how you could exchange one blade for another. “It's quite small though.” Malik looked it over, nodding. “It will do to cut small, green branches. That will be good. I will go and start.” Just like that Malik was off into the trees, leaving him with Rishi. He blinked after Malik and then looked back down at Rishi. The smaller tiger made him nervous. Mostly because Rishi seemed to accept his presence very grudgingly. And for all the tiger was the smaller of the two, he was still very large. And had really big teeth. Which he showed quite a bit. Rishi blinked at him, then sat, tail swiping against his box, making a slapping sound. “Would you like to have my box?” he asked. Rishi's head tilted, the tiger blinked. He picked it up and held it out to the tiger. Rishi walked over and looked inside, sniffing and smelling. Then, as he watched, the tiger walked over to a tree and tore down some low-hanging leaves, bringing them over to place into the box before leaping up onto a flat rock. He chuckled. “You are a very strange beast.” 390

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Of course, he supposed his own movements were considered strange by Rishi and Malik. The sound of branches thumping to the ground made him start, and Malik handed his knife back to him. “You keep. I have no place to put.” And Malik set to wrapping vines and branches together. He put the knife with the rest of his things—he would find somewhere to keep it. Perhaps he shouldn't have been so quick to give away his box. Malik looked at him out of the corners of those odd blue eyes, something like laughter in them. “The leaves will make the cloth smell better. He was helping.” “Oh!” He blushed. “I had made a gift of the box to him.” Rishi made a soft noise, and when he looked, he found the tiger snoring, paws in the air, sound asleep. “Not much of a gift I guess,” he admitted, feeling very sheepish indeed. He carefully put his things back into the box. There. That was definitely laughter. “What would Rishi do with your box? But it is very kind of you. That was why I did not kill you, you know. You were kind to him.” The blush would be permanent, he was sure. “He seemed interested in it. I thought he would like it to play with...” “No doubt he would. But it is all you have and he will not take it.” Malik smiled at him still, eyes bright. “He is just nosy.” “I should have known. Curiosity killed the cat.” His eyes flew up to Malik's as soon as the words were out of his mouth. “Of course the adage continues—satisfaction brought it back.” 391

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If his words bothered Malik it did not show. The tiger-man simply kept working, and soon there was a sizable flat piece of wood and vine, perhaps five feet long and four wide. Malik then lashed it between two young trees, standing back to look at it. “There. A roof for your box.” “Oh! Thank you.” He was touched. He picked up his box and put it beneath the makeshift roof. Now all he needed was a side or two and he would have decent shelter if it ever rained. “You should rest now.” He had learned that when Malik said that it meant Malik wanted a nap. These two slept quite a bit. He nodded. “I want to wash the cloak first, so that I may use it to lie on.” A short nod was his only answer, and the startling change occurred once more, Malik's human form lengthening into the big cat. Malik turned around Rishi twice before curling up with the other tiger and twining tails. The loneliness filled him again, for he was very much alone here. An interloper allowed to live because he had saved Malik's life. He grabbed his cloak and one of the soaps and headed for the river before he could wonder if it would have been kinder to let him die.

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Chapter 6 The wind was cool, and the air smelled of coming rain. They had fed well earlier in the day, and napped with great enthusiasm, and twined tails and groomed. Now, Malik needed. So, of course, Rishi had disappeared. He was not on their rocks. He was not in the pool. Not that he would be there without Malik at any rate. The trees yielded no Rishi, even though his young one was a far better climber than he was. Malik tried to catch his scent, but soon became dizzy following the roundabout bouncing trail Rishi had left for him. A growl of frustration left him. He ached. He itched, and no matter how he rubbed on the rocks or the trees it did not go away. The wind and the grasses and the first drops of rain conspired to drive him mad, brushing him like Rishi's tail or tongue and Malik finally sat back and roared his need to the sky. It took only a matter of heartbeats before Rishi's call answered him, the tip of his young one's tail bounding through the furiously shuddering grasses. One more roar for good measure, and then Malik braced himself for the attack, muscles bunching, twitching beneath his skin. He could hear Rishi panting and huffing, running hard, not disguising the upcoming pounce in the least, the cry of ‘RAJRAJRAJRAJRAJRAJ’ sharp in the wind. They went down 393

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together as Rishi barrelled right into him, his teeth closing on Rishi's neck, his growls making the thunder run and hide. Rishi made him feel like a god. Rishi's paws wrapped around his chest, purring and growls coming all at once, the scent of pure happiness heady and rich. He nuzzled and licked and bit and let Rishi hear his own song of love and need and happiness. So long, he had waited. So long. His shaft was hard and hot against Rishi, and Malik rubbed and rubbed, growling low. His Rishi stretched and rubbed, those golden eyes lit up, glowing for him, belly fur so soft, so warm. Purring, Malik pushed against Rishi, listening to the sweet chirrups and chuffs, letting the rain fall on his back. So good, easing his itch as nothing else did. Rishi lapped at his chin, breath puffing against him, tongue moving over him quick and hungry. Crouching low Malik rubbed against Rishi even harder, teeth closing on that soft throat once more, giving Rishi the best kiss a tiger knew how to give. His sweet young one, his beautiful Rishi who denied him nothing. Rishi's head fell back, soft rumbles and roars singing to him, of him, for him. How his Rishi loved. Before long the lightning and thunder and Rishi's softness beneath him drove him to release, roaring his pleasure for all to hear as he spent himself against his most loved. Rishi purred and snuggled close, body shifting and sliding, tongue grooming his face as his mate panted and rocked. He stayed were he was, pressing against his Rishi, nipping at the young one's neck and chest. He could not but give the same 394

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pleasure he got. Each nip and touch and rub made his Rishi vibrate a little harder, shiver a little faster. Growling encouragement, purring his love, Malik licked Rishi's chin, rubbed his cheeks. He wanted his Rishi's pleasure. Those paws wrapped around him, hips jerking and rubbing furiously now. Those eyes stared at him, loved him, needed him. So ready, his Rishi, and Malik bent and bit hard and deliberately, claiming Rishi as his mate. His. The roar that heralded his Rishi's pleasure echoed through their home, dared the thunder with its glory. The scent drowned out the rain, hot and musky and so perfectly Rishi. Malik licked at Rishi's fur, grooming from head to tail. His actions were met with a loud purr, paws batting at raindrops, soft chirrups sounding that were meant only for his ears. They played together in the soft pour of the rain, until they were tired, and went to seek a dry spot to sleep together, warm and safe and happy. For now his need was met, but Malik would need again, he knew. How could he not, when Rishi was his mate?

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Chapter 7 The Man smelled ... not grumpy. Grumpy smelled like his Raj when the river dried or the bugs swarmed. No ... this was ... sour. Bitter. Yucky. If the Man didn't stop, Rishi was going to ... To ... To tell his Raj. So there. Except that his Raj still slept, paws over tail under the big tree. Bah. He thought. Twitched. Growled a little. Finally, he made a decision. A good brave strong decision. Rishi pounced the Man and started licking. A good grooming would have to help. The man made much noise and did not stay still for his grooming. Rishi rumbled, one paw on the man's belly. Stupid mans with fake fur and not-grumpy stinks. “Malik! Malik! He's eating me!” 396

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His Raj sprang up, roaring very loud like he did to protect their rock from predators, looking around wildly. “Help!” screamed the stupid mans. He huffed and rolled his eyes. If the stupid man made his Raj grumpy and his grumpy Raj bit his hindquarters? Somebody would be lunch. His Raj came over and looked at both he and the mans, and the blue eyes blinked at them, Malik's tail lashing back and forth. Then his Raj made a chuffing sound and pounced veryvery fast, knocking him off the man and rolling them over and over, growling and nibbling him. Oh! Oh, playing! Rishi growled and bounced up, jumping on Malik's belly, avoiding the pointy bits. They rolled back the other way, knocking the man down as he tried to stand up. There was more noise and flailing by the man—did he not want to play? Or maybe he did not know how. Oh. Oh, poor mans! Rishi would help! He pounced and nuzzled, rolling the man over and over before bounding away so the man could chase him. The man did not chase though, instead the man curled up into a ball. Silly mans! Malik distracted him, teeth pulling at his tail before his Raj bounded away, daring him to chase. 397

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Rishi—who was not a stupid mans and knew all the rules— gave chase, roaring happily, chasing his most large and fine and strong Raj. The best Raj everywhere! Pounce! They played some more, Malik slipping from beneath him and knocking him down, teeth closing on his throat for an instant, body heavy against him. He relaxed, submitting, giving Malik the respect his Raj deserved. Their game was over, and his Raj stood, walking over to the man to sniff. The man made a whimper noise. “Please. No more!” He sighed, rolling his eyes. No “Good Rishi". No “Thank you, Rishi.” No. The man had to be more stinky. Maybe Malik would drag the Man to the water. And feed him to the Long-Nosed Toothy Not-Fish. Did his Raj do that? No. Instead, Malik nuzzled the man, licking softly and making low rumbles. “Are you going to eat me now?” Rishi planted his feet and ROARED. The man drew up tighter into a ball, covering his ears. He looked at Malik, vocalizing, telling his Raj. This man was not good and smelled wrong and he was NOT going to 398

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eat the stinky man or take the things or hurt or break or be a Bad Rishi. Rishi was TIRED. Rishi was MAD. Rishi was going to BITE something. Hard. He showed Malik his teeth, stamping against the ground. His Raj came back to him, nudging him toward their rocks, the rumbles and nuzzles and licks for him now, soothing him. His Raj's noises told him much. How fine he was, how wonderful, how patient and good. He let his Raj ease him, let the soft touches of tongue draw quiet purrs from him. Oh. Oh, good his Raj. So good. With Malik between him and the man he could not smell, and he was still tired, so maybe he would take a nap. And maybe before he woke up the man would not be stinky. **** Malik sighed, letting go of his real self with a pang and sliding into the uncomfortable man skin. Rishi slept restlessly, feet running in his dreams, but at least he slept. The man ... Well, the man was very scared and unhappy. And still curled up on the ground, arms over his head. Malik went to him, putting a hand to the man's shoulder. The man started hard, looking up at him with frightened eyes. “Why? Why would you suddenly decide to eat me?” 399

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“Lynnnn. Rishi was only playing. That is how we play. And I...” he could feel hot blood in his face. “I was trying to comfort you.” “Playing? Comfort?” The man gave him a hard look. “Are you sure?” A frustrated sound escaped him. “If we were going to eat you, you would be dead.” The man drew back into himself again. “All right. All right. It is just ... you are both very big, especially your teeth and your paws and ... I am not used to tigers who can be men and who play, just ones that roar and eat things. Things like my Master.” This he knew. Which was why he tried for patience, even though it was far from his strong suit. “I am sorry you hate it here.” “Hate is perhaps too strong a word, Malik. I...” The man sighed. “I am lonely.” A short nod. “Yes. You are unhappy. Rishi. He can smell it on you. That is why he tried to bring you into our play today.” “I didn't know that was meant to be play,” the man reminded him. “I am not used to being held down and ... licked. I will know next time. And perhaps I need another bath if I smell.” How did one explain to a man who had no wild instincts what fear smelled like, how the scent of unhappiness was like rot? “I do not think a bath will help unless you are more happy. I...” He stopped. Thought. “Perhaps if Rishi and I try to spend some time with you as men?” 400

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“Oh ... I—yes, then at least I would have someone to talk to.” Malik tried not to laugh as he imagined the man and Rishi talking. Still, it would be good for Rishi as well, to grow more used to playing man. For every year more of them came, and soon they would be impossible to avoid. “Yes. Then that is what we will do. Do you like your roof and walls?” For just the day before Malik had replaced the roof that Rishi had pounced down, and added two little walls. “Yes, I do, thank you.” The man gave him a look and then asked. “When do the rains start?” Lifting his head, Malik tasted the wind, then frowned as his man form made it hard to read the air. “Soon, I think. The pool is green at the edges, and the heat makes us all growl.” “Would you mind terribly building me at least one more wall? I do not have your fur and the rains will make me very cold and very wet and that will make me sick. If I had another wall and one that could open—like a door?” A door. Malik thought back very hard, to when he lived with men, but roofs and walls were not what he had had. Tents. They had lived in tents. “You will show me this door, how it works, and I will build.” “It's like a wall that opens, so that I can go in and out. If you can't make one, then just leave a hole in the last wall.” “I can do that. Make you a door.” If it would make the man happy, then Malik would do it. Even if it was more work than he had done in years. Men always thought work made them good. “Thank you. I would appreciate that very much.” 401

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“You are welcome.” Malik was silent for a moment, thinking some more. “I will go wake Rishi. He will come and talk.” Malik marched over to Rishi and scratched his mate's back. Rishi purred and stretched, arching happily into his touch. He gave good scratches, knowing he was about to ask much of the young one. “Rishi. I need you to be as I am now. To be a man for a bit.” Rishi gave him a long-suffering look, but pushed into his hands once more before shifting, eyes still bright and gold in the smooth face. His Rishi. Malik leaned forward and pressed their lips together, rewarding Rishi with a kiss. “My good Rishi.” Rishi purred and returned the kiss enthusiastically, hands petting his hair, his shoulders. “Mmm.” So good. But it was not helping the man. A small sigh fell on Rishi's lips. “Come, Rishi, and sit with Lynnnn.” That got him a frown, coppery eyebrows lowering, Rishi's nostrils flaring. “It will make him stop being stinky.” Well, Malik hoped it would. Rishi opened his mouth, then shut it with a snap, leaping off his rock and stalking over to Lynn, low, unhappy rumbles sounding as he sat. The man gave Rishi a small smile. A very small smile. “I'm sorry I thought you were trying to eat me.” Malik watched closely, but did not intrude, hoping Rishi's good nature would see them through. The young one rolled his eyes, the low vocalizations rough and odd from the man402

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throat. Poor Rishi—he wore the man-shape so rarely, he only understood his true form. “Perhaps we can get to know one another?” suggested Lynn. “How old are you?” Shaking his head, Malik went to sit at their feet, hand on Rishi's leg, petting and reassuring. Rishi blinked over at Lynn, then at him. “O-o-o-old?” “How many rainy seasons do you have.” Malik looked at Lynn. “Yes?” The man's face lit up. “Yes, that's it exactly.” “Not so many as Raj. More than the Long-Leg Bird in the water.” “The long-leg bird?” Lynn asked. Rishi nodded, pointing out to the pond where the white and black cranes nested and fed. “Long-Leg Bird in the water.” “Oh ... and how many rainy seasons has the long-leg bird in the water had?” “The ... the Long-Leg Bird in the water came with the Biting Hard Creeping Ones.” Rishi held out his arm, showing the scar left from the snapping turtle, the marks pale and faded. “Oh, you were bitten!” Lynn looked alarmed. “Malik? What on earth bites tigers?” He stifled another smile, for Rishi was brave and wonderful and would not like to be laughed at. “Turtles. Snakes.” He tickled Rishi's foot, making his mate chuff and twist. “Other tigers.” “Turtles?” Lynn looked like he didn't believe it. “Turtles?” 403

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“Yes. They have very sharp beaks and they know we cannot eat them for they have very hard shells.” A bad little impulse made him add, “Watch your toes in the water.” Nodding, Rishi moved closer to Malik, nuzzling in, comforting himself. “Bite h-h-h-hard. SNAP” Lynn looked rather alarmed and drew his feet up under himself. That would not help, if the man was scared to bathe. “We will help protect, yes?” “That would be most appreciated.” The man tried to smile, though it was not his best effort. “How many rainy seasons have you seen, Malik? Maybe that will help me narrow down how old Rishi is.” Oh. Closing his eyes, Malik thought hard. “Seven of your years have passed since I came to be with Rishi. Before that,” Malik spread his hands, shrugging helplessly, “I do not know. We did not have the rainy seasons where I come from. Time passed differently it seemed. How many years do you have?” “I am twenty one. You both seem much older than seven years. Well in your man forms. You seem older than I am,” Lynn told him. “While Rishi seems younger, though not by very much. At least physically.” Petting Rishi's soft skin soothed him as well as his mate. There would be many hard questions, he knew, but he owed the man that much. “Yes. Rishi is young for our kind. I am ... well, I am much older than Rishi, and older than you as well.” He smiled. “You are Eeenglish, yes?” 404

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Rishi's hand trailed over his belly, the young one watching the butterflies, purring softly. “Eeeeeeenglish. Eeeeeenglish mans.” “Yes, yes, that's right. I am an Englishman.” The man seemed pleased for a moment and then frowned again. “I suppose I shall never see my home again. Lord Ledringham intimated as much when we left, though I am quite sure he meant that we would most likely die, rather than be stranded with shapeshifting tigers. Of course, he is dead, now isn't he?” “Do you miss having to serve the man?” He could not let the man think too much on what he left behind. “It might sound strange, but yes, I do.” The man looked off into the distance. “Lord Ledringham wasn't a bad Master. He never beat me. And I had a place, I knew where I belonged, duties to keep me busy...” Oh. His head hurt from thinking so much, something he had not done in a long time. “I am sure Rishi can think of things to keep you busy, yes, my young one?” Rishi looked up at him, a questioning noise sounding. Then Rishi nodded. “Bizzy. Yes. Buzzy mans.” “Oh. Thank you.” Rishi dipped his head and started grooming them both— Malik's shoulder, his own arm. “Yes. You can chase butterflies and play and nap and perhaps brush him when he is not a man.” He only just remembered the brush. Malik rumbled happily. Perhaps the man would brush him as well. 405

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“Br-r-r-r-r-r-r-rush? What is brrrrrrrrush?” Rishi pushed further into his lap. “I could show you,” replied Lynn, getting up and going to his box. He came back with the brush. “I use this on your fur. I suppose it is like grooming.” Rishi reached out, finger touching the bristles and shivering. “Ooooh! Now?” Suddenly his lap was full of tiger, heavy and furry and purring. That would certainly help Rishi to like the man. “Do you mind?” he asked, looking at Lynn. “You or me?” Lynn asked, holding out the brush to him. “Oh, you. I would brush too hard.” Malik smiled, knowing it was true. Besides, he liked holding Rishi. “All right.” The man moved a little closer and tentatively slid the brush along a small patch of Rishi's back. Rishi shifted and wiggled, waiting for more. The man slid the brush again, this time from Rishi's neck to the base of his tail. Rishi purred, stretching and arching, rippling on his lap. “Oh. He liked that.” Lynn did it again, pressing a little harder. “Oh yes.” Malik was a bit breathless. Rishi was heavy. Yes. Rishi was purring, eyes closing, tongue lolling out. Those strong claws appeared and disappeared, rolling methodically. Malik hoped Lynn enjoyed brushing. Lynn gave a little chuckle, looking happier than they had seen him in days, and continued brushing Rishi. Maybe he had found a way to help them get along after all. Lynn kept brushing, looking more and more confident as Rishi's purrs 406

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got louder. Rishi's pelt was shining, beautiful and sleek under the sun. So wonderful, his young one. So pleasing to him. Malik looked longingly at the brush. Next time maybe the man would brush him. “It feels good, doing this for him,” Lynn said softly, smiling. Rishi lifted his head, turning to nuzzle and lap Lynn's face. “Oh!” The man gasped, looking surprised, but also pleased. “He likes it too. He is happy that you will do this thing for him.” Very casually, Malik scratched Rishi's ears. “Will you do it for me, sometime?” “I would be very happy to—I owe you much.” Rishi rolled over onto his back, idly playing with his hands, batting and boxing, big head rubbing his thighs. Lynn carefully brushed the long belly. The white-white fur was so soft, the young one's skin so sensitive and Malik smiled as Rishi stre-e-e-e-e-etched, panting. He stroked the fur under Rishi's chin. “You do not owe me anything. I have kept you away from your life, yes?” Rishi's tongue lolled out, the expression pure bliss. “You could have killed me though—I am sure it would have been easier. Instead you make me a shelter and bring me food and worry that I am not happy.” “It is not your fault you are stuck here. Not entirely.” One of Rishi's paws batted at him as he stopped scratching, and Malik began once more. “It will become easier.” “I'm sure it will,” replied the man, still brushing Rishi. 407

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Malik could only hope it was true.

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Chapter 8 Lynn suddenly had a constant friend in Rishi. He was going to have really strong hands as soon as they stopped aching. Who knew tigers liked being brushed so much? He had to admit though, it was nice. Instead of ignoring him and more or less having nothing to do with him, Rishi would come often, golden eyes gazing at him until he gave in. Today he'd decided to try something new, to “play” with the tigers, especially Rishi. While the tigers were asleep, he'd hidden the brush among the grasses near the river. When Rishi came to beg wordlessly for his brushing, Lynn just shrugged. “I've lost the brush.” Rishi blinked, came right up and smelled him, nostrils flaring. “I don't have it—truly. If you find it though, I will brush you.” Rishi looked him over, then bounced over to his make-shift house to look. Oh, perhaps he hadn't thought this out completely ... “It's not in there!” He blushed. “I've hidden it,” he admitted. “So we could ... play?” Rishi stopped. The tiger made an odd, happy noise and pounced him, paws landing on his shoulders as his face was thoroughly licked. Then Rishi bounded off, looking for the brush, tail high and swishing. 409

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He picked himself up and wiped his face, chuckling. The sound made him stop still. It had been awhile since he'd truly laughed. The bruises from being pounced were forgotten in favor of watching Rishi's antics, of enjoying them. Of course, Rishi found many things to bring to him—a turtle shell, an egg, a baby crocodile, a feather, a bone, Malik ... He kept them all but the baby crocodile, to which he'd given a rather cowardly shriek and jumped up and away from. Malik, however, he gave a smile, scratching the huge tiger behind the ears. Malik looked at him with a sort of sleepy disgruntlement, Rishi having awakened him to be delivered, and settled at his feet. “What about you, Malik? Why haven't you asked to be brushed? Don't you like it?” A great sniff answered him, Malik's tail batting him as it swung hard against his legs. “No? We shall have to find something that you do like then that we can do together. I'm enjoying my time with Rishi.” He laughed lightly, still not quite used to talking to them as tigers and expecting them to understand. It rather felt like he was talking to himself. A low growl came to him next, and Malik stood, turning that great back and walking off in what looked to be a distinct huff. He had the most strange urge to stick his tongue out at the big cat. Until the brushing, Malik had been the only one of the two who seemed to pay any interest in him, and now that he and Rishi were getting along, Malik was ... well sulking by 410

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the looks of it. Surely Malik wasn't jealous of the time he and Rishi spent together. Maybe the brushing had some meaning he was unaware of. Rishi gave a roar and strutted over, brush in his mouth. He passed by Malik, nudging with one hip. “Oh you found it! Good Rishi!” He clapped his hands together. A harrumph came from Malik's direction as the big tiger flopped to the ground and stretched out. Rishi gave Malik a long look, then the tiger dropped the brush on the ground near Malik and looked over at him, eyes expectant. “You want to get brushed over there?” He shrugged, unsure how Malik was going to take it, but the big tiger would let him know if he wasn't happy. He made his way over and picked up the brush. Without seeming to do it deliberately, Malik rolled, coming up against Rishi's legs and sending the other tiger sprawling down so that of he wished to brush one, he would have to brush both, they were so close. Rishi purred, leaning over to lick Malik's face, gold eyes shining. “No biting my hand off if you don't want this,” Lynn muttered, confused by the tigers, as usual. He began to brush gently. Rishi's purring was almost immediately drowned out by a deep bass rumble the likes of which he had not heard before. Well, at least not for anything he'd done. Rishi nuzzled close to Malik, grooming and purring. The eyes that met his were warm, happy. He smiled and kept brushing, putting a little 411

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more force behind the brush now, using some of his new arm muscles. Eyes dropping closed, Malik pushed against Rishi, tongue lolling out, the purring increasing. It was an astonishing display for the usually reserved cat. Rishi looked blissful, tongue lapping at Malik's ruff, Malik's paws. It was hypnotic, the pull of the brush through the soft fur, the sound of their purring. The soft touch of Malik's tail thudded gently against his leg with each pull, and Malik's big claws kneaded the air. Rishi settled, eyes closing, purring and quiet. Calm and peaceful. He closed his own eyes, hand and brush moving over the tigers. The brushing went on twice as long, since there was at least twice as much tiger. But it was quite nice to be able to do something for them, and to see Malik so receptive to his touch. Eventually Rishi scooted over and started grooming him, careful not to disturb the brushing of Malik, licking his back, his neck. Oh. He felt tears gather in his eyes. The touch might not have been human, but it was a touch, and meant as a kindness. Rishi made a soft noise, then suddenly a young man was pressed against his back. “No hurt. Rishi no hurt the Mans. No eye raining.” One of Malik's big paws settled on his foot, those strange blue eyes looking up at him intently. 412

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He leaned back against Rishi. “Good eye raining,” he told them. “G ... good? Good Rishi? Good Raj?” Rishi's voice was low, husky. He nodded, reaching back to stroke Rishi, almost surprised at skin instead of fur under his fingers. “Yes. Good Rishi. Good Malik. Thank you.” Malik nudged the hand that held the brush, letting him know he was derelict in his duties. He went back to brushing, turning to look at Rishi out of the corner of his eye—the young tiger really did make a beautiful, if wild looking man. “Why do you like the brushing so much?” “F ... f ... feels like loving.” “Oh...” His hand stilled for a moment and then resumed brushing Malik. “Is ... is bad?” Rishi looked confused, nostrils flaring. “No. No—I am just surprised.” He got another confused look. “But ... But Rishi is here. No hiding and pouncing and surprising.” He chuckled. “I just ... I did not think that ... you would accept anything from me that was like loving. I am just a man.” “Yes.” Rishi nodded, enthusiastically. “Our Mans. Mine and my Raj's Man.” Malik grumbled, a low rough sound, and licked his foot. He stopped brushing, surprised again. Oddly ... pleased. Rishi leaned close, licked his cheek, whispering. “Brush. My Raj has very big teeth.” Yes. And Malik chose that moment to show them, grumbling again. 413

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He started brushing again, a little frisson going up along his spine. He wasn't sure though if it was from fear of those teeth or the licks bestowed upon him by Malik and Rishi. Rishi kept rubbing and purring, cheeks sliding against his skin, fingers smoothing his hair. Oh ... A shiver went through him, pleasure sparking somewhere deep within his belly, feelings that he had thought dead to him forever surging through him. Another bass rumble came from Malik and suddenly the big cat was half in his lap, rough tongue scraping his chin in thanks. He scratched at Malik's ears. Rishi leaned over his shoulder, blinking down into Malik's eyes, purring. Strong teeth closed over his hand, so gently that he barely felt them, and Malik let go, pushing off him and wandering off toward the pool. Rishi nuzzled his cheek once more, then moved away, giving him a glimpse of an aroused young man before the tiger appeared, bounding towards Malik, tail dancing in the long grasses. He watched for a moment and then turned away, giving them their privacy, watching the grasses moving with the wind.

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Chapter 9 Pounce! Quietsneaking. Quietsneaking. Quietsneaking. Get Ready. Wiggle wiggle. Pounce! He let the butteryfly go. They tasted bleh and were much more fun to ... Oooh ... Something in the grass ... Sniff. Sniffsnifflisten. Quietsneaking. Quietsneaking. Quietsneaking. Get Ready. Wiggle wiggle. Pounce! His Raj's roar was very very very very much more loud than a butteryfly when his Raj was sleeping and was pounced. Oops. Rishi ran hard. Maybe his Raj would think their Man was pouncing ... Or maybe not. His Raj was right on his tail. He could feel Malik's breath. He jumped, figuring if he went up, Malik would run right under him and then think Rishi went poof. Unfortunately, Malik was ... long. He knocked his head on Malik's hindquarters, their whole home spinning in a big circle. Oh. Ow. No More Jumping. Immediately, Malik was there, nuzzling him, licking him gently. 415

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He blinked and then he Blinked. Oh. Better. Rishi moved closer, dragging his belly, purring. His Raj was so good to him, licking and purring even when he maybe, possibly, almost pounced the fine, long sleeping tail completely on accident. A soft lick to his face and a low purr were his reward, Malik soothing him. Oh. Oh, his Raj ... Rishi rolled onto his back, purring low and happy, his pleasure just filling the whole air. Malik stroked one cheek along his soft belly fur, sharing their scent. He stretched out until his insides all unknotted and just were warm with wanting, claws scratching the winds. His Malik was happy too, the sounds coming from his Raj warm and rumbly and pleased. Malik moved over him, licking and nibbling at him, heavy weight sliding down atop him. Oh. Oh. Oh. His Raj made his eyes rolly, his breath heavy and faster. Before long, Malik was pulling away, urging him to roll over before that weight settled on him again, tail twining with his. He leaned up, rubbing against Malik, purring and rumblings growing louder, needier. His Raj. His beautiful Malik. His most wonderful mate. Sharp teeth closed on the back of his neck as Malik pushed against him, low growls flowing over him. His claws dug into the ground, stretching out. Each growl was in him, moving inside his belly like butteryflies, but big. 416

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So Big. Big like his Raj. So good and warm and it smelled like his Raj only more, and Malik rocked him forward, purring and grunting. Together they growled and rumbled and purred, singing together, loud and happy, telling the land and the beasts and the birds and the fishes that they were mates and they loved here. Oh. Oh, yes. Right here. His Raj roared, the sound full of fierce satisfaction, letting Rishi know how good it was, how pretty he was, how pleased Malik was with him. That sound—the warmgoodwildlovingRishi sound sank into his fur and pushed heat from him, claws digging in, his own roar answering. They rested together, panting in the heat, Malik licking the spot where those big teeth had sunk in. He found one of Malik's paws, licking and nuzzling, purring so loud that his whole self vibrated. Malik answered with purrs just as loud, proud, happy sounds, and the claws in the paw he licked flicked in and out. Oh, his Raj was the best Raj, the finest, strongest, loudest ... His. His Malik. **** Their man was ... quiet. Not that he wasn't always that way, but he had been better, offering to brush Rishi often, chattering while he did. Well. Offering when Rishi went to him and leaned on his legs and demanding a brushing. 417

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Malik wondered. Perhaps Lynn had not liked brushing him, because ever since then, the man seemed more like he was to begin with. Quiet. Concentrating hard, Malik brought forth his man self, and went to find fruit. Perhaps that would make the man happy. He found three ripe fruits and brought them to Lynn's walls, sitting next to the man and offering them silently. “Oh. Thank you, Malik.” Lynn gave him a smile, hand lingering as the fruit was taken. “Thank you.” Watching the man carefully, Malik nodded. “You ... are you well?” Lynn blinked. “Well? Yes, I am fine.” “You have been very quiet, Lynnnn.” “There hasn't been anyone to talk to.” That made him sigh. Men were so ... they could not address anything directly. They had to talk around things, and deliberately misunderstand. “You talked to us before. What have we done?” Lynn looked away. “You have done nothing.” “But you are sad?” He put a hand to Lynn's leg, trying to get the man to look at him. The man went very still for a moment, staring down at his hand. Then Lynn looked up at him and there was something in his eyes, sadness or regret, some man emotion he couldn't quite read. “I am lonely.” Well. He did not know what to say to that. He and Rishi tried, but honestly sometimes they forgot to be men, and talk to Lynn, and it was their fault he was there, so it was their fault he was lonely. “I am sorry.” 418

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“It isn't your fault. And I know you and Rishi have tried, but it isn't the same thing. You both have each other, and I have no one. And I never will. I am a young man—it is a long time to be alone.” Malik frowned, his frustrated growl making Rishi lift his head to look at them. “You are not alone. And you could ask when you wish to talk.” Rishi's head tilted, the look in those gold eyes confused, curious. Lynn's eyes grew moist. “You do not understand me. I am not speaking of talking. I...” Oh. Oh, the man meant ... “Oh.” Lynn meant loving. He was lonely for a girl mans. The man blushed. “Yes. Oh.” Malik pondered. He did not like for the mans to be unhappy, but this was a difficult problem. Finally, he nodded. “We will get you a girl mans.” Rishi squeaked, eyes wide. “A girl mans? Oh! Oh.” The man's cheeks got even redder. “Oh, you can't. I mean ... I—thank you, but I do not wish to have a girl mans.” “But...” Oh, he would never understand. “You said you did not wish to be alone that way. The loving way.” The obvious solution was a female. “Yes, but a girl would not be the solution. I ... well, like you and Rishi, I prefer the companionship of a male.” Rishi stood, rumbling softly, hackles raised as he stalked up and settled square in Malik's lap, the claim clear. 419

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“Oh.” Brows drawing together, Malik growled some more, just because. “Then what is wrong? Rishi and I are males.” It made perfect sense to him. They would just help Lynn when he was lonely. “But you have each other,” the man said, nodding at Rishi in his lap. Malik chuckled. “Rishi likes the loving, though. He will help.” Rishi nuzzled his belly, cheek sliding along his thigh, marking him. Perhaps help was a strong term. “Just like that?” There was something in Lynn's look or voice that gave him pause. Not that he wished to take his offer back. He just ... worried that he had been too quick to offer. Scratching Rishi's ears, Malik shrugged. “We do not want you to be unhappy.” His Rishi purred, stretching under his touch, eyes closing to slits. “I would not come between you.” Malik was silent, petting Rishi easily, letting the young one's purrs soothe him. How could he explain that nothing could come between them? Lynn smiled sadly at him. “You do not have to do anything. I am lucky to be alive and not dead like my master. I should not complain. Some days it is just hard.” Rishi groaned, rolling over and licking Lynn's hand. The young one was not the most patient and the scent of unhappiness made his mate twitchy. “We do not need to talk about it anymore if you do not wish to.” Right then, at any rate. “Will you swim with us?” 420

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“Oh, yes. I would like that.” Malik nodded. “Then we will swim. And I will be a mans and talk to you.” The rest? They would settle later. **** It wasn't so bad really. And Malik and Rishi were trying very hard to include him in things. Well, Malik was and Rishi was always happy to be brushed and to return the grooming favor. He was even growing used to smelling like tiger spit. The hardest part was seeing Malik and Rishi together. So happy. And he didn't begrudge them their happiness, it just rather illuminated his own state. He'd come upon them earlier, out in the water, playing and rubbing, one thing obviously about to lead to another and he'd fled back to his home to curl up in his cloak. A noise sounded, a coughing, barking, unhappy sound that Lynn knew was Rishi, searching for him. He took a deep breath and considered hiding where he was—he knew Rishi did not like it when he was unhappy. But if the big cat was looking for him, eventually Rishi would come and knock his walls down to find him. He let the air out in a sigh and found a smile for his face, stepping out of his shelter. Rishi was pacing, fluffy and toothy and rumbling, eyes looking at him, curious, almost hurt. He frowned. “What's the matter, Rishi—oh! Of course, my brush.” He returned to the shelter and his small box of belongings, pulling the brush out. 421

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The light flickered and then Rishi, thin and human and very very male stood in his shelter. “Llllllynn.” “Rishi!” He gave the man a happy smile. It was not often that Rishi would become a man, especially without Malik's example and encouragement. “Oh! Is something wrong with Malik?” he asked as it suddenly occurred to him. “Nnnno. No. Wrong with Llllllynn.” He shook his head. “No, I'm fine, Rishi.” He held the brush tightly in his hands to keep from reaching out to touch Rishi's lovely skin. Rishi frowned, moving closer, nostrils flaring. “No. No fine.” The soft, smooth cheek brushed his as Rishi scented him. “No fine.” Oh. Rishi's skin was soft and warm and so very human. Such a beautiful young man. With a fierce and very large lover. “I am physically quite well,” he said quietly, voice rough, clutching the brush quite hard. A soft, curious noise tickled his jaw. “No. Man wants.” The soft tongue slid over his skin. “Yesssssssss. Wants.” He gasped, swaying slightly at the intimate touch. His shaft was suddenly hard, aching. They could smell his unhappiness, why would he think they could not smell his desire as well? “I'm sorry. No offence is meant.” “Offfffence?” Rishi was purring, nuzzling yet closer, body so warm.

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“I ... you ... Malik...” He swallowed, breath growing shallow. His hands twitched, wanting desperately to reach out and touch, hold, arouse. “You already have a mate.” “There is no need to be sorry.” Another, larger body crowded him from behind, Malik's breath stirring his hair. Rishi's purr grew louder, breath and lips hot on his skin. “Oh...” A shudder moved through him as the brush dropped from his hands. His eyes closed and he might have fallen, except they held him between them. “Oh, please,” he whispered, head tilting slightly, lips parting. “Please.” Rishi snuggled closer, skin so soft, so hot, Malik heated and strong behind him. “Yes. You need.” Malik's voice was a low growl. His hands were trembling as they reached up, sliding over Rishi's arms. So warm. So smooth and such muscles beneath the silky skin. He licked his lips, leaning forward, begging a kiss. Rishi's eyes flicked to Malik for a heartbeat before those soft lips covered his in an eager, joyous kiss. Behind him Malik reached around to hold Rishi's arms, pulling them all together. A sob left his throat, his mouth opening wide to Rishi. Rishi's tongue pressed into his mouth, licking and tasting, purrs becoming more audible, vibrating them. He clutched tight to Rishi's arms, rubbing between their bodies, only his trous keeping them from being entirely indecent. His whole world became warm skin and rough purring, Malik rubbing against him from behind. Rishi's shaft was a 423

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brand against his belly, wet-tipped and hard, moving sure and steady. Malik's was even hotter against his back. How long had it been since his body had seen any relief? Too long. With another sob his release was upon him and his seed spilled into his leggings. Malik soothed him, soft touches to his back and hips easing his shudders, lips moving on his neck. Rishi's purrs grew sweet, the touch of tongue against his belly as Rishi dropped to his knees even sweeter. His hands slid through the shock of hair on Rishi's head, another shudder going through him at the softness—just like fur. He let Malik support him, leaning against the tiger-man's strength. The purring intensified once more, Malik pushing at his trous, trying to get them off. Rishi helped, fingers curling into the waistband, mouth busy. His fingers were trembling as he undid the buttons on his trous, his body still wanting, still needy after such a long famine from sensation and intimacy. The tongue that cleaned him was soft, hot, his entire groin lapped and laved and tasted, Rishi visibly vibrating. “Oh my sweet Lord. So good. Oh, Rishi ... yes.” “He likes how you taste, Lynn.” Malik chuckled against his skin, making him shiver. “Yes, I like it, too.” The words ended on a moan, another shudder going through him. His sacs were explored, nuzzled, Rishi's fingers trailing through his curls. So very long. It had been so very long since any had touched him as they did now, Malik pushing against 424

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his buttocks, hands sliding between he and Rishi to find his prick. He reached back, hand sliding over Malik's skin as his other hand buried in Rishi's hair. Small whimpers filled his shelter, brought out of him by these two tiger-men. Rishi's mouth moved over Malik's fingers, lapping at them, wetting them. The wetness made Malik's fingers slide against him easily, helped ease the way for those hands to touch him. He was so hard again, body beginning to rock into Malik's hold, trembling with each new touch of tongue. “Sssssso Good.” The words were husky, Rishi moving to lick at the tip of his need. He cried out, hips bucking. “Yes. Good. Good.” “Sweet Lynn.” Malik growled, hands moving fast. He clutched at Malik's thigh, Rishi's hair, whimpering and gasping, body moving with Malik's hand, caught deep inside the sensations. A moan brushed over the tip of his cock, tongue pushing into the slit in his shaft, tasting him. He shouted out, a wordless cry as he spilled his seed once again. Rishi whimpered, licking, nudging Malik's hand with his cheek. “Oh. Smells so good.” Malik rubbed his seed into his skin, into the skin of Rishi's neck. “Oh ... the two of you ... so sensual.” He slid his hand along Malik's hip. He had found completion twice and his companions had not arrived even once. It was time he proved he could give as well as take. Malik moaned, the sound a cross between a growl and a purr, and pushed harder against him. 425

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“Raj...” Rishi's voice was sharp with need, the young man panting against him, shivering. “What can I do for you?” he asked, wanting to be a part of it, but understanding that they might want to be with each other for their own completion. Without answering, Malik shoved him back deeper inside his little house, to his pallet, pushing him down. A single growl brought Rishi to them, and once again he was surrounded by heated flesh and deep, vibrating purrs. “Touch,” Malik said and reached out to Rishi. Rishi undulated, eyes shining and golden, the long body dancing and twisting under Malik's touch, against his skin. He reached out, one hand on each man, moaning softly at the sensation of skin beneath his fingertips. They touched and tasted, both tiger men vocal in their pleasure, low sounds filling his ears. Malik finally made an impatient noise, though, and moved, so fast, pushing him onto his back, putting Rishi atop him, straddling him. Then Malik moved behind Rishi, covering him as if they were still cats. He gasped, unable to fathom that his body would be ready again for a climax, but he was hard, shaft sliding alongside Rishi's. Rishi growled, pushing back, head falling forward and exposing the skin of his nape. Malik drove them all hard, pushing Rishi against him, and he could see Malik bite down on Rishi's vulnerable skin, could see those big hands leaving bruises on Rishi's hips. Panting, he pushed his hips up, meeting Rishi's body every time Malik thrust. It was wild and fierce and felt amazing. 426

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The roar that preceded the splash of heat on his belly was deafening, wild and free and so happy. It made him jerk and bite his lip, his shaft twitching and spilling a little seed as his climax moved along his spine. Only when both he and Rishi were spent did Malik roar, shaking them both with the force of the last thrusts he made as he spilled into Rishi's body. Malik and Rishi fell together, sliding to one side of him, Rishi pressed up against his side. Then it was quiet but for their harsh breathing. The skin against him grew furry, warmer, the purrs steady and strong as Rishi stretched between them, tail moving. He stroked Rishi, petting the big tiger, wordlessly thanking the beast. He reached back, petting Malik's skin as well, so different from the fur of Rishi. Low and rumbly, Malik's voice reached him just before he drifted to sleep. “Smell better.” Well, he supposed that was a good thing. His body certainly thought so. Sated and entirely relaxed for the first time since ... he'd left England with Lord Ledringham. His eyes closed and he joined the others in sleep. **** He woke up in Lynn's box, the air hot and dark and heavy with scents and breathing. He knew the smells, knew his Raj, their Man, but ... Hot. Dark. Box. Bah. 427

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He started backing up, tail swishing, looking for the way out into the big sky with his Rock. Rishi did fine, until his back paw stepped on someone and things started moving and making the small box a very small box. Then things got ... well ... loud and snarly. Snarly and screamy and finally a huge body hit his and they rolled right out of the box and onto the ground outside where he could see the sky. Oh! Better! He bounced up and stretched, roaring happily, watching as the silly birds who were standing on his Rock flew away. Stupid birds. They were just napping. Him and his Raj and their Man. So there! Ha! Malik roared as well, his Raj's voice very loud, and then Malik jumped at him, rolling him over and over. Their Man came out of the silly box, rubbing at one arm, pulling on the silly man coverings. He nipped at Malik's ear, bounding away to pounce Lynn and lick before going to hunt Malik's tail. Or Malik's ears. Either worked. Lynn went down beneath him. “Oof!” Rishi licked. Oof. Oof. Man's words were weird. Oofoofoofoofoof. 428

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But fun. While he was distracted with the man's words, Malik had been stalking his own tail, he knew so because suddenly very sharp teeth nipped the tip of it. He leapt at Malik, all teeth and claws and roaring and, oh, this was So Good Playing! His Raj rolled and growled and bit, and sprang away, running, tail taunting him as Malik hid behind Lynn. He squatted down, muscles bunching, getting ready to pounce. “Oh, sweet Lord and saints preserve me!” Lynn cringed and closed his eyes tight. He pounced, leaping hard and landing on Malik's hindquarters. Mostly. Lynn squeaked and said “oof” again. Malik growled, the sound happy rather than fierce, and turned to pounce back. Which squished Lynn between them. Lynn really enjoyed that Oof word. It must mean Happy So Good Tigers. And their Man was playing now too, wriggling and pushing, making gaspy noises. Oh! So good, to play with his Raj and their Man, and Malik must think so too, for his Raj licked and romped and bounced with him. He happily munched on Malik's back leg, scooting his tail and hind end from the swipe of those heavy claws. Lynn oofed again and scrambled away. Ooooh! 429

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Hunting! Rishi headbutted Malik and they both started stalking. Taking off to the left, his Raj disappeared into the grass, only the tip of that long tail telling Rishi where he was. Lynn was heading toward the river, acting as if he did not know Rishi and Malik were stalking him. Rishi herded their pre ... their Man toward an open spot where his Raj could pounce. The grasses stopped waving, his Raj's tail disappearing, and Rishi wanted to bounce. That meant his Raj was really trying to surprise their Man. He didn't bounce though. Not even a little bounce. Well, maybe a tiny bounce. He nipped at their Man's heels, moving Lynn where his Raj needed. Lynn was easily herded, making a tsking noise, but going in the direction he wanted. “I thought you and Malik were playing.” He chuffed, tongue lolling. Yes. Playing. Yes. Lynn moved right toward the river, just like he knew Malik would want. His Raj was very brave, going under the water, because everyone knew water got in your eyes and your nose and that snappy things lived there. Still his Raj hunted from the water often. His Raj was the bravest. And strongest. 430

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And loudest. And wettest. Ever. Just as Lynn turned to tsk at him again, Malik burst up out of the water very fast, roaring loud, right at Lynn's knees. Lynn shrieked, stumbling back and tripping over him, falling over him. Rishi pounced and licked, nuzzling Lynn before letting Malik have his prey. Malik shook very hard and water flew everywhere, and then his Raj claimed the prey, standing over their Man and licking Lynn's throat, very carefully. Lynn gasped and breathed hard. “Oh ... Oh, it's you. Took a year off my life, I'm sure.” He wandered over and started grooming his Raj, their Man, purring. His Raj dripped all over Lynn, purring too, tail twining with his. “Well I suppose it is a good thing I was headed for a bath in the first place.” Rishi chuffed, headbutting Malik easily. Bathtime! Turning, Malik pushed him toward the water before turning back to take Lynn's wrist carefully into that big mouth and pull. Their Man chuckled. “Yes, Malik, I am coming.” Rishi backed in carefully, purring at the lovely coolness. Lynn gave him a look and then ran in and began to splash a very very lot. Oh. 431

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Oh. Oh, that was ... He closed his eyes tighttighttight and pounced, water spraying everywhere. So there. Ha! Their Man's laughing smelled good.

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Chapter 10 Their Man seemed much happier. Really very much happier, as Rishi would say. Which made Rishi happier because Lynn did not smell bad. Which made Malik happier, because Rishi did not grumble and he could bathe and nap mostly undisturbed. This was good. The one thing Lynn seemed to have trouble with still was the oofing. Rishi tended to pounce the much smaller man as if he were another tiger, and that was. Well. Lynn was not a tiger, So Malik was teaching Lynn to stalk Rishi for a change. Rishi, who was in the shadow of his rock, sleeping happily on his back, feet running in the air as if he chased butterflies in his dream. Malik was on his belly, creeping up on Rishi, and he looked back over the tip of his tail at Lynn, growling softly for their Man, who was learning to be very quiet, but was slow because of it. Lynn was sweating, teeth biting his lower lip. Their Man looked so serious! Malik had a sudden urge to call off the hunt and lick Lynn all over, but that could wait. First Lynn would pounce Rishi. They were close enough, now, and Lynn was next to him, and he nuzzled Lynn's cheek.

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Lynn gave him a smile that was only a little nervous. “Are you sure he won't think I'm attacking him?” Lynn whispered very quietly. He purred, nudging Lynn forward. He would protect their Man if Rishi got too rambunctious. Lynn took a deep breath and another step, closed his eyes and jumped. Rishi's eyes opened before Lynn's feet left the ground, but his Rishi waited, roaring and jumping in playful surprise as Lynn landed on that soft, white belly. Lynn laughed, wriggling on Rishi, fingers digging in to scratch. Oh. He was so proud of his Rishi, and of Lynn as well, and Malik bounced almost as well as Rishi, going to them to reward Lynn with soft purrs and licks, and Rishi with a quick nibble. Rishi stretched up, purring loud and strong, the scent of lazy pleasure strong, hanging in the air like falling feathers. Lynn laughed and rubbed and scratched and the scent of their Man slowly grew muskier, stronger as need joined the happiness. Malik licked along Lynn's back, loving the taste of happiness and Rishi on their Man's skin. So much better than fear and sadness. Their Man gasped, laughter cutting off for a moan. “Oh ... Oh, sweet lord.” Rishi purred and licked their Man's chest, tongue dragging over the nipples, Rishi's laughter soft, merry. His own purrs came loud and strong. The trousers Lynn wore were in the way, though, and Malik pawed at them. 434

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Lynn gasped again, twisting. “I don't ... you're both ... not men. Oh!” The words ended on a moan, Lynn rubbing harder and harder against Rishi's belly. Rishi's tail slid against him, thumping and touching him as they tasted their Man, touched Lynn. So good, his Rishi, and he let the young one know with his sounds, and by twining tails, finally getting under Lynn's cloth and tasting his soft skin. “Oh, no, my trousers,” murmured Lynn, but it didn't sound like a complaint and their Man's musk grew stronger, the rubbing faster. Rishi was growling, rumbling and rocking, tongue lapping at the curve of shoulder and throat. There was very soft skin at the base of Lynn's back, so unlike his, even when he was a man, and Malik rubbed his cheek there, marking it with scent. Their Man cried out loudly, seed spraying and filling the air with a so good scent. Rishi growled, teeth grazing Lynn's shoulder, just marking as the instinct to bite flared. Malik gave him a sort of warning growl, and bent to lick both Rishi and Lynn clean. Lynn, panting and gasping, gave a little jerk and a moan as his tongue slid over their Man's shaft and sacs. Rishi stretched, purring softly, paws kneading the air. “Oh, my,” said Lynn, getting up and taking a few steps back. “Oh, dear. I...” Their Man made a bit of a squeaking noise and grabbed his torn coverings and fled back toward his shelter. 435

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Rishi turned, making nervous barking noises, nostrils flaring with worry. Men were strange. With a rough growl to reassure Rishi, Malik thought hard about man forms and felt himself change. He would have to go and speak to Lynn, see what was wrong. Rishi rumbled, cheek brushing along Malik's hip, nose pushing into his hand. He stroked Rishi's head. “He is unhappy, young one. I smell it.” The little door on the shelter he had made Lynn was closed, and Malik only just remembered that he should knock on it. There was a sigh and then their Man called out. “It's open.” When he went in he found Lynn sewing up the ripped trousers. “What is wrong, Lynn? I am sorry I hurt your cloth.” Lynn shook his head. “It isn't that, Malik. I...” Their Man shook his head again. “I keep holding to my old world values when I should be making my own rules.” Tilting his head, Malik scented the air. It was sad and ... uncertain? “It did not feel good?” Lynn laughed and he got a true smile from their Man. “It felt very good, Malik—quite wonderful, really. You see where I come from such things would be wrong—more wrong than two men making love. To tell you the truth though, as I sit here and sew I have to wonder why I continue to allow myself to be ruled by a society I am no longer a part of.” Their Man was so brave, so much more than Lynn thought himself. Malik sat next to Lynn, reaching out to touch his side, 436

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running his hand up and down. “Where I come from, where I lived once as a man, it would have been wrong too. But who is here to disapprove? Rishi?” Rishi's head popped in, the young one rumbling. Lynn chuckled. “I think the only thing Rishi disapproves of is this shelter and my clothes.” Smiling, he reached out to Rishi. His dear young one had no doubt been listening for his name. “He would rather you went unclothed, yes.” Rishi crawled in, belly low, slow and careful, to lay that soft chin in his lap. Lynn reached over to scratch Rishi behind the ears. “Yes, I imagine he would.” Silky, beautiful fur his Rishi had, and Malik's hand met Lynn's on Rishi's head. “It would make it easier for me as well.” He could not resist. “When I wish to lick you.” Lynn's colour went high, but their Man looked pleased. “I do not wear my blouse very often anymore. Perhaps I will eschew wearing it altogether—use it to patch my leggings.” Rishi was purring, pushing closer, climbing over his legs and partially into Lynn's lap, heavy and hot and so soft. It seemed Rishi was happy with the idea of Lynn wearing less, just as he was. And comfort for Rishi always involved body weight. Lynn chuckled and bent to kiss the tip of Rishi's nose. “I will try not to let old concerns make things difficult.” That made him laugh. “We are two tigers who can be men, and one man. That presents difficulties enough.” Malik leaned over to give Lynn a true kiss, lips on lips. 437

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Their Man made that funny purring noise that meant it was good, mouth opening and tongue sliding against his. The flavor was good, man and water and salt. The scent was good too, back to heavy musk, no more sad. He held Lynn's face, pushing his tongue in deep, aggressive and needing. He heard Rishi's whimper, felt his young one shift, warm fur becoming cool skin against him. Yes. He needed Rishi as well. He bent from one set of lips to another, pulling Rishi into a kiss. Lynn stayed with them, making the kiss be three. Their Man's arms wound around his and Rishi's necks, Lynn whimpering. Rishi snuggled close, licking and moaning, bright eyes shining for him. Happy. He was happy too, now that his two were happy, and Malik toppled them all over, rubbing skin against skin. Lynn moaned, rubbing back, shaft hard and hot like Rishi's and his own. Rishi licked his way down, mouth hot and wet against his need, against Lynn's, those clumsy hands holding them together. “Oh. Rishi. So good.” Malik petted them both, purred for them. “Yes,” gasped their Man, hands twisting in his and Rishi's hair. Rishi moaned, tongue lapping at them, little hungry noises filling Lynn's shelter. He took another kiss from Lynn, hips pushing up. There was nothing better than loving. Not even napping or 438

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swimming. Lynn began moving too, making sweet noises. Rishi's purr felt sweet around his flesh, the vibration filled with Rishi's pleasure, Rishi's hunger. So good. He stroked Rishi's back, Lynn's leg, petting. Needing. “So good,” murmured Lynn, petting them both. Rishi's nod was immediate and enthusiastic, head bobbing. “Oh! Rishi. More.” It came out a growl, and his hips jerked. His shaft was so hard, so hard, and he knew it would not be long. Rishi pulled harder, lips tight, hungry, sounds of pure need sounding now. One last kiss, one more pull of Rishi's mouth and Malik roared, spending hard, hips snapping. “Oh!” Lynn's arm wrapped around him and tugged him close and in only moments their Man spent as well. Rishi licked them clean, then lapped the way up his belly, whimpering softly, rubbing against him. “Rrrrrrrraj...” “Yes. Yes my good Rishi.” His own hand found Rishi's hardness, stroking hard. “Yessss...” Rishi growled low, eyes rolling as his hand was taken with quick, needy thrusts. Lynn's hand slid over top of his, fingers sliding between his own and together they pulled on Rishi's shaft. “Now, Rishi. I want your scent.” Malik gripped Lynn's hand and Rishi's shaft and squeezed. Rishi roared for him, loud and needy as heat sprayed, the young one jerking against him. He brought Lynn's hand, still joined with his, to his mouth and licked Rishi's essence, purring at the taste. “Mine. My Rishi. My Man Lynn.” 439

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Lynn chuckled, hand curling. His Man pressed close. Rishi licked his lips, his hands, then shifted, landing heavy and furry in his lap. “Are you better now, Lynn?” Malik thought he should ask before Rishi dragged them outside of the little house. Lynn smiled and nodded. “I think I am very good now, Malik, thank you. You and Rishi, you both make me ... very happy.” He kissed Lynn lightly and nudged at Rishi. Now that everyone was happy again, he wanted a nap. “I need to finish sewing these,” Lynn murmured. “I know it doesn't really matter, but I feel more comfortable in them. More ... protected, if you catch my meaning.” Rishi started backing out, mouth soft on his ankle, tugging. Insistent. “Yes, my Rishi.” He looked at Lynn. “You will join us? After?” “Yes, of course. It would be my pleasure.” Lynn gave him a mischievous smile. “It would be even more my pleasure if you ended up in a shaded place...” “We will. For napping.” He smiled and let Rishi lead him out. Happily. **** His Raj was big and strong. His Raj had the loudest roar and the whitest teeth and the most perfect stripes. His Raj could hunt the male beasts with much meat and the water beasts with teeth. His Raj found their Man. His Raj was most wonderful. 440

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Rishi walked over and plopped down beside his mate and licked the wide cheek, purring and nuzzling, greeting Malik with a happy chirrup. Malik answered him with a deep, contented rumble, leaning up to rub cheeks with him. Mmm ... Those scents were good, strong. They made his belly warm as if they had just hunted, made his self quiver and purr. He dared to drape one paw over Malik's ruff and began grooming, tongue sliding. The sounds grew into a warning for a moment, Malik warning him to behave, but then his Raj nuzzled into the touch. He was a So Good Rishi, their Man said so many times and he groomed so carefully, so gentle, sure to put every hair in order. Even the long, twisty whiskery ones. A few teeth showed as Malik lifted a lip, or maybe that was because he licked the whiskery part above it. Either way, Malik nipped at him, reminding him to not get so close to the eyes. Just for that, he licked Malik's eyebrow. It was puffy anyway and needed smoothing. A big paw swatted at him, Malik roaring very loud right in his ear. Very loud, his Raj, just like he'd thought. He leapt away, shaking his head to make the ringing leave and making sure his fur was away from his Raj's claws. He would groom himself and it would feel good. Very good. Ha. 441

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He settled on his own Rock in the sun and started grooming, smoothing his fur. So there. Malik ignored him. For a very long time, indeed. Long enough for him to groom twice. Then Malik got up and stretched, claws digging into the soft soil, butt up and tail curled over that long back. A soft growl accompanied Malik as his Raj passed, and a long tail tickled his nose for a moment, taunting him. He batted at that teasing tail, pinning it to his Rock for only a heartbeat with only his paws, no claws at all. Not even one. Well, maybe one. Quick as anything, Malik turned and was on him, tumbling him from his rock and rolling him over and over. The growls were mock, though, playful, sounds of joy. Oh! Oh! He rolled and growled, paws batting at the strong chest, back feet raking along Malik's belly as they played. Malik purred and nipped and licked him, in a rare mood for play, and got him by the ruff, shaking gently. Rishi chuffed and chirruped, swaying along with Malik's motions, the shaking making him dizzy. A chuff of feline laughter answered him, and Malik flopped down on top of him, full weight pressing him into the ground. He flattened, relaxing, knowing better than to struggle. It just made him hot and made his belly itch anyway. Besides, Malik felt good. 442

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Heavy, but good. Malik rubbed noses, then cheeks, licking him and purring very loud. Claiming him. He stretched, offering himself wholeheartedly to his Malik, to his Raj. Which was good, because he thought Malik was in a mood to take. The purrs changed to rumbles, and the licks turned to bites, Malik's teeth closing so gently on his neck. Rishi purred, relaxed, easy. He knew better than to play now. Now was for taking and tasting and mating. Encouragement, approval, love; these things all sounded in Malik's rough noises, and that big body moved against his, mingling their scents. So good. He was warm and happy, stretched and safe. His Raj was good to him. Loved him. Wanted him. Malik's tail wrapped about his, and the scent of them together was rich and deep and right. Malik rubbed, purred, nipped at him, made his belly very warm. His muscles shivered deep inside, his claws scratching at the air, rolling with pleasure, with heat, with need. A sharp sound was his only warning, he blinked, and Malik was as a man, smiling at him. “This way, Rishi.” Malik has spent much time as a man, once, and still liked to make love that way. Rishi thought very hard, shivering as he changed, pushing into Malik's body. He was learning to enjoy being a man, but it sometimes worried him—no fur, no teeth, no claws. Still ... Making love was worth it. His Raj was worth it. 443

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The one thing they could do as men that Malik had taught him was called kissing, and Malik kissed him now, tongue pushing into his mouth as their lips met. Oh. Oh, good. Rishi made a noise that would have been a purr if he were in his Real skin and rubbed closer. So smooth, so hot, skin-on-skin. So good. Hi Raj touched him all over, hands moving over his back to his buttocks, fingers sliding against him. The kiss went on and on, Malik purring into it, the sound remarkably like the one Malik made normally. He wrapped his legs around Malik, rubbing their bare bellies together, moaning as the bit of soft man-pelt tickled him. “Mmmm.” Those soft lips slid from his and moved along his chin to his neck, biting down at the base, marking his skin the way Malik could only as a man. “Mal...” Tingles made his skin tight, made his fingers curl into Malik's thick hair. “Rishhhi.” The sound drew out against his skin as Malik rubbed against him, shaft hard and hot between his legs. Malik moved just so, and lined them up so they rubbed together the best way, hardness on hardness. Rishi cried out, watching Malik's eyes, sensations riding him, chasing him like the wind, like the moon. The pleasure built like one of the storms that swept through the jungle, Malik testing his collarbone with the teeth and tongue, then sucking his nipples into that hot, wet mouth, one by one. 444

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He reached between them, stroking the hot smoothness of his Raj's need. At the first touch of that heat to his fingers, Rishi spent, the sensation stunning him. Wide eyes rising to meet his, Malik growled low and deep, hips pushing as his Raj spilled as well, the scent strong and wild. “Oh. Rishi.” Yes. He leaned up, stroked his cheek against Malik's, purring low. So good. The touch was returned in kind, cheeks soft against his, Malik licking at his lips. He chuckled, chasing Malik's tongue with his own, sliding beneath his Raj. Malik rolled them, putting them side by side, and stroked his hip and thigh, smiling at him. “My Rishi.” Cuddling close seemed to be the only response, purring and gently licking the skin he could find. “R-r-r-r-r-raj.” “Mmmmm.” Soon his Raj would want to go swim, but for now they were both content to lie together, letting the breeze cool their skin, feeling their love for each other through their hands and lips. His Raj was most beautiful, most strong, most powerful. His Malik, though, his Malik was everything. **** The day was hot, but not so much so that he needed to go soak. Malik was on his rock, stretched out in what Lynn called his dead kitty sprawl. 445

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Their Man was off washing his clothes. He insisted that he no longer needed a tiger guard to do so, so Malik took the opportunity to nap. Rishi had gone off with their man at first, but had obviously soon become bored with clothes washing, because the sun had barely moved when he saw Rishi bounding back, tail high, chasing a tiny, fast bird. Through one barely open eye he watched as the bird continued to evade his most loved, and Rishi finally gave up, collapsing to the grass to pant for a bit. Then Rishi was up and moving toward him, circling toward the back of his rock, thinking himself very stealthy, no doubt. Malik decided to play. He let his tail drop off the rock, letting it dangle down behind him, the tip just barely moving. He could hear his young one stop still, could feel those bright, dancing eyes watching his tail. Waiting to pounce. Wanting to leap. Oh, he loved his Rishi when the young one hunted. Malik swung his tail from side to side, slow and even, snuffling as though in sleep. Rishi's silence was thunderous, the sound of those claws digging into the earth sweet. Then Rishi pounced, the happy roar filling the air. Yowling as if in surprise at being awakened so, Malik rolled off his rock, landing hard on his back and making a pitiful noise. His Rishi would surely worry for him. Just as he'd thought, his Rishi came creeping up, eyes worried, nostrils flared. That head was held low, a soft sound tickling his fur. 446

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He waited until just the right moment, just when Rishi was close enough to be unable to escape, and rolled, knocking Rishi right over. Climbing atop his young one, Malik chuffed, biting at Rishi's neck with a happy growl. Rishi's eyes went wide, the young one surprised and then so happy, chuffing, paws batting harmlessly at his belly. His face was quite thoroughly licked, his chin nibbled as Rishi played. His young one. His love. It took so little to make Rishi happy, and Malik needed just that encouragement to play sometimes, else he would grow old and dry up. Licking at Rishi's whiskers made the sweet one squirm, and he did it again, just to see. Rishi's muzzle twitched and wriggled, the body beneath him shifting and shivering. Little, rough barking noises filled the air, his Rishi ticklish and happy and loving him. Loving right back took no effort at all, just pressing down against Rishi, rubbing their bodies together. Rishi purred and arched, eyes dropping closed. So responsive, his Rishi, always reacting so perfectly to him. Malik purred back, nibbling and licking and grooming, and keeping Rishi from being bored the best way he knew how. His Rishi stretched, sliding beneath him, paws rolling slow and gentle against his chest. A deep growl escaped him as they moved together, and Malik backed away, nudging Rishi, encouraging him to roll over. Rishi headbutted him gently, then rolled, hips arching up beneath him, claws digging into the ground.

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He covered Rishi quickly, needing suddenly, wanting to show Rishi something ... how the young one was necessary. How he was most loved. Rishi rumbled, the low, wanting sounds full of pleasure, of love, of trust. His Rishi. His young one. Pushing, grunting, Malik took his Rishi, fast and hard, biting down fiercely on Rishi's neck. Rishi shook beneath him, roaring fiercely, the song of their passion ringing through the air. His own roar rang out loud and strong, letting their whole territory hear his love for his Rishi. Rishi relaxed beneath him, purr low and constant, tongue brushing over his paw. Licking at Rishi's fur to smooth it, Malik rolled to one side, letting Rishi come to him and rub cheeks. Those golden eyes were happy, bright, the love in them so clear, like deep, still water. What more could he ask? He nuzzled, purring. Maybe a nap.

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Chapter 11 SPLASH Rishi closed his eyes and bounced hard, making the LongLeggedy Birds fly and squawk and sputter. Sputter? Rishi stopped. Blinked. Long-Leggedy Birds did not sputter. Not usually. He looked down at his Very Wet Pretending to be a Man Raj and their even more Very Wet Man. Oh. Oops. He closed his eyes and bounded the other way, hoping they hadn't noticed it was him before. After all ... It was dark with his eyes closed, right? Right. Dark. So there. Ha! A manly nottigerroar followed him, and he surely would have escaped the slower two legs of both his Raj and their Man if it were not for that rock he ran into with his eyes closed, hitting his nose. Very hard. Oh! Oh, ow! 449

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He sat down hard, roaring, eyes tearing up, snarling at the Big, Mean, Bad, Evil Rock. “Rishi!” His Raj came to him, hands soft on his aching head. “Oh. Rishi. You must be more careful.” He whimpered, nuzzling into the touches. Yes. Careful. Ow. Very much ow. “Are you all right, Rishi?” asked Lynn, their Man's hands warm and gentle in his fur. That helped with the ow. So did Malik rubbing a cool, wet hand over his nose, though he expected that to hurt. He purred, snuggling close to them, offering his Raj his nose again, tail sliding through the water. So Good. More cool water, but none in his eyes because Malik knew how water did not go in his eyes and then his Raj urged them out of the water. Out. So that they could all curl up together. Rishi purred, following his most wise and strong and beautiful Raj and their so good Man. “Would he be better off as a man do you think?” Lynn asked. “I ... I would be better able to see if he has damaged himself. Rishi ... can you?” Malik sounded worried. For him. He rumbled softly, thinking Very Hard. Man. Man. Man. Man. Man. 450

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There! He stood, shaking his head, already missing his claws and tail. “Rrrrrrrrrrrrrraj.” Lynn made the funny man-purring noise. “So lovely.” “Oh.” Soft and sweet, his Raj kissed his sore nose. “You will be good again very soon, Rishi.” Malik smiled at Lynn. “He will be fine.” Rishi leaned in, nuzzling, purring. He would be Good. He was a So Good Rishi. That rock? No. But him? Yes. So Good. “Oh, good! Then I won't feel bad for taking revenge for being soaked.” Lynn had laughing in his voice. Revenge? Rishi looked at his Raj. Silly man-words. Laughing, Malik nodded at Lynn, and suddenly they were rushing him toward the water again, holding his arms, and his two man legs got all tangled. Startled, he lost the Man-shape, his Real Self twisting and snarling, tail snapping. Lynn went down with a cry, rolling away from him. His Raj ... his Raj disappeared under him, a sharp cry sounding. Rishi leapt away, roaring and confused, ears laid back flat. Mean. Not as Mean as that rock, but ... Still Mean. “Oh dear. I am sorry, Rishi,” their Man said. “It was meant in fun. You know—playing?” 451

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“Rishi.” Breathless and hoarse, his Raj sat up, hair sticking out all over. “Yes. Play.” Oh. Oops. Stupid Mean rock, made him Grumpy. He shook and ruffled his fur, then hunkered down to pounce his Raj. He could play. Rishi's were Good at playing. “Oh dear, you might want to brace yourself, Malik. Or change before he pounces. Trust me.” He wiggled his hindquarters, getting ready, and ... POUNCE GROWL LICK Rishi knew playing. His Raj did not look like he wanted to play, though. His Raj looked like ... like their Man did when he was being smooshed by both of he and Malik when they slept. Their Man was having fun though, chuckling. Rishi licked his Raj, a questioning purr sounding. All was Good, yes? Rishi was So Good? Strong fingers curled into his ruff as Malik gave him scratches. “Good, Rishi. My bright one.” Oh. Oh, good. He purred and nuzzled, licking and lapping at his Raj, claws digging into the ground. Malik rubbed cheeks with him, purring happily. Then looking at their Man and whispering. “Rishi. Rishi, if you were a man again, we could do the loving with Lynn.” 452

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Oh! Oh, that was a Good Idea. Especially since their Man would sometimes brush after loving and brushing was ... Mmmm ... He pushed himself back into the man-shape, cuddling into his Raj's arms. “Oh, wonderful,” murmured Lynn, coming to them, hands warm on his man-pelt. His so-smart Raj pulled Lynn into their embrace and put all of their mouths together, licking at them. Their Man's fingers were so clever, always knowing how to touch to make him shiver. He purred, man-paws stroking their Man's fur, his Raj's fur. So warm. So good. So so good. “Llllllovely.” That was a good word, tickled his tongue. Malik chuckled, no words coming from his Raj, just touches and sounds of joy. He pushed into Malik's kiss, licking Lynn's flavor from his Raj's mouth, then letting Lynn put the So Good Man taste back. Ever willing to lead, Malik twisted and turned and pulled them until he was on his back, their Man on top of him, and his Raj pushing them together. Lynn whimpered, licking at his lips and rubbing. He opened his lips, chasing Lynn's tongue, body rippling beneath the warm skin. 453

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Over Lynn's shoulder he could see Malik's blue eyes, bright and smiling at him, before Raj bent to bit at Lynn's neck, marking their Man, drawing forth his scent. Oh! Oh, good! He growled, arching and lifting his head to lick Malik's lips, lick Lynn's skin. Lynn whimpered, caught between them. “Good. Rishi. Lyyynnn. Good.” Malik's hands slid from Lynn to him and back again, strong and hot. “Oh yes, so good,” murmured Lynn. Rishi purred, nodding. So Good. Yes. Good. More. “Mmmm.” Malik purred. “More.” Suddenly Lynn went sliding down and back as Malik pulled him, ending with his head on Rishi's tummy. His Raj rumbled. “Put your mouth on him, Lynn?” Lynn gasped, sending breath sliding on his skin and then ohsohotandgood, Lynn's mouth took his shaft. His eyes went wide and he roared, stretching as the feelings washed over him. Oh. Oh. Malik disappeared behind their Man, and he could not see what his Raj was doing, but it made Lynn gasp and squirm, made a groan vibrate around him. Lynn's hands held his hips, so tight. He scratched at the ground, head shaking, calling out his pleasure again and again, roaring and barking at the heat chasing him. His Raj must be making Lynn feel good too, the way their Man moaned and held him and he knew what it felt like for Malik to put his mouth where it must be on their Man, and the thought made it even better. 454

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Lynn sucked harder, tongue moving over his shaft, quick like a butteryfly. Rishi jerked, body chasing the good feelings, pleasure leaping higher and higher. His Raj's face appeared once more, peering at him over Lynn's back, and Lynn moved against him as his beautiful Raj pushed into their Man, rocking all of them. Lynn's moans became constant around him, their man's head bobbing over his shaft with His Raj's movements. His eyes were locked with the bright blue of his Raj's, holding on to his man-shape desperately as he moaned. “Now, Rishi. Please now.” The words were more growl than man sound, but he heard and understood. The scent of his Raj's seed came to him strong, and Malik roared, pushing Lynn down on him hardtightgood. The splash of their Man's pleasure hit his legs. He roared, pouring his need into their Man's lips, the whole sky so blue. They all wrapped together like cubs in a litter, so warm and good and right. “My good Rishi,” Malik said, petting him. “My Lynn.” Lynn made that silly man purr, but it meant that Lynn thought he was a so good Rishi too. He purred loud, leaning up to beg a kiss from his Raj. Malik gave him a deep, lazy kiss, tongue moving over his lips and into his mouth, deep purrs sounding. “Mmm...” So happy. He was so happy. So happy so good Rishi. So there. 455

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Ha! **** Sleeping, Lynn had discovered, was quite high on the tigers’ priority list. Of course, given how hot it was, there were many hours in a day where sleeping, or at least lying lazily about, was the best one could hope for. He didn't sleep as much as Malik and Rishi did, so he would take the time when they were asleep and he was not to mend his clothing, or explore the area he had come to think of as “theirs". He usually stayed out of the water unless one of the tigers were with him and he made sure he knew how to get back if he ventured out across the grasses. It was a slow, easy pace and he found himself becoming used to it, enjoying it. He certainly didn't miss the cold and damp of an English winter. Thinking about it made him wonder if it was Christmas yet. He hadn't been tracking the days here at all. Which meant no Christmas, no Queen's birthday, no birthday celebration for himself either. That line of thought led to depression, so he shook himself and settled to watch the sun set over the savannah. The sight never failed to move him. The sensation of being watched tickled at the back of his neck and he noted two, dancing golden eyes staring at him from the grass. Waiting patiently for him to notice so that the playing could commence. 456

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Malik had been firm with Rishi, explaining that the tiger could only play when Lynn was ready. Of course, Rishi considered any eye contact whatsoever as indication of ready. Muscles bunching, he leapt toward Rishi; he'd discovered it was less painful for him to be the pouncer than the pouncee. Rishi growled and rolled, paws holding him close as the world spun madly. He pushed against Rishi's soft belly, the big tiger careful not to crush him and finally they stopped with Rishi on the bottom. He was dizzy and laughing, hands stroking Rishi's soft fur. Rishi's purr vibrated him from shoulder to knee, the rough tongue hot on his cheek. The tiger was talking—chirruping and chuffing, trying to tell him something, eyes warm. “What is it, Rishi? Hmmm? Having fun?” He got a nod of that huge head and another long lick, Rishi purring louder, tail rubbing his leg. Another purr answered Rishi's, and Malik appeared, licking at his cheek with a very rough tongue, then licking Rishi. Smiling, he spared a hand to scratch behind Malik's ears. Rishi licked Malik's chin, vocalizing softly. They were certainly loving enough, with each other and with him. Malik nuzzled them rather impartially, chuffing at Rishi's nibbles, then went off to stretch out nearby, watching them through half closed eyes. He hid his smile against Rishi's fur. Malik seemed to value sleep most of all. Rishi watched Malik for a minute, those eyes wicked and twinkling. Lynn could see the plotting going on in that mischievous mind; then Malik rumbled, one paw stretching 457

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out, claws sharp, exposed. Rishi harrumphed and then turned those eyes back to him, gleaming. He laughed, fingers digging into Rishi's fur, scratching hard. “Oh, you're a good Rishi, aren't you?” Rishi nodded, enthusiastic and sure, long body stretching. It made him laugh again. Rishi loved being called good. A definite snort came from Malik's direction, and the big tiger stretched, rolling to his back, surely to taunt Rishi with that wide-open belly. Lynn felt Rishi tense, muscles twitching beneath him. He rubbed against Rishi a moment, enjoying the glide of his skin against the softness of Rishi's belly. His distress over a man having relations with tigers was rapidly disappearing, lost beneath the wide sky and warm tongues. He slid off Rishi, not wanting to be caught between them when Rishi pounced. Rishi gave him a nuzzle, then sprang up, roaring and growling and heading right for that pale belly, tail held high. That speed that was so unexpected in one Malik's size came to the fore, and Malik rolled and twisted, letting Rishi land where he had been. Rishi shook and recovered, bounding after Malik, muscles moving like water under the striped skin. Grinning, he stood so he could watch the tigers play. Malik allowed himself to be caught, only to push Rishi down and gnaw at the younger tiger's leg. So very loving with Rishi Malik was, but always reminding the young one, as Malik called him, who was the boss. Rishi rumbled, playing and wrestling for a long while before baring his neck, his belly 458

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to Malik. The tenor of Rishi's sounds changed, grew soft, steady. The low growls and purrs from Malik softened as well, becoming less playful, more contented, which was Lynn's sign that it was safe to join them without being squished. So join them he did, fingers digging into their fur, scratching them both, sharing his love equally between them. Love. Well, he supposed it was true. Strange as it might be, love them he did. Rishi wiggled and shifted until that huge head sat firmly in his lap, muzzle against his belly. Smiling down at Rishi, he turned his attention to the tiger's ears, scratching where he knew Rishi enjoyed it the most. Curling easily about them both, Malik purred and stretched, rocking him furiously against Rishi until he settled. He gasped, body responding to the rubbing, to their closeness. Rishi purred, nuzzling, licking his belly through the shirt. Scenting him, Malik rubbed muzzle and cheeks against him in a gesture he was beginning to recognize as a claiming. He let his head fall back, knowing the neck and belly were important to the tigers. Rishi nosed until that soft muzzle was under his shirt, tongue lapping and nuzzling, nose cold and wet. He jumped at first but then he giggled, squirming. Low purrs got louder, Malik rubbing against both him and Rishi, pushing them together. Rishi stretched, rumbling, tail flicking furiously. His laughter faded, replaced by moans and gasps as the tigers rubbed against him. With a whimper, he 459

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pulled off his blouse, fingers going to the ties of his trousers, pulling them open eagerly. Rishi rumbled, tongue lapping at his curls, his shaft, eyes closed. Another whimper left him and he buried his hands in Rishi's wonderful fur. A deep bass sound reverberated through him as Malik joined Rishi, rough tongue moving over his skin. “Oh ... oh, Malik, Rishi. So good ... please.” Rishi's purr was low and rich, sweet, tongue lapping faster, harder. The two big cats seemed to battle over his skin, over the taste of him, their sounds rocking him, their fur tickling. He drew in gasping breath after gasping breath, beginning to rock between them as the sensations spiked through him. Rishi growled, the vibrations going through him, hot and wanton. Soft, soft fur rubbed at his sacs, Malik sharing scent with him, lifting him into Rishi's tongue. “More, more. So good. Soon.” He was babbling but he didn't know what he was saying, he just wanted it to go on. Rishi's tongue dragged over the tip of his need, rough and hot. At the same moment, Malik licked him as well, from just beneath his sacs to the base of his shaft. He screamed, loud and shaking as he spent himself. Rishi snorted, licking his own nose clean before bending to clean Lynn's skin. A low, ominous sounding growl came from Malik, and suddenly the tigers rolled away from him, Malik covering Rishi roughly. Rishi stretched, calling out, eyelids half-closed, head down. Their mating was rough, hard, Malik sparing Rishi none 460

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of the tenderness they had just shown him, but neither of them seemed to be unhappy. In fact, they were loud, vocal, feral and unbearably breathtaking together. Malik's teeth closed on the back of Rishi's neck, snarling, teeth sharp and tight as he pumped into Rishi. He was riveted, knowing he was witnessing a great love between two fierce and beautiful creatures. Rishi roared, claws digging into the ground, eyes bright and wide as the tiger shook. An echoing roar, deeper and rounder rang out as Malik pushed hard into Rishi, muscles rippling under the thick fur on his body. It was enough to make him hard again, seeing them together like that, hearing their pleasure, smelling it, knowing they had let him watch. Soft purrs and chuffs came from the panting pair, Malik nuzzling Rishi sweetly before looking at him, blue eyes bright and hot. “Beautiful,” he murmured. “So good.” Rishi purred, licking Malik's paw, head bobbing. So lovely together and, even from the short distance he was away, their purrs vibrated through him. He crawled over to them, curling up against the warmth of Malik's body. Now that the sun was down, it was cool enough to sleep with the tigers, to be warmed by them. Sleeping was quite high on the tigers’ priority list; he discovered he was growing quite fond of the practice himself. **** Lynn was hopelessly lost. 461

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The dawns here were beautiful and temperate, cool verging on cold and really were the best time for walking. He'd developed the habit of exploring, mapping the area claimed by Malik and Rishi and beyond. This was the first time he'd had a problem finding his way home again. As unsure about his location quickly morphed into definitely and undeniably lost, he found a small rock and sat. It would be better to stay put, to let Malik or Rishi come find him, which would no doubt be easier to do if he didn't spread his scent far and wide and in unending circles. They were never going to let him forget this. He could hear their purring laughter already, knew they'd be thinking he was a silly man who got lost in his own territory. The grasses rustled in the wind and, had it not been pure luck, he would have never seen those bright gold eyes staring at him. “Rishi!” He flung himself at the tiger, more relieved than he cared to admit. Rishi growled happily, nuzzling his belly, chirruping and chattering at him. He scratched behind Rishi's ears and under his chin. “Good Rishi,” he murmured. “So what brings you out this way?” The huge cat twined around his legs, purring loudly, before pantomiming a hunt, complete with stalking and pouncing. He laughed, his fears and upset about being lost sliding away at Rishi's antics. “Did you catch anything?” Rishi's head bobbed happily and suddenly he was pounced and licked from belly to hairline. Laughing, he pushed half462

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heartedly at Rishi. He enjoyed the grooming almost as much as the tigers did. Rishi growled and licked again, nuzzling and playing, making him laugh. He'd never laughed so much in his life as he did with his tigers. It was ironic that it was in this uncivilized environment where he had nothing but his loves and a small box of belongings that he had found joy and happiness. Rishi huffed and nibbled, licked and nuzzled, finding each spot that made him squeak and grin. He returned the touches, scratching Rishi's belly and his ruff, finding the places that made his tiger purr. So sensual, so happy, his tiger rolled and purred, paws batting the air. He wound up straddling the big body, fur soft through his threadbare breeches, petting and scratching at Rishi's belly and under his neck. The fur on Rishi's belly was snow white, so thick and soft and silky against his hands, the skin rippling beneath his fingers. He made a purring noise, oh not a purr by his tigers’ standards, but not bad for a man, letting Rishi know it was good. Rishi leaned up, licking his forehead, his ear, his chin. “Such a good tiger,” he told Rishi, hand on either side of the huge head. Those gold eyes watched him, blinking. He rubbed their cheeks together, as Malik and Rishi would do together. Rishi's purr grew deeper, louder, the tiger nuzzling toward him. He wished he could change like Rishi and Malik did. That he could run with them and groom them properly, that he could really know them. 463

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Slowly, Rishi changed for him, those eyes unchanging, still gold, still glowing. “L-l-l-lynn.” “Rishi ... Oh, I love you,” he murmured, bringing their mouths together. Rishi's kisses were eager, needy, always wild and wanton. Lynn returned the wild kisses eagerly, the flavour of Rishi's mouth like an aphrodisiac. Fingers tickled his cheeks, his throat, petting him. He slid his own hands along Rishi's mottled skin, his tiger-man so warm, so smooth where the tiger was furry. Rishi licked and purred, tongue sliding along his jaw. “So good, Rishi,” he murmured, tilting his head back, inviting the man to his neck. Rishi's tongue burned his skin, the whispered “Good Rishi” tickling him. He chuckled, shivering under the hot licks. “Yes, good Rishi.” “Mmm ... good...” Teeth fastened on his skin, marking him. “Mine.” He gasped, hands tightening on Rishi's skin. “Yours. And Malik's.” “Yesssss. Our Man.” Rishi licked. “Ours.” He whimpered, sensation coursing through him, running from his neck on down to his prick. Careful bites trailed down his chest, his shoulders. “Our man. Ours.” He nodded, fingers grasping at Rishi as jolts went through him from the bites. “Good?” Rishi looked up, eyes twinkling, shining. 464

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He laughed, the sound more breathless than anything else. “Yes, Rishi. Very good. Please don't stop.” “Mmm ... Vvvvvvvvvvvvvery good.” Nibble. He swallowed hard and slid his hands over Rishi, finding the tiny nipples and tweaking them. Rishi snarled, jerking in his hands. “Lynn!” He jerked as well, hands coming off Rishi as if burned. “It was supposed to be good!” Rishi nodded, panting. “G-g-g-g-g-good. Big. Big.” “Oh. Good. I thought I'd hurt you,” he admitted. He gave Rishi a small smile and let his fingers slide back over the small bits of flesh, barely touching this time. Rishi shivered, eyes flashing, tongue sliding over his neck. He moaned softly, fingers continuing to dance, to tease and pluck. Long licks were interspersed with love bites, Rishi purring and rubbing against him. “I want to love you, Rishi,” he murmured, stroking down along Rishi's spine. Rishi nuzzled, hips arching instinctively for his touch. “Love Rishi. Yes.” “Inside you, Rishi,” he said. “I want to love you inside.” Rishi's head lifted, those warm eyes met his for a long moment. Then the tiger smiled, taking a kiss. “Inside.” He pushed Rishi down onto his back and gave his tiger a kiss. Then he began to lick and kiss the amazing mottled skin, working his way slowly down. Rishi rippled and rolled beneath him, purring furiously. Rishi's flavour filled his mouth, strong and wild and good. His 465

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lover roared, the sound rich, hungry, hands reaching for him, fingers gripping rhythmically. He smiled up at Rishi, biting gently on each nipple before continuing on down, intent on using his tongue to open Rishi up. Rishi chuffed when his lips hit that flat belly, curling up around him, so flexible. “Hee! Hee hee hee!” He laughed back, delighted with his tiger's happiness. He was hugged tight, his shoulders licked, his mouth soundly kissed by laughing lips. He allowed himself to be distracted by the kisses for a moment and then returned to his licking, nibbling on Rishi's prominent hips. Rishi shivered, legs parting, long shaft filling and bobbing. “Mm ... so good, Rishi.” He licked from the bottom of Rishi's shaft to the top, lapping at the tip. “Yes ... So good...” Rishi twisted, turning beneath him. He sucked at the tip, but moved on, intent on his goal. He took each ball into his mouth, one at a time, gently sucking. Rishi went very still, vibrating, watching his mouth. He glanced up and let Rishi's balls go, licking them once more before spreading Rishi's legs and licking between them. “Lynn?” “I want to be inside you, Rishi. We don't have anything here with us, so I will wet you with my tongue.” He smiled. “Do not worry, it will feel good.” “Licking. Rishi knows licking.” He got a wicked, happy grin, the look reminding him that Malik and Rishi were very into licking. It made him ache harder and he pushed Rishi's legs further apart, licking at the tiny hole. The roar his touch 466

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created sent shivers down his spine. He kept licking and then pushed his tongue into Rishi's body. Rishi jerked, hips shifting back toward him, then away, sweet growls and noises filling the air. He purred and pierced Rishi's body with his tongue again and again, wetting the tight passage. Rishi whimpered, pulling from his grip and turning, buttocks high and rocking, spine stretched out, offering. “L-l-l-l-lynn! Please! Need!” He bit one buttock, licked at Rishi's entrance one more time and then settled between Rishi's legs, guiding his needy prick into his lover. Rishi's body sucked him in, pulling hard— so hot, so tight, so eager. He moaned, shuddering. “Oh sweet Lord ... Rishi...” Those hips just kept shifting, kept rocking, muscles rippling around him. He started to thrust, sliding in and out of the hot, tight body. “So good, Rishi,” he cried out. He could see the muscles rippling in the strong back, hear Rishi's needy sounds, fingers dug into the dirt. Harder and harder he thrust, his own hands digging into Rishi's hips. Rishi arched for him and he sank deep, their bodies slapping together. Rishi's roar was huge. “Again!” He thrust again. And again, making Rishi roar and tighten around him. His lover, his tiger, his Rishi was hot and needy beneath him, body moving faster and faster, milking and squeezing his cock. He slid his hand around to grasp Rishi's prick, pumping it enthusiastically. The sight before him was beautiful, Rishi lost to his touch, roaring for him. “Soon, Rishi. Soon.” 467

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“No. Now!” Rishi's voice grew huge, heat spraying over his fingers. Rishi's body squeezed him tight, so tight and he screamed, coming hard. “G-g-g-g-g-good. Good Lynn.” He collapsed against Rishi's back, panting. “Yes. Good Lynn.” He managed a breathless laugh and kissed Rishi's spine. “And good Rishi.” “Mmm ... yes. So good Rishi.” “Yes. So good Rishi and so good Lynn.” He slipped out of Rishi's body and lay next to him, stroking the warm skin. “Thank you, Rishi.” Rishi turned, licking his face, purring loud. “So good Lynn.” Then his lover grew long, heavy, eyelids drooping in the cat's face. He scratched idly at his lover's ruff. “Shall we nap, Rishi? And then go home?” He got a snuffling chirrup, a long lick and that soft pelt wrapped around him. He cuddled into the soft fur, feeling safe and at home, even though technically he was still lost. Rishi was home though. And Rishi would lead him home.

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Chapter 12 Rishi had had the Most Busy of days. He had Hunted and Stalked. Pounced. Practiced his Roaring. Groomed his Raj. Played in the cool water. Hunted some more. Napped. Napped again. Practiced Napping with Raj and their Man by Malik's Rock. All-in-all, he had been a So Good Rishi all day. It was time for Brushing now, then maybe Mating. He bounded up to their Man, chuffing and chittering, head pushing into Lynn's hand. “Hullo, Rishi.” Their Man's fingers dug in, scratching nicely. “Have you had a good day? Have you been a good Rishi today?” The scratching was Very Nice. But it was Not Brushing. Rishi looked at Lynn. Of course he'd been a So Good Rishi. Had their Man not been paying attention? Silly mans. He took the edge of Lynn's man furs in his teeth and tugged towards the box where the brush lived. “You want me to come somewhere with you, Rishi? Oh!” Their Man laughed. “You'd like to be brushed.” 469

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He growled and nodded. Yes. Brushed. Very Good. Such a smart mans. Almost as smart as a tiger. Lynn took out the brush and looked around. “Where should we do this?” Rishi tilted his head. Where? On his back and belly, of course. Lynn smiled. “How about on your rock—it'll be nice now that the sun's almost down.” Oh! Oh, yes. His Rock. His Rock was the Best Rock because it was Warm and In The Sun and Flat. It had bits that sparkled and he could see the Water and his Raj from it. Malik's Rock was bigger—big enough for them to Mate, but his Rock? His Rock was the Best. Rishi bounced over, leaping up onto his Rock and stre-e-ee-e-e-e-e-tching, Roaring as loud and happy as he could. He was So Good Rishi on his Rock and he loved his Raj and their Man and their Man was going to Brush him! Lynn had followed more slowly and climbed up onto his rock with him once he had finished stretching and roaring. Then the Brushing began. Their Man always started at the back of his head and made long strokes down to his tail. Those brushes made his tail twitch, made his hips press up and up all on their own. Lynn's hand slid along behind the brush, stroking over his sensitized fur. Oh. Oh, good. Oh, Good. He purred, claws scraping as they rolled against the stone. 470

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Their Man murmured and singsonged while brushing. Rishi told Lynn all about his day—about the Hunting of the butteryflies and the splashing that Malik made in the water and the Bouncing Long-Ear that he'd Pounced and Eaten—all the while, his fur tingled with the brushing. Lynn interrupted his telling to make him roll onto his back so their Man could brush his belly. Ooooh! This part was best. Rishi stretched out as far as he could, offering Lynn his whole white belly. Lynn made his funny man-purring noise and began to brush all of his belly. Again, Lynn's hand followed the brush, sliding over him gently. He purred and twisted, licking his paws, leaning to lap Lynn. So good. So so good. Lynn laughed, the sound soft and happy. “You like that, don't you, Rishi.” Oh, yes. Yes. Very Much Yes. Rishi nuzzled and nodded, paws batting the air. “I like it, too. Your belly is so soft, so wonderful to touch.” That made his belly hot, deep inside, and he suddenly needed to press their mouths together. Needed to. Rishi rolled and shifted, sliding up along Lynn until they were belly to belly. “Lllllynn.” “Oh!” The brush clattered against his Rock as Lynn hands slid over his back and down to his buttocks. “Rishi.” Lynn pushed their mouths together. 471

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He moaned into Lynn's mouth, their tongues licking and sliding together and making the hot in his belly bigger, more. Their Man tasted good and was warm and made light touches dance on his back. The shivering and wanting made him press closer, clumsy man paws trying to hold and pet and love their Man. “Oh, Rishi ... so good.” Lynn's hands slid over his skin, two fingers finding his teats and tugging. That made him growl, body jerking, lightning flashing through him. “Good, isn't it, Rishi?” “Ggggood. Ggggod.” He nodded, panting, eyes rolling. “MMmmmmmore.” “Yes, Rishi. More.” Lynn pushed him onto his back and bent, beginning to lick at his skin. It was maddening—the difference between Malik's mouth on his fur and Lynn's mouth on his ... not fur. Then Lynn's mouth found his teat, licking and sucking and so hot around it. Oh! Oh, Big! So Big! Rishi arched, head sliding on the stone. Lynn man-purred, hands sliding along his sides, over his hips, mouth moving and moving and making him tingle and shake all over. Bigger and bigger and oh, he needed! Needed! Rishi rolled, hips in the air, stretching out and offering Lynn his nape. 472

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Lynn nuzzled into his neck, licking and kissing. “You want me to take you?” “Nnnneed. Need.” He moaned and thrust his hips higher. He was Burning. “Yes, me as well.” Lynn moved, shifting around until their Man was behind him. Something wet and hot and soft lapped at his buttocks and then between them. His roar shook him, the sound demanding and begging all at once. It was Lynn's tongue—that wethotsoft thing that was licking at him, moving inside him now as their Man's hands held him open. Caught. He was Caught by Good and Hot and More and Now and Please and ... Oh. Oh, he Needed. Lynn was humming and licking and panting. Over and over again Lynn's tongue went into him and back out again. This part was very good. Heat poured from him, the scent strong and rich in his nose, splashing on his Rock. Lynn made a happy noise and then he was being breached, Lynn's heat pushing into him. The pressure and pull and hot were So Good. Right. He rested his face on his hands, moving into each thrust. Lynn whimpered and moaned, hands hot on his hips. Each thrust rocked him and Lynn began to babble. 473

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He answered back with soft cries and rumbles, heat building again deep inside. So Good Lynn. So Good Rishi. So Good Mating. One of Lynn's hands slipped, moved around to grab his shaft. He Roared again, this time so loud one might think he was three Tigers. “Yes! So good, Rishi!” Lynn moved faster, thrust harder. When his pleasure found him, Rishi Roared louder than even his Raj, voice cracking at the end. Lynn's cry came after, softer, gentler, but the heat that filled him was good, true. Rishi settled onto his Rock, curling beneath Lynn with a purr. Lynn hummed, hands stroking him. “Good. So ... so Good Lynn.” “Oh.” He was kissed on his nape again. “So good Rishi, too.” He nodded. Yes. So Good Rishi. He purred softly, blinking slow as the need to Nap feel on him again. A soft shiver went through Lynn. “It always amazes me how quickly it can cool off once the sun has gone.” Rishi blinked, then shifted, pulling Lynn into his arms for a kiss before releasing his Man-form and curling around their Man, warming. “Oh. So warm, Rishi. Thank you.” 474

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Lynn nuzzled into him, hands stroking over his fur— slowing over time and then stopping. He Cuddled close, Grooming his Lynn carefully, purring loud when his Raj leapt up to curl in and Nap more. Such a Busy Day. Such a Good Day. So Good. **** Malik was ... not jealous. No. Never that. He had no reason to be, certainly. Rishi proved his care and devotion every day with thorough pouncings. So he could not be jealous. Except that he was. Not of Rishi. Of Lynn. Of course it was not Lynn's fault that Malik seemed to intimidate him more than Rishi had, even though Malik had spent much more time with Lynn as a man than Rishi and brought him fruit and built him walls whenever Rishi pounced them down. Not at all. Malik sighed. It was clearly his fault, for being so proud that he did not like to ask for Lynn's company. So while Rishi was off pouncing the grasshoppers that came in the late of the year, Malik decided to take steps to fix what was obviously a difficulty. He went and found the brush among Lynn's things, and took it to their man, dropping it at Lynn's feet. “Oh! Would you like to be brushed, Malik?” Lynn gave him a smile and sat, picking up the brush and patting the ground.

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There, he told himself. See how easy it was to get Lynn to smile at him? Malik stretched out next to Lynn in a lazy sprawl, eyes half closed in anticipation. Lynn started to brush him, working with long strokes from the top of his head all the way to his tail, Lynn's hand sliding through his fur behind the brush. Oh. Yes. That made the purrs come out very loud and strong. Such care their Lynn took with them when he brushed, and Malik knew that men had to be good for something, didn't he? “You like that, don't you? You should come for brushes more often. Your fur is so soft.” Lynn continued to speak quietly, rambling as their Man brushed. He purred louder to let Lynn know that he did like it very much indeed, and he panted, claws flexing in and out. So good. Lynn brushed him for a very long time and then stopped. “My arms are getting tired, Malik.” Oh. He had almost fallen asleep. Malik sat up, nuzzling Lynn's hand in thanks, and almost wandered off to have a nap, but a thought occurred to him, and before he could decide it was a bad idea, Malik let his body change, feeling his man form come to him. “Would you like me to brush yours, Lynnnn?” Their Man's hair was getting quite long. “Oh. Oh, that would be nice, thank you.” The pleasure that shone on Lynn's face made him feel guilty. Such a small thing, to make someone so happy. Cleaning the brush quickly, Malik waited for Lynn to take the piece of sinew 476

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holding his hair out, then began to stroke through Lynn's soft locks. Lynn's head bent forward. “Oh, that feels nice.” “Mmm.” It did. The smooth flow of the brush strokes, the silky softness of Lynn's hair under his hands; it felt very nice indeed. Lynn moaned. He pulled Lynn so that their Man rested against him, and drew the brush through the hair softly, easily. Their Man felt warm and good against him. “Your skin is so soft,” Lynn murmured. “Your hair is very sweet. It smells like rain.” Malik was not good with words, but Lynn liked them, so he tried. Lynn looked back at him, giving him a smile. “It isn't as nice as your and Rishi's fur.” “It is, to us. It is different, yes?” He nuzzled the skin at the back of Lynn's neck, under the fall of hair. Lynn murmured and pressed back against him, hand sliding along his leg. Yes. It was good that he had asked, because Lynn was easier with him than he usually was, touching him freely. Normally he would not do so unless Rishi was with them, and it made Malik's heart glad. He let the brush drop to the ground, combing Lynn's hair with his fingers, pulling their Man closer into the cradle of his lap. Lynn cuddled against him. His hands were better for Lynn's skin than the brush, and Malik touched Lynn's face and neck, his chest and belly. Gasping softly, Lynn began to touch him back. Oh. More. Malik urged Lynn up, so that he could turn about and face him, sitting across his lap. That way he could put his lips to Lynn's, could taste his mouth. 477

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Lynn's mouth opened on a soft moan, their Man pushing closer. He could feel Lynn's shaft, hard and hot, rubbing on his belly. His own shaft was hard, the touch of Lynn's lips and skin and hair making him so. The scent of them was rich and deep and full of need, and it made him growl. A shiver went through Lynn. “Oh, Malik...” “Yes. Lynn.” He gripped Lynn's buttocks, pulling his Man close so that their shafts rubbed, feeling the thrill of it go up his spine. Lynn's hands clutched at his shoulders, holding on tight. “Yes, Malik, yes.” His Lynn. His as much as Rishi's, his as much as Rishi was his. Malik set his teeth to the thin skin of Lynn's neck, drawing a mark there. Another shudder went through Lynn, this time his Man shouting out his name. “Malik!” Noises were good, let him know that Lynn enjoyed it too. He went looking for more noises, bending Lynn back and moving his Man's shirt aside so he could lick a small nipple. Gasping, Lynn pushed up against his mouth, hands going to his head, keeping him there. Yes. He bit and licked, and blew cool air, and the tiny bit of flesh responded by getting hard, and turning a deep red. Malik smelled Lynn's need, and it made him purr, made him push against their Man. “Just a minute,” Lynn muttered, their Man pushing away for a moment. Before he could get upset though, Lynn was pushing off his breeches and tearing away his top and then his lap was full of mans again, this time naked and pushing against him. 478

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His shaft jerked, and Malik growled long and low, hands closing on bare flesh this time as he gripped Lynn's bottom. So smooth and good. Lynn pressed back into his hands and then forward against his shaft, his Man's hand once again strong on his shoulders. Malik took another kiss, tasting need on Lynn's mouth, knowing that he had no reason to be jealous at all. Sweet moans filled his mouth, Lynn moving against him more firmly now. Shoving a hand between them, Malik grabbed both his shaft and Lynn's, pulling them together and rubbing. The feel of it made his head fall back, made loud sounds come from him, purrs and growls and man sounds too. Lynn's mouth closed over the skin of his neck, sucking and licking at him. Oh! Oh, hot and good and Lynn had never marked him before, but he thought there might be a bruise there now. Malik shuddered, hand moving fast, his other hand tight on the soft flesh of Lynn's bottom, squeezing. Lynn whimpered, gasped. “Oh, Malik. Soon.” “Yes. My Lynnnnn. Soon.” They rocked, his roar filling the clearing as Malik shot, his seed marking Lynn as his own. “Malik!” Lynn's pleasure scented the air alongside his own, spread warmth over his hand and belly. They rested together, and he held Lynn, letting his strength support them. When he was sure Lynn would not slide off, he brought his hand up to lick it clean, savoring the taste of them. Lynn gasped softly. “Sexy...” 479

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Malik licked the last off, looking at Lynn curiously. “Seexyyy?” Lynn smiled up at him, eyes soft, happy. “It makes me hard again.” “Oh!” Malik blinked, then smiled. “Good.” Lynn laughed softly and hugged him tight. Hugging back, Malik thought that maybe, just maybe, he'd found a way to make Lynn happy with him as well as Rishi. He just had to put aside his stubborn pride, and ask. **** He was a Big Hunter. Strong. Brave. Rishi headed towards his Rock and his Raj and their Man, a long-horned runner in his mouth. He had Pounced and it had Run and Run and Run and he had Chomped and Held On tight. His Raj would be So Proud. Meat all for them Yes. Meat from Rishi the Hunter. Who caught it all alone. By himself. So there! Ha! Except ... It was hot. And ... He was tired and the long-horned runner was heavy. 480

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Rishi looked and looked and couldn't see his Rock, though he could smell it. He dropped his kill and braced himself and Roared. “RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAJ! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAJ!” Only moments passed before Malik burst into the clearing, roaring, looking about wildly, hair standing on end and tail lashing. He bounced, lifting the prey and laying it at his Raj's feet. All for his Raj. Malik looked from him to the kill and back again, blue eyes bright and proud, and Malik came to him purring and rubbing cheeks. He purred and rubbed and nuzzled, stepping back from the kill so his Raj could have the best parts, the soft parts. Instead of tearing in, his Raj took the kill up in those great jaws and hauled it back to their rocks, dragging it easily. He followed, bouncing, tail high. He admired his kill. He admired his Raj. He admired his Raj carrying his kill. Yes. Brave Strong Raj and his Hunter Rishi. When they reached their rocks, and Lynn's little walls, Malik stopped, and immediately changed into the silly man form, calling for their Man. Lynn came out of the walls. “Malik? Rishi?” “Lyyynnnn. Look at what Rishi has brought us. Will you want some?” His Raj pointed to his kill. He bounced and pranced, so proud. So Strong. So Good Rishi. 481

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“Ewww.” Their Man made a face and then suddenly smiled. “Meat. Wonderful. You won't be offended if I cook it, will you?” “No. I thought I would cut you a haunch before Rishi and I ate, if you wanted it, though. The way we eat would spoil it for a man.” Rishi stopped and watched. His Raj was So Smart. His Raj knew all about the weirdnesses of the mans. All about. “That would be lovely. Thank you. It will be wonderful to have a spot of roast.” Their Man looked quite pleased. He walked over to get a scratch, pushing his head under Lynn's hand. “Oh, this is your doing, Rishi? Thank you. So good.” Lynn's hand stroked his muzzle and then their Man's fingers scratched behind his ears. While he was petted and praised, Malik went to get their Man's cutting blade and cut off the most useless part of the animal and wrapped it in a skin his wonderful Raj had made for their Man's meat. “There. Do you need any help with it? Rishi and I would eat.” Malik smiled at them both. “Thank you, but I can manage. I will make a fire while you eat.” Their Mans scratched his head a bit more and then took the meat and removed himself. Lynn did not seem to like to watch them eat. 482

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He was vibrating, he was so happy. He crouched down, chin on his paws, purring, giving his Raj his due. Malik was himself again so quick, just a blink, long body rubbing against his as his Raj praised him, purring for him. Malik bent to eat, ripping into the kill with all evidence of enjoyment. Malik ate steadily for long moments, then stood back to let him have his share. His Raj had left him the most tender parts. Oh. Oh, his Raj loved him so. He purred and fed, growling and tearing, heart beating fast as he ate. When his hunger was gone, he lifted his head, roaring and happy. Malik roared as well, the sound ringing with approval and pride. Rishi cleaned his paws, his face, licking his chops. Then he moved over, grooming his Raj, purring loud and low. So good Rishi. That's what his Raj's purrs and chirrups told him. As did his Man's fire. Which stank. He wrinkled his nose, burying his muzzle in his Raj's fur, his Raj's musk. Rumbling, Malik licked at him, nuzzling and pushing him toward their lagoon. They played until they reached the edge, then he backed in, chuffing as he watched his Raj splash and play. Malik did not have his distaste for water on his face, and splashed happily, growling and romping. He gave chase, keeping his eyes closed, pouncing clumsily after his Raj's tail. 483

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They played until his Raj started to droop, the meal and the play making his Malik sleepy. They stumbled together up to their Rocks, Rishi following Malik and curling beside him, licking one of his Raj's paws as he idly watched their Man. Lynn had the meat over the flame, puttering happily around it. Before long his Raj was snoring, curled about him, utterly content. He rested his chin on his Raj's paw, blinking slowly. Being a Brave, Strong, So Good Hunter Rishi was hard work. Good. But Hard. Almost as hard as being Raj. He licked Malik's chin then settled, eyes closing. Almost, but not quite.

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Chapter 13 Men slept at night. Rishi knew this because Lynn told him. Sleeping at night was boring. He was sitting, tall and happy on his Rock. Malik's Rock was empty, his Raj gone hunting or swimming or walking or something that involved no bouncing and Rishi guarding their Man. Still, guarding a sleeping man was no fun. Rishi leaned forward, peering hard down at their Man. He had learned that if he looked very, very hard at their Man, Lynn would wake up and then he could pounce. Sure enough, Lynn began to stir, shifting and making a snuffling noise. He began to vibrate, muscles tensing, readying to spring. A low, anticipatory growl escaped from his throat as he waited for those eyes to open. Their Man blinked, a small frown making his eyes small. “Malik? Rishi?” Rishi rumbled happily and leapt down, landing beside his Man and licking one cheek. “Oh! It was you.” The frown disappeared and one of Lynn's arms went around his neck, Lynn rubbing their faces together. He purred, flopping onto the ground and pressing close. Awake! Their Man was awake. He nuzzled and rested on paw on the thin chest, holding Lynn down for grooming. 485

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Lynn was laughing, hands scratching behind his ears. Oh, that was good. He purred louder, harder, rubbing against their Man's covering and skin, leaving his scent for Malik to find. Poor Malik left Rishi behind to swim and hunt and walk and Rishi got to play with their Man. Ha! Their Man made a puny purring noise, hands scratching and scratching. Rishi wiggled his head, rolling it over their Man's belly. Good. Good. So good. Almost as good as ... Oh! He flopped over, head landing on Lynn's belly, chin lifted so their Man could scratch there, too. “Oof! You big lug,” murmured Lynn, hands moving to scratch his throat and down along his belly. Lug. Oh ... that was so better than good. Lug must be a man-word for Good Rishi. He stretched as far as he could go, paws batting the air. Lynn was laughing again, hands making him feel so good. He liked that laughing, liked the happy-good-real sound of it, liked that he was the why of their Man's laughing call. Lynn shifted, sitting up so his head went on the ground, but it was good because that let their Man rub and scratch him harder. He was so happy, so good, so ... What was that? He rolled over, snarling, watching the ground. Nothing happened for a long moment, then the grasses moved again, a No-Leg that Bites sliding along the dirt. Coming for their Man! 486

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Rishi roared fiercely, stamping on the ground, paws swiping it away. Their Man looked pale, one hand on the long throat. “Rishi! You saved me!” He growled and searched the grasses for another No-Leg, for danger, marking their territory as he paced and snarled. Their Man! Theirs. Lynn stayed where he was, watching. When he was sure it was safe he went back to their Man and Lynn threw long arms around him. “My hero.” He pushed Lynn down and began licking and scenting their Man, paws tearing the cloth away. His Man. “Rishi!” Lynn's hands were hard in his fur and then they gentled, stroking, petting. “It's okay, Rishi. I'm okay. You saved me.” Rishi purred, pushing into those hands. He met Lynn's eyes, rumbling. Their Man. Love their Man. “Good, Rishi. So good.” Lynn rubbed their cheeks together, face buried in his fur. He rubbed himself along their Man, stroking their bellies together, claws dug into the dirt. Lynn gasped and the scent of their Man's musk grew stronger. “Rishi...” Oh. Good smells. He nudged Lynn with his head, tongue lapping at the smooth throat. Lynn moaned, head dropping back to give him lots of room. He licked and nuzzled, the urge to bite growing as the need to mate grew. Rishi morphed, his man teeth would 487

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bruise, but not kill—his True teeth were sharp and strong and fine. “Oh!” Lynn made that funny purring noise, legs wrapping around him. He lifted his head and put his mouth against their Man's, tasting and licking. Lynn's lips fastened around his tongue, sucking strongly. Their Man's fingers slid over his skin, stroking, petting. His eyes rolled as pleasure ran through him. Good. Good. More. His man-paws wrapped around Lynn's hip, tugging them closer together. Lynn moaned and started moving, sliding them together. Rishi knew this, knew mating and rubbing and good smells and pleasure. Knew touching and tasting and ... Good. He bent his knees, pushing them together faster and harder. One of Lynn's hands moved around to stroke his belly and then to pinch his nipple, fingers closing over it and tugging. Oh! Oh, bright! Rishi lifted his head, roaring at the hotsharpbright feeling. “Like that, Rishi?” Their Man's voice was low and husky. Lynn's fingers slid across his chest to tug at his other nipple. His cry was sharp, short, hips rolling faster, passion nipping at his heels, need driving him. Lynn's legs tightened, pushing their need together harder and low moans painted the air. The pleasure attacked, bit deep, and he called out, his cry echoing through the air as he spent. Lynn moaned again and rubbed frantically against him. 488

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He nestled down, giving their Man his weight, his skin, to rub against. Rishi brought their mouths together, tasting Lynn's want. Lynn's cry filled him as their Man jerked, scent of manseed growing strong on the air. Rishi let the man-self go, curling around Lynn with a purr and lapping the bitter-salty seed from the flat, pale belly. Their Man's hands were gentle on him, fingers sliding through his fur. “Mm ... so good, Rishi.” He chirruped, head bobbing. Yes. So Good Rishi. Lynn's laughter filled the sky. Rishi rested his head against their Man, snuggling and loving. So much nicer than sleeping at night. So much nicer than sl ... In his dreams, Rishi was a Big Strong Male, chasing his Malik and their Man. **** Rishi was off, chasing butterflies. There was a particularly pretty one, large and violently blue, that would keep Rishi busy for a good bit of time. Which was a shame, for Malik was ... wanting. Lynn was asleep, and Rishi was gone, and he did not wish to simply pleasure himself. Malik pondered chasing Rishi down, for sleep was sacred, and Malik did not wish to interrupt Lynn's rest, but by the time he found Rishi the need would be muted. He would share it with Lynn instead. A single thought changed his form, and Malik went to Lynn on two legs, cock standing out proudly from his body. Malik 489

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stretched out next to Lynn and put a hand on Lynn's hip, feeling warm skin under fine linen. Lynn murmured, almost purred and moved a little closer. Their Man was learning to be a cat. It made him smile. He moved closer, pushing his hardness against Lynn and moaning. A soft gasp met his movements, Lynn's eyes popping open. “Malik.” “Lyyynnnnnn.” He purred, reaching for Lynn's man parts and rubbing them with his hand. “Oh!” A shudder went through Lynn and one warm hand wrapped around his shaft. “Oh.” “Love.” Yes. That was what he needed. Lynn was warm and scented with want and sleep and Malik licked Lynn's neck, his cheek, working to Lynn's lips for a kiss. Lynn moaned into his mouth, pressing closer still, hand tightening around him. “Love you, Malik.” His pretty Man Lynn. Malik growled and plucked at the silly man clothing. He wanted to see and touch it all. “Oh! Of course.” Lynn's hand left him, but only so the offending clothing could be removed and then Lynn was pressing close again, their Man hot and smooth against him. A purrrrrrr left him, long and low, and he began to lick the salt from Lynn's body. Neck, chest, those pale nipples. Lynn gasped and jerked, hands sliding through his hair and holding him there. He loved them with his lips and teeth, one to the other and back. His hands smoothed down Lynn's sides to hold thin hips, and his mouth followed, down over Lynn's belly to his heat and hardness. 490

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Lynn gasped and pressed forward, then their Man was backing off and saying “Wait, wait.” Malik bit back a growl. Wait for what? “Lyyynnnnn.” “Trust me, Malik. Just...” Lynn pushed and tugged and moved him until they were both face to hardness. “That's what I wanted,” murmured Lynn. Then his shaft was licked at by Lynn's warm, wet tongue. Oh. Ohhhhh. Malik moaned, forgetting for a moment that he could touch Lynn as well, just feeling. Then he reached for Lynn's heat once more and licked, loving the taste. Lynn moaned softly and took his prick into their Man's mouth. So hot. So very hot. This was good. Lynn's idea was good. Sometimes their Man had the best ideas. Malik pushed into Lynn's mouth and took Lynn deeper into his, making happy noises. Their Man was making happy noises too, muffled by his flesh, making him vibrate. So good. So right. Just what he needed. Malik touched Lynn's sacs, fingers sliding behind to find Lynn's opening. Lynn swallowed around the tip of his shaft and started to move, sending the flesh in his mouth deeper. “Mmmm.” His need came up within him, rising in his balls. He moaned around Lynn's flesh, sucking hard. Lynn pulled hard on him as well, encouraging him to move, to rock with Lynn. They became a circle of pleasure, so good, so happy, He pushed against Lynn's hole, slipping a finger inside. Lynn cried out around him, seed splashing down the back of his throat, so strong, so good. 491

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His own need released, his seed falling on Lynn's tongue, hips rolling as he thrust out the last of it. Lynn licked him clean, hands petting his flanks, soft murmurs of praise and happiness filling the air. When there was no more of Lynn's taste to be found, Malik pulled away and crawled up for a kiss, thanking Lynn wordlessly. “Mmmm.” Lynn's happiness filled their kiss and Lynn pressed close, nuzzling, cuddling. Malik purred. “Love.” Sleep was sacred, but so was loving. Malik was glad he'd woken Lynn for it. And now they could nap.

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Chapter 14 There was a storm coming. Malik could smell it, and it made the air still and heavy. The feel of it made him twitch, from his nose to the tip of his tail. This storm would bring bad things; he could feel it. Rolling off his rock, Malik went to their Man where he sat mending his pitiful pair of trousers, and nudged one leg, rumbling low. “Hello, Malik.” Lynn rubbed his fur, scratching behind his ears. “It feels heavy today—there's a storm coming, isn't there?” Their Man was growing more adept by the day at reading the weather, and Malik was proud. He rubbed his head against Lynn's leg, then moved to take the hand that was on his ears into his mouth and pull. He wanted Lynn inside the little shelter. “It's going to be that bad, is it?” Lynn frowned but stood and headed toward his man home. Rishi came barrelling through the tall grasses, gold eyes wide and worried. He could feel the tension in his young one, the mixture of fury and fear. The scent of ... man. Growling low, Malik gave a sharp order to Rishi, an order to go the opposite way as the men, and hide. Still growling, he pulled on Lynn's hand, pulling their Man toward the trees. “I'm coming, Malik, you don't need to take my arm off—I won't melt if a few drops get me.” 493

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Rishi paced, head swinging, growling low. Wanting him. Calling for them to come. The urgency built, his need to protect his Man and his mate strong. He herded Lynn right past the makeshift shelter, taking them to the tree line, rushing them. As they passed the shelter, Lynn started to hold back, feet dragging. “What? Sweet Lord, Malik, I don't want to be stuck in the trees and their dubious shelter!” Wavering for a moment, thinking of changing to his man form to talk to Lynn, Malik stopped. Growling, he pleaded with Lynn; he did not want to tell Lynn the men were coming. He just wanted Lynn safe. Rishi was vibrating, whining, ears laid flat. The sounds all meant the same thing. They were coming. Hurry, hurry, hurry. Lynn tsked and shook his head, muttering about silly tigers and how he was a man and his little house made a better shelter than being out in the open, even if there were trees. Lynn came with them though, not as fast as he'd like, but followed nonetheless. They made the safety of the tree line, and Malik let go of Lynn's hand, nudging both him and Rishi to get them to move farther in as the first fat drops of rain fell. Rishi moved with him, tail swishing and flailing, eyes slitted. He could smell the men on the wind, now, sour sweat and dirt, and it made him want to roar, to run out into sight and attack them, but he knew that would be stupid. He could smell gun oil as well. 494

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“Sweet Lord, I'm going to get completely wet,” complained Lynn. “I do not understand why you would not let me go to my shelter.” Rishi growled, head swinging, the bark of ‘No', clear. Yes. As it was, Lynn was too high profile standing up, and Malik pushed at his legs, trying to get him to squat or kneel. “What is wrong with the two of you?” Lynn pushed at his head and took a couple of steps back. “You'll have me covered in dirt as well as soaked through!” Just about then the men crashed into their clearing, many of them carrying guns, just as he'd feared. Malik went motionless, hoping they would not be seen, and that Rishi would follow his lead. Rishi rumbled, but went perfectly still, eyes focused on the men. Lynn gasped, also frozen, eyes on the men. Then their Man looked down at him. “Go deeper into the forest, I will distract them. I'm saved, you see—they will take me back with them and they need never know about you and Rishi. Go now!” Lynn's hand passed over his and then Rishi's heads and then their Man ran toward the men. Rishi's eyes went wide, a disbelieving sound torn from his mate's throat. The same sound would come from his own throat were it not for the need to be silent. Malik crowded Rishi back further into the underbrush, determined that they would not be seen. The pain in his belly could wait. That Lynn could leave them so ... It hurt. Yet he knew better than Rishi that Lynn was a man. And men needed men. 495

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As they watched, the strangers noticed Lynn and he was surrounded by them. There was much noise and pointing and soon they were moving away from where he and Rishi hid, toward Lynn's shelter. Rishi snarled as the men moved closer to their home, body tensing to spring, claws digging into the dirt. Rishi must not be seen; he would not be able to stand it if he was caged again, or worse, shot. A low growl of command escaped him, and Malik sprang, rolling Rishi beneath him, teeth closing on his mate's throat. Rishi fought him for only a few heartbeats, muscles tight and claws pushing at his fur before a soft broken noise sounded, his mate going still and silent beneath him. Oh. His poor Rishi. Malik looked back toward their Man, their shelter, hoping against hope that Lynn would convince the men to go without him. Lynn was waving and pointing toward the river, shaking his head when one man with a long gun pointed toward the trees. Then Lynn fetched his box and his cloak. Two of the men pushed down the walls of the shelter and then they were all off, making for the river and following it. Not once did Lynn look back toward them. Rishi watched Lynn, the young one quietly crying out for their Man again and again, begging Lynn not to go, not to go away. It broke his heart to hear, and Malik nuzzled softly, rubbing cheeks with his mate. They would follow, he and Rishi, at a safe distance, to make sure Lynn got back safely to the land of men. Malik did not like the look of the ones who 496

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came. And then they would return to their rocks and it would just be the two of them once more. Once that would have been a relief. Now it caused a wound that he was not sure they could heal. **** Lynn walked with the men, leaving Malik and Rishi behind without even a look. He couldn't. Some of the hunting party he was with had already expressed an interest in exploring the trees and had been reluctant to accept his assurances that there really was nothing there. He'd finally convinced them by pointing out that only a fool would make their home in a place frequented by wild animals. Especially tigers. He'd played up the death of his Master, convinced these hard men that he had no love for tigers. Sweet Lord, but that wasn't quite true, now was it. There was a time, not so long ago, when he would have given anything to return to civilization, to be again among men. It was only as he was again among them, civilization their destination, that he realised his heart had changed. He wanted to go back. Not to say his farewells, but to stay, to take his place and there was a place for him there. Perhaps he'd been too close to see it, but now he could. Now he knew. Now it was too late. Well he'd gotten his wish, and like in most of the stories his mother used to tell when he was just a wee lad, he wanted to take it back. 497

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**** Things were different now. He and his Raj had followed their ... the mans for too long and then they had come home to their Rock. Rishi had spent the whole first day marking their home. He had used his claws and teeth and made the man's Box Go Away. He'd torn and marked every tree, every place the man had touched to make the smell of Lynn Go Away. He had licked and groomed his Raj, had rolled and rubbed against their Rocks, had Roared as loud as he could. Our Home. Go Away. Go Away. Go Away. When Rishi was done, he went to sit and watch his Raj nap. He hated the mans and he was never going to pretend to be a mans ever again and if another mans came? Rishi would eat him dead. So there. One blue eye popped open to look at him, and Malik rolled to his paws, coming over to stretch out right next to him, purring in that half-hearted way he had ever since they returned to their rocks. Rishi leaned and nuzzled, carefully grooming and loving his Raj. If he had been more careful, then the mans would not have put him in the Box and Raj would not have eaten a mans and Lynn would have never come and never left and his Raj would not be unhappy now. 498

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His Raj rumbled, licking his nose and cheeks, caring for him just as he always had. Rumbling, he sang a quiet song about how strong his Raj was, how fierce and brave and good to his silly, so sorry Rishi. That made his Raj happy, he could tell, Malik turning to him and rubbing cheeks, the purr stronger, more real. He kept singing, kept loving, kept licking and nuzzling and needing his Malik. His Raj. His Heart. Malik rolled, pushing him down, nuzzling at him, loving him back. The heavy weight felt good, reminded him whom he belonged to. Oh. Good. Good. He stretched and purred so loud. He was a So Sorry Rishi. He wanted to be Home and have things be So Good. His Raj licked and purred and told him he was So Good, and that they were together and that was all that mattered. Yes. His Raj. His Mate. His Heart and His Hunter and His Malik. How he loved. Rishi rubbed their cheeks together, watching the Sky in Malik's eyes. They would be Good again. It all would be. The mans would be forgotten, and his Raj would roar and be Strong and Brave and he would be Happy. Soon.

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Chapter 15 Malik finally decided it was about time he stopped moping about. Rishi was very sad, though he channelled it into furious energy as always, ripping up all evidence of Lynn and leaving their clearing a shambles. For his own part, he had slept, and been quiet and withdrawn and he could see that it was weighing on Rishi, his young one beginning to tiptoe around him like he had a sore paw. It would not do for his young one to fear snuggling with him, or playing too loudly. It would not. So Malik decided to let go of his hurt. He had lived too long not to know that sometimes the ones you loved left, and had lived among men long enough to understand what fickle creatures they were. Rishi, though, Rishi was constant and loving and Malik would not drive him away with his foul temper. Ever. His chance came to him when Rishi wandered off to their pool to drink. Rishi even drank with closed eyes, afraid that water might splash in them, and Malik was downwind, so Rishi did not know he was coming until he roared and knocked the young one right into the water. Rishi went down with a splash, roaring fiercely as his young one found his feet, teeth bared in warning and surprise. Then, as soon as those golden eyes fastened on him, the roar became playful, happy, his Rishi tackling him, paws flying. 500

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They bounced off the bank and back into the water, Malik rolling so he was on the bottom getting thoroughly wet, deep growls coming from him. Oh. His So Good Rishi. Rishi's eyes were closed, paws stamping and splashing wildly, little happy chuffs filling the air. Malik herded Rishi toward the bank again, growling happily and nipping at Rishi's tail. They needed to play. He needed his Rishi. Rishi's tail swished and his mate almost bounced, dancing away from his teeth and claws, little growls filling the air. They growled and leapt and rolled and Malik was happy, for the first time in so many days. Happy to be with his Rishi and to be alive and to play. Rishi ran and pounced, standing up on his hind legs and showing him that white, soft belly, gold eyes gleaming as his Rishi roared. Tail lashing, Malik crouched low and pounced, hitting Rishi square, making their breath whoosh out. They went down, gnawing and licking, chuffing their laughter. There was a sound and the sudden scent of a man. Head coming up, Malik rolled up, crouching and ready, roar ringing through the clearing. No more men. He would kill them. Then the mans appeared, Lynn, only a Lynn wearing new coverings and smelling all wrong and carrying a very large box on his back. Rishi snarled, teeth bared, the sound part hurt, part disbelief, and mostly fury. The man froze. “Rishi? Malik? It is me—Lynn.” Stunned, Malik stood frozen for long moments, listening to Rishi growl and wondering if his eyes were deceiving him. 501

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Then he let go of his tiger form and flowed into his man form. This would require words. His Rishi's growls grew louder, darker, that long tail slapping the ground. Lynn smiled, but it was hesitant and he didn't come any nearer. “Malik?” Putting a hand down to silence Rishi, Malik nodded. “Lynn. What are you doing here?” “I've come home.” “Home?” Anger and pain in equal amounts clawed at his belly. “You left us.” “I had to. They would have found you if I had stayed.” Rishi's nose nudged him, pushing him away from Lynn. He petted Rishi softly, but did not look away from Lynn. “You smell like men.” “I was in the city. I got supplies, told the authorities the tiger who killed my Master was dead. Then I got on a boat for England and slipped away.” Lynn's smile faded. “You don't look happy to see me.” Hope was not something he could give in to now, and Malik pushed it down. “You are saying you meant to come back all along?” The man looked down at the ground. “Not when I first went, no. But once I was gone, I realised how much I did not want to be. It was not until I arrived at Bombay that I discovered how I could return.” “Rishi cried for you.” He was not doing well. He should tell Lynn to go, make him go, but instead he wanted to hurt the man as Lynn had hurt them. 502

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Rishi took his wrist in his mouth, tugging, whimpering. Lynn took a step back. “I ... I'm sorry.” The urge to protect both Rishi and Lynn from more pain was strong, for he was the elder here, the protector, but Malik did not know what to do. “We did not think you would come back.” “I could not stay away.” Rishi stopped tugging and looked at Lynn, growling and snapping, telling Lynn how they had hurt and hurt and looked and missed. They had, and he was not sure they could easily forgive. “Rishi tore down your house.” “Do you want me to go?” Lynn asked, pain in the soft voice. What could he say? He did not want Lynn to leave them again, but it would be better for him to go now rather than stay and live and have them love him and then leave again. “I do not want you to stay if you will leave the next time men come.” “I do not wish to go. I had my chance to stay with men, to go home to where I was born. I chose to come and be with you and Rishi again. You are my family now. If you will have me.” It was not just for him to decide. Rishi had a say as well, and Malik looked down at his young one, stroking softly. Rishi looked at Lynn, then over at him, eyes still and quiet. Then, to his surprise, Rishi changed, shivering into his man form. “You stay. For my Raj. But, know this. You are a mans. 503

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I am not a mans. You go away and I am still here. Loving my Raj and hurting. Rishi is No mans.” “No, you are not a man, you are a So Good Rishi.” Lynn looked as if he would cry. Rishi gave Lynn a surprised look, then nodded. “Yes. So Good Rishi. And his Raj. And their Man.” Malik nodded. That was that. Lynn would stay. And they would try to rebuild their love like they would Lynn's house. A piece at a time.

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Chapter 16 Lynn put his boxes next to the tree. His supplies. He hoped they served him well; they had cost him dearly. Malik and Rishi had almost sent him away again. As it was, he could feel the rift between them, knew their trust in him was broken, perhaps shattered beyond repair. Still. Being away had given him insight and he knew that this was where his heart truly lay. He took off his coat, folded it and laid it with his boxes. He was stalling, making work for himself so that he would not have to face their eyes again. Malik's sad, hurt, Rishi's more angry. Rishi had steadfastly ignored him since turning back into a tiger, sitting and watching the water on his rock. Still, those ears twitched at every sound he made, tail flicking. Malik was pacing, back and forth. He would go to the water, then come back. Those blue eyes never left him. Though he would not look, he could feel them. There was only one thing that he could think of that might put an end to the awkwardness between them. Or at least begin to. He dug into the smallest box and took out the hard brush he had purchased. He grabbed the cushion from the large box and set it in the shade of the tree, sitting. “I brought a new brush.” Rishi's tail stopped, the long line of back rippling. Then Rishi looked to Malik, waiting. 505

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Malik nodded sharply, gesturing for Rishi to go to him. “Yes. Rishi missed your brushing.” Rishi made a soft, unhappy noise, then leapt down, chittering and fussing at Malik, nudging Malik with his head, pushing them both closer to Lynn. He blinked back tears. That Rishi would hesitate over this ... Sighing, Malik dug his fingers into Rishi's ruff and they came to him together, Malik settling across from him, patting a spot for Rishi to stretch out between them. Rishi settled, sighing softly, one paw wrapped around Malik's thigh. His hand shook as he went to brush Rishi and he changed the gesture, offering the brush instead to Malik. He would not force this on the young one. “I will go bathe—clean the city from my skin.” Those blue eyes bore into his as Malik joined hands with his over the brush and brought it down to Rishi's back. “No. You will stay. Prove to us that you wish to be near us.” Rishi's tail landed on his legs, heavy and sure, the message clear. Stay. He nodded, tears escaping. “Yes. I will stay.” He began to brush, finding easily the long smooth strokes that Rishi liked best. Soon Malik's hand left his, letting him brush while Malik stroked Rishi's ears. Rishi's purrs started softly, but soon filled the air, rich and warm. Tension he hadn't even noticed melted from the cat, Rishi going limp beside him. 506

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It eased his own tension and soon he was almost purring himself, eyes half closed as he brushed. Even Malik seemed more relaxed, a soft sigh leaving him once more, this one less frustration and more contentment. He lost himself in the familiar motions, in the feel of the soft fur and powerful body beneath his hands. Rishi wiggled and moved until he was draped between them, the huge head in Lynn's lap, body over Malik. Then once he was settled, Rishi closed his eyes and began snuffling and snoring. “It is good you are back, Lynn.” Malik's voice was soft. “We missed you.” He nodded. “I missed you both very much. And this place. This is where I belong.” “Our place. We tried very hard to make it the same when you were gone. But we could not.” Malik's hand closed over his once more. “Thank you.” He let the brush go and turned his hand to hold Malik's. “Thank you for taking me back. I will not leave again. I swear it.” “We will protect what is ours, Lynn. If the men come back, we will make sure they do not take us. Promise you will never foolishly do something like that again.” He reached out to touch Malik's cheek, stroking softly as Rishi snored between them. “I could not live with myself if something happened to you or Rishi.” “And we do not want to live without you.” Malik nuzzled into his palm, cheek rubbing in best tiger fashion. “From now on what we do, we do together, yes?” 507

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Rishi called out, a sad sound that eased as soon as he stroked the soft ears. He nodded, stroking them both. “Yes. Together.” **** Things were ... Better. Not So Good. Not right. Not Home. But Better. Mostly. Except ... Rishi idly poked a big Jumping Buzzing Bug with his paw and harrumphed. No one was playing. Or roaring. Or laughing. Or Pouncing. Or Mating. He poked the bug again. Rishi liked to Play. And roar and laugh and mate. He really missed Pouncing. He poked the bug again. Poke. Poke. Poking was not fun like Pouncing. Poke. Poke. Poke. Long-legged Jumping Buzzing Bugs did not squeak like their Man. Poke. 508

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Or Oof. Poke. Poke. Or even Roar like his Raj. Rishi tilted his head and considered Roaring, but that might make his Raj Grumpy. Grumpy Rajs were POINTY. Although ... Poke. Pointy might be okay. He reached out to poke one more time and that was when Malik hit, when he was off balance. There wasn't even a roar, or a change in the wind, to warn him. Just a pounce. Oh! His Raj was a Great Hunter! They rolled and rolled and then Malik was staring down at him with blue-sky eyes, chuffing with laughter. So Good! Malik nipped at his ruff, growling like he was ready to play once more, so happy, and bounced away, heading right for Lynn's new walls. He scrambled to his feet, Roaring and Running to catch his own Raj! His strong Raj! His beautiful Raj! Malik ran, circling Lynn's little house and roaring, leading him on a merry chase. He focused on the tip of Malik's tail, trying every few bounces to leap at it and catch it tight. “Sweet Lord, what is all the commotion?” Their Man had come out of his home and was right in their path. 509

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Malik managed to leap to one side, only the tip of that amazing tail brushing Lynn's chest. Lynn's chest that was right under his paws as he leapt and roared. Oops. They went down together, Lynn shrieking and oofing and making his landing soft. Malik was with them pushing at him and sniffing Lynn to make sure their Man was not broken. Lynn was blinking, mouth opening and closing silently. He bounced up and away, whining. He did Not Want their Man to be Broken. If Lynn was Broken, then maybe their Man would Go Away again and his Raj would Nap and Nap and things would be Bad. And ... Rishi shook his head. No. He did Not Want to break anything. He wanted to be a So Good Rishi. Licking Lynn's face, his Raj purred and growled and sat close until their Man sat up, wheezing. “Oh my.” Lynn coughed a little. Rishi stepped back and went to sit on his Rock and let his Raj take care of their Man. If Lynn could ‘oh my', then their Man must not be too Broken. ‘Oh my’ was not Good like ‘oof', but it was not Broken. Rishi licked his paws. He was getting Very Good at the man talking. Soon he could hear Lynn climb to his feet, hear his Raj make soft sounds. He thought his Raj would take Lynn back 510

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to the man house, but then Malik was there with him, climbing up on their rocks and nuzzling him. He looked over at his Raj, making a soft So Sorry noise, resting his chin on Malik's paw. Malik licked his nose, rubbed cheeks with him, and closed sharp teeth around one of his ears, pulling. He lifted his head, grumbling softly, meeting Malik's eyes. His Raj rubbed noses with him, loving on him, blue eyes and soft purrs telling him he was So Good. Then Malik hopped down to the ground, looking back over at him and grumbling. Waiting. He almost didn't go. Almost. But it made his belly sad when Malik grumbled and he needed to see their Man. Lynn was coming toward them, walking slowly and muttering, brushing himself off. Rishi bent his head down, sighing and making his tail and shoulders low in apology. “Oh no! Rishi, were you hurt?” Their Man's hands slid through his fur. Malik's grumbling and growling stopped as soon as the two of them touched, the sounds becoming happy purrs. He pushed into Lynn's touches, into those So Good hands. Lynn scratched his ears and petted him and fussed, murmuring over him. Oh. Oh. Oh. So Good. 511

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Rishi rubbed his cheeks against Lynn's belly, Purring with all he was. Missed this. Missed him. They both almost fell over as Malik pushed into them, purring and rubbing, so Happy. His Raj had missed it too, he knew. It felt good, the three of them touching and loving. Their Man kept touching him and Malik, too. So Good their Man. So Good Rishi. So Strong and Brave and Beautiful Raj! He licked and headbutted, nuzzling and Purring and growling and loving so hard. His strong Raj pushed him down and nuzzled his belly, growling low at their Man to get him to scratch there, too. Their Man did, fingers digging in, making him feel so good. His paws batted the air, claws rolling with pleasure. So good. Like before. Malik rolled with him, almost like a cub, biting at him and chuffing, making Lynn oof again. Oof meant So Good Rishi. He licked Lynn's belly. Lynn laughed, fingers digging in. It was happy and right, the three of them rolling in the grass, and Malik sounded so happy. Things were Right. Or at least more right than they had been in a long time. **** Malik growled at the water that lapped at his belly. He growled at the fly that tried to land on his nose. Snapped at in fact. The ache in his belly made him very unhappy. Growly. Swimming did not help. Napping did not help. Only one thing 512

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would ease him, but they had not done that since Lynn's return. Not at all. Not once. He had not wanted to push Lynn, or Rishi, who were still distrustful that things could be as they once were. Nor did he try to get one of them alone, for it was sure to hurt the feelings of the other. So Malik had waited. And waited. And it soon became clear to him that neither of them was going to initiate any sort of loving save petting and brushing. They were going to be the death of him. Malik splashed out of the water, growling and snapping some more, this time at a large water rat. Shaking out the excess water, he headed for his rock to bask a bit. The sun felt good. Hot, but good, and Malik stretched out, letting go of his tiger and letting the human come upon him. The sun felt even better on skin, and in this form he had hands. He would just have to do it himself. The very thought made him harden, and Malik moaned a little, putting his hands to himself and stroking. He heard the grasses beside the rock swish, felt Rishi's breath on his hip. Curious kit. Planting his feet to tilt his hips up, Malik pulled on his cock, slow and steady, breath beginning to come unevenly. Oh. Yes. Better. Rishi's purr was low and rich, whiskers tickling him. His Rishi slowly crawled up onto the rock, climbing to stretch out beside him. 513

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The grasses beside his rock swished again and Lynn appeared. “I was wondering where you'd ... Oh. Oh. I didn't mean to interrupt.” Lynn started back up. “Lyyynnnn.” Malik held out his hand, wanting their Man to join them. There would never be a better time than now. “Are you sure?” Lynn asked. “I do not wish to intrude.” “Please.” Reluctantly, he let go of himself with his other hand, reaching to pet Rishi. “I need.” Rishi morphed, snuggling beside him. “Lyyynnn ... Rrrrrraj...” “Oh. Good. I ... I have missed finding my pleasure with you both.” Lynn quietly and quickly removed his coverings and joined them on his rock. Oh. Yes. Rishi and Lynn crowded in close and Malik thought he might burst into flame. So good, their heat, the feel of them against him made his belly hurt worse, easing it at the same time. “Yes. So good.” Lynn's hands slid over his skin, his and Rishi's, the long fingers of their Man trembling. His Rishi purred, sliding against him, tongue dragging over his skin. “Rrrrraj.” “Mmm.” He purred, arching under the touch, hands sliding over warm skin on either side. “Oh, I have wanted this...” Lynn's mouth slid over the skin of his shoulder and neck, sucking and licking at him. He turned to Lynn to take a kiss, catching sweet lips with his. He had wanted too, still wanted, and he tugged at Rishi, pulling his young one to join them in the kiss. Rishi purred, gold eyes smiling at them, watching them and wanting them, 514

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tongue pushing deep to taste them both. Lynn moaned softly, rubbing hard against his side. He did not have enough hands. He wanted to touch them both, wanted to kiss them both, wanted everything. He pulled Lynn closer, feeling the sweet hardness against him, and used his other hand to find Rishi's cock, testing its heat. “Raj!” Rishi arched, head lifting and blinking down into their faces. “H ... hot!” Lynn's hand slid over his belly and wrapped around his shaft. “Oh!” He cried out, body arching up, the pleasure too big to hold down. How he needed them, his Rishi and his Man. His hardness throbbed and Malik purred his need loud and strong. “Oh...” Rishi bent forward, tongue sliding on his throat, teeth threatening. Lynn's mouth moved alongside Rishi's, teeth scrapping over his skin. Malik screamed his triumph to the sky as he spent, holding them so tight, letting the scent of all three of them wash over him. Rishi growled, his mate bending to lick and lap, purring over his belly. Lynn rubbed harder against him, leaving a trail of liquid heat along his thigh. When he recovered from his own pleasure it occurred to Malik that it was just a matter of a push and a roll and Rishi's mouth would be on Lynn's heat. Lynn cried out, hips snapping. Rishi's head was bobbing, soft, happy little growls filling the air, throat working as he sucked. “Oh, Rishi! Good. So good.” 515

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Another cry and their Man was coming, hands sliding through Rishi's hair. Malik inhaled deeply, the scent making him happy, and rolled Rishi back, reaching for his young one's shaft once more and pumping hard. Low roars and snarls filled the air, Rishi moving hard, wanting, fingers gripping his shoulders tight as his young one spent, eyes wide. “Oh, so beautiful. Both of you.” Their Man's hands slid over them both. Purring loud, Malik fought the tiger, trying to stay as a man for Lynn, petting and nuzzling both his Man and his So Good Rishi. “Mine.” Rishi nodded, nuzzling and purring, fur soft on his skin, tail heavy on his leg. “Oh. Yes. Yours and Rishi's man. I am yours.” Malik pulled Lynn between he and Rishi and let the tiger have him. Lynn would have Malik and Rishi to cushion him from the rock, and they could nap together in the heat of the day. There was not a growl left in him. **** He was humming. Singing as he washed his clothes, beating them against the rocks and scrubbing them together with soap. Lynn felt better than he had ever before. He was back where he belonged, with his tigers. And they'd made love again. Oh, he had missed those purrs. He sang some more, washing vigorously. 516

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Everything suddenly went silent as it only did when he was being stalked, the universe stilling as he went from predator to prey. Lynn looked around, noting the gold eyes staring at him. He looked away, shrugging nonchalantly, pretending he hadn't seen the young tiger. He went back to his singing and washing, waiting. The roar came about a heartbeat before the pouncing and splashing, Rishi rolling him in the water before bouncing away, prancing playfully. He gave a roar of his own and splashed water at Rishi. From the other side of the pool another roar sounded, Malik bounding through the water, splashing both of them with one enormous pounce. Rishi squeaked, eyes closed, paws coming down again and again, water flying. Oh, he was outclassed and that was just fine. He splashed happily, getting himself more wet than the tigers. Malik looked like a kitten, blue eyes bright and happy, tail high as Malik bounced toward him, growling and sending water slapping against his legs. Rishi growled, leaping for Malik's tail, looking completely confused when Malik flicked it out of the way, leaving the smaller tiger with nothing but water. Lynn chuckled and clambered up onto his washing rock to watch his two tigers play. They went round and round, Malik leading Rishi on a merry chase, coming by him every so often to make sure he did not dry out. Rishi was having the most fun, water dripping from his whiskers and ruff, huge paws slapping the water. 517

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It made him laugh. Oh, how could he have for a moment thought the city would be better than this? Just about that time Malik bounced up to him and gently bowled him over, shaking over him like a wet dog. Still laughing, he shielded his face with one hand and pushed ineffectively at Malik with the other. Rishi landed next to Malik, tongue lolling, happy little rumbles and purrs filling the air. Those gold eyes were shining, bright, warm. He wrapped one hand in Rishi's ruff and the other in Malik's. “I love you,” he said. “I love you both.” Malik purred, nuzzling him softly, licking at his neck. Rishi's rumble was pure pleasure, pure joy. He made a purring rumble of his own, though his was soft and tame compared to theirs. Malik changed before his eyes, the man replacing the cat, hands sliding up over his skin, lips against his. Oh. Oh, yes. He arched, pushing up into the kiss. Rishi rumbled, fur rubbing against his skin before Rishi changed, pushing into the kiss with a wanton sound. The three of them kissed and touched, feet dangling in the water, the weight of them pressing him and his freshly washed clothes, into the warm mud at the bank. His arms were wrapped around them, keeping them close. Rishi was licking and lapping at his face, at Malik, undulating slowly against them. He purred for them, the movements of his hips matching Rishi's, tongue chasing Malik's. 518

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Malik moaned, pushing harder against him, hand tangling in his hair to hold him there. “Lynnn.” Rishi nodded, growled. “Rrrrrrrrraj.” “Oh, so good. So good, Malik and Rishi.” He moved and moved, and kissed and rubbed. It was so good. “So good. Yessss. So good Rishi. So strong Raj. Their Man.” Rishi's low voice rang out, rich and lovely. One of Malik's legs wrapped about his and Malik rolled him, putting him between Malik and Rishi, both of them moving more fully against him, hard and hot. He gasped and moaned, rocking with them, humping as well as he could. Teeth scraped against his shoulder, Rishi growling against his skin. Malik rocked him into Rishi, the three of them rolling together in pleasure, Malik giving him sweet words, giving Rishi praise, mouth moving against his shoulder, Rishi's hand. He cried out to the wide sky as he came, heat splashing between his own body and Malik's. Rishi rolled over him, hips canted, offering himself to Malik, tongue sliding over Lynn's belly, cleaning him. A low snarl came from Malik, and Malik took what Rishi offered, lunging and pushing, teeth closing on Rishi's neck. Rishi growled, cheeks rubbing furiously against Lynn's belly, fingers digging into the mud. His hands slid through Rishi's hair, reaching back to touch Malik. He rocked as Malik thrust into Rishi, setting them all in motion, growls and grunts filling the air around him. “Lyynnnn. Touch. Touch Rishi.” Malik pulled back, sitting back on his heels, still inside Rishi, letting Lynn have access to Rishi's body. He reached 519

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out, hand wrapping around Rishi's heat. Rishi roared, arching, head tossing. It was not long after that Malik roared as well, the sound muffled by Rishi's skin, blue eyes meeting his over Rishi's shoulder. He smiled at them both. He was happy. He was in the muck and all his clothes were dirtier than when he'd started, but he was happy.

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Chapter 17 Lynn sat under the banyan tree, watching the sun go down over the savannah. It was very beautiful. Much of the land was, especially after the squalor of Bombay. Still it was uncivilized out here, as his Master had found out the hardest way possible. The thought of how he'd last seen the man ... or parts of him, was still enough to send a shiver through him. He wasn't sure how long it was before he noticed bright gold eyes staring at him from the grasses, striped body tensed to pounce. His stomach clenched for half a second, his thoughts of his former master haunting him, before he realised it was Rishi and then he tried to relax, knowing what was coming, knowing being loose would be better. The pounce rolled him, the cat tumbling with him, Rishi's triumphant, happy roar ringing in his ears. He laughed, how could he not? Bruises were a small price to pay for Rishi's love. Wrapping his arms around the tiger's neck, he pushed against the soft fur of Rishi's underbelly. Rishi was rumbling and vocalizing, low sub-vocal purrs vibrating his whole body. The rough tongue slid over his cheeks, his chin, Rishi so careful, so sure not to bite or catch with the heavy claws. He purred back, a small echo of the noises Rishi was making, hands sliding over the fur covered muscles, petting. 521

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Enthusiastic, happy—Rishi groomed him as if he were Malik, as if he were one of their own kind. He wasn't even sure the young cat remembered he was simply human, as Rishi chirruped and rumbled, obviously chattering at him. He returned the favor as best he could though, digging his fingers in and scratching, following Rishi's spine up to his ears as he scratched. Rishi arched, stretching and pushing into the touches. Slowly, like magic, Rishi changed for him, became a tall, thin man, with a copper shock of hair. Those eyes stayed the same, as did the faintest striped pattern in the tanned skin. A shiver of delight went through him, as it always did. “Rishi,” he whispered, bringing their mouths together. Rishi opened eagerly, body sliding over him as their tongues met and slid together. Such a wanton, so full of sweet need. His hands gentled, slid over Rishi's skin instead of scratching and digging in. Rishi's body was soft and warm and wonderful beneath his fingertips. Rishi's purrs were gentler as a man, but they spoke of the same pleasure. The fingers that slid on his skin were clumsy, jerking, but still so gentle. He slid one hand down to Rishi's ass, cupping it, guiding Rishi as he pushed up with his hips, sliding their heat together. “Mmmmm...” Rishi shivered, headbutting him as their cheeks were rubbed together, Rishi attempting to mark him, scent him. He chuckled and nuzzled. “Sh ... gentle Rishi, softly.” 522

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“S-s-s-s-softly.” The word was purred, Rishi rubbing again, so careful, so soft. “Y..yes.” Oh, it felt good, when Rishi was gentle like that. It made him shiver, made him need and ache and want. He rocked up harder, sliding their pricks together with more force. Rishi whimpered, mouth open against his throat, his lover panting, breathing him in as their bodies thrust together. He slid one leg around Rishi, wrapping both hands in his lover's hair. Rishi arched, hips snapping now, his lover's strength stunning, driving him higher, faster. “Rishi!” He was so close, body tight and straining. A roar sounded, the nip to his neck sharp and quick as Rishi came, marking his skin. His own cry was nearly silent, the heat of his seed joining Rishi's on his belly. The purrs began again, low and steady, Rishi licking his throat, his chest, before cleaning his belly with that soft tongue. He panted, catching his breath, fingers sliding through Rishi's hair. “Love you,” he murmured. Those shining eyes smiled up at him and Rishi nodded. “Ll-l-love our L-l-l-l-ynn.” He smiled back and continued to pet Rishi. It was an uncivilized land, but he had grown to love it and its denizens. **** Rishi woke from his Nap with a Growl, head lifting from the warmth of his Rock. In his Napping world, their Man had Gone Away and not Come Home. 523

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He frowned and snarled, jumped off his Rock, went to find their Man. To make sure. Not that he was Worried. But, Still ... Their Man was not in his cage-like shelter. And their Man was not down at the water. Rishi Sniffed and Growled and Roared. When that didn't work, he put on his Man Self and Yelled. “Lllllllllllllllllynn!” “Lllllllllllllllllynn!” “Lllllllllllllllllynn!” Then he heard it, faint, but sure. “Rishi!” and the sound of the grasses being disturbed, coming from the savannah. “I'm coming, Rishi!” He hurried toward the sound, losing his Man Self and bounding. His Lynn. His. Their Man. Home. He bowled Lynn over when he got to him, making their Man go “Ooof” very loudly. “Rishi! Are you all right? Is it Malik? What is wrong?” Oh, he was Worried and Scared and what if Lynn Had Not Come Home and what if the other mans had their Man and Oh oh oh. Rishi Licked and Nuzzled and Growled and Rubbed Cheeks. Lynn petted him and scratched behind his ears and pushed him away. “What's wrong? Where's Malik?” He chittered and growled and snarked and finally calmed down enough to find his man self again. “You were Gone Away. You Went with the mans and did not Come Home.” 524

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“That's not true!” Lynn took a deep breath and cupped his face, slender fingers moving in his hair. “I was watching the birds on the savannah. I wasn't even gone half a day and I'm right here!” He nuzzled close, hands wrapping around Lynn and holding on. “Good. So Good. So so Good.” “Oh, Rishi ... I'm not going anywhere again, I promised you and Malik, didn't I? I won't break that promise.” Lynn's hands slid over his skin, warm and soft. “If the men come back, we'll face them or run from them, but we'll do it together.” The panic faded, leaving him shaking and clingy, his tongue sliding over Lynn's skin. Lynn murmured softly, fingers teasing the skin of his back, settling just above his crease. Rishi Purred, cheek resting on Lynn's shoulder, holding tight. “Lllove. Love our Man.” “Oh yes, Rishi. I love you as well.” Lynn's head turned, bringing their mouths together. Oh, that was Good. Real. Here. He opened wide, pulling Lynn closer. Lynn's tongue tasted him, the long body rubbing against him, warm and soft, hot and hard in the middle. Rishi pulled them down into the grasses, needing Lynn's loving. Fingers found his man teats, pinching and tugging them as Lynn made the kiss hard. He mewled into the kiss, fingers digging into the dirt, wanting so sharp, so big. Lynn rubbed against him, their shafts sliding together. 525

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Oh. Real. So Real. So Good. His fingers found Lynn's backside and pulled them closer, tighter. “Oh, I love you, Rishi. So good.” “Lllove. Love. Lovelovelove.” He licked and nuzzled Lynn's face, purring hard. “Oh yes,” gasped Lynn, moving harder, fingers plucking. Their Man bent his head, mouth nuzzling Rishi's neck. “Yes.” He arched, roaring and rippling, hips moving fast and faster. One of Lynn's hands wrapped around their need, squeezing them together and stroking. Pleasure poured through him and between him and over Lynn's fingers, hot and wet. “Rishi!” Their Man called his name and thrust hard against him and he could smell the salt of Lynn's pleasure, feel it in the heat on his belly. Oh. So Good. Yes. Good. Oh. Rishi purred and stretched, worries gone. Lynn's hand rubbed their pleasure into his belly, dropping kisses on his face. “Love you, Rishi.” “Love. Love you, Lynn.” He held on tight, purring as loud as he could. “Good.” Lynn's hands slid on his man pelt, petting him. “Good.” “Yes. Lynn. So Good. This Rishi did Not Like when you were Gone Away.” He gave their Man a kiss. “So Good Here.” “I'm sorry, Rishi. I can only promise I will not Go Away again.” He nodded. “Yes. Stay. Raj and Rishi, we need our Mans.” 526

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Lynn nodded. “Yes. And I need the two of you as well. My so big Malik and so good Rishi.” “Yes.” He smiled and licked, then rolled Lynn over, pouncing him as well as he could in this form before bouncing off, shaking his tail end to tempt. Come Play. Come Play with So Good Rishi. Their Man laughed and bounded up, giving chase. Oh yes! So Good Lynn. So Good Rishi. So Good. **** Malik turned on his rock, making a loud harrumph. Not that anyone listened. Lynn continued to sew those silly coverings that Malik thought by now he would be happy to have gone, and Rishi kept right on spinning in dizzying circles after a buzzy thing. Sighing out another loud sound, Malik turned again, onto his other side, paws and tail batting in annoyance. What was wrong with his Rishi and his Man? They should notice that he was needing and unhappy. Shouldn't they? Grumping one more time, Malik hopped down from his rock and headed for their lagoon. He would go drown his need in the cool water and snarl at the fish that swam by. A bright, happy roar sounded, the solid weight of Rishi landing right on his back. His legs actually buckled under the attack and Malik went down, his roar cut off with a very Lynn sounding “oof". Rishi bounced off, dancing around him, headbutting and rumbling and licking and fretting and ... Being Rishi. 527

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Oh. He wanted to growl and snarl and be angry, but Rishi's attention was too good, too right, to ruin it. In fact, Malik decided to bask in it, maybe not getting up as easily as he could have, letting Rishi fuss. “Malik? Are you hurt?” There was their Man, hurrying toward them, a frown on Lynn's face. He rolled one eye toward Lynn, seeing the concern for him on his Man's face, and he groaned a little, just a little. Oh, he was pouting worse than Rishi with water in his eyes. “Malik!” Lynn hurried faster, hands sliding on him. “Where are you hurt?” Lynn's hands on him and Rishi’ tongue grooming him felt so good that Malik completely forgot his ruse after a moment, purring and squirming, looking for more. “Malik?” Lynn's hands were still searching. “Where are you hurt? You are hurt, are you not?” Rishi's purr was happy, unconcerned, warm, vibrating right through him and shaking the growl right out of him. It was bad to not let Lynn know he was unhurt. Dishonest. So he rumbled, turning to take Lynn's hand gently in his mouth, apologizing with a tiger kiss. “Oh, Malik—you shouldn't worry us!” Lynn's free hand moved in his ruff though and found the backs of his ears, scratching hard. Oh. That felt good. So good. Just what he needed. Rishi was good for asking for attention, and Lynn they could smell when he was unhappy, but Malik sometimes forgot how to ask. It was good that his young one and his Lynn loved so 528

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much that they gave to him even when he could not say what he wanted. Rishi groomed and licked, stopping sometimes to nudge Lynn's fingers, Lynn's arms. The air was filled with the buzzing sounds of them—purrs and moans and soft laughs. Malik chuffed, rolling and shaking, scattering Rishi and Lynn both for a moment so he could think man, be man, so he could touch and kiss. “Oh, Malik...” Lynn's voice was happy, excited, their Man's hands returning to slide along his skin. Rishi snorted, tongue rough and harsh on his belly, his hip. Petting Rishi's ears, Malik nudged at Lynn to get him to turn, kissing him firmly, tongue pushing into Lynn's mouth. Lynn moaned softly, pushing close and rubbing against him. Rishi's chin brushed his shaft, purrs vibrating him deep. He moaned too, pulling Rishi closer, thrusting against the soft fur beneath Rishi's face. The kiss with Lynn turned into two, then three, his hands sliding down Lynn's back, bare of the clothes their Man had been mending. A shiver went through Lynn, their Man's shaft sliding with his. Rishi's purrs grew louder, tongue lapping at them both. His sounds were weak compared to his real voice, his tiger voice, but Rishi's tongue was shockingly good, making him twist and shake. Lynn's skin was soft and smooth against him, and he couldn't even begin to find a sigh or a harrumph. Rishi's paw landed on his belly, holding him still, tongue moving so fast, so hot, feeding from him. Breaking the kisses to breathe, Malik moaned, urging his young one on with happy noises. Man noises mixed with purrs and growls. 529

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“Oh, so good,” murmured Lynn. Rishi's agreement was hot and wet and accompanied by a series of rumbling calls, tail flicking. “Yes. Good. More.” They were making him so hot. His skin felt too tight. Malik pulled Lynn closer still, trying to join their skin so that Rishi could love them both. So beautiful his Rishi, so sweet. His Lynn was hot and good. He was a happy Malik. “Oh, Malik, Rishi ... I love you. So good.” Lynn's words were breathless, neeedy. Hot. So hot. His Rishi and his Lynn loved him, touched him, tasted him. The feelings were big, huge, wider than the sky and twice as bright, and Malik let them love him, let them give him everything. Finally the touch of Rishi's mouth and Lynn's hands and lips and body were too much, and Malik cried out, telling their rocks and their trees and their lagoon how he loved his lovers. Lynn gasped and shuddered, pushing against him as heat pulsed onto his skin, over Rishi's fur. Rishi snorted and licked, head shaking as little roars filled the air. Oh. Yes. Malik slid down to rest against Rishi, his silly man legs unable to hold him in the wake of their loving. He rubbed his cheek against the deep, rich fur, loving the scent of them all together. Rishi's sounds got louder, his young one panting, moaning, wanting. “Lyyynnn. Rishi. He needs.” Malik reached out to draw Lynn close once more, wanting them both to help Rishi find his pleasure. “What can I do?” Lynn asked, hands sliding through Rishi's fur. 530

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He smiled, kissing Lynn lightly. Then he pushed Rishi down, drawing Lynn down so all of them pressed together, giving Rishi something to rub against. Rishi growled, panted, undulating beneath them, body stretching long. “Oh...” Lynn made a soft noise and kissed him back, a little heat in their Man's lips. “Sexy...” “Our Good Rishi.” Yes. Good. So hard, his young one, so needy. Malik pressed Rishi between them, making a tight hollow between Lynn's hips and his, gasping as Rishi slid against them. So strange, being man and loving Rishi this way. So different. Those golden eyes rolled, claws raking the air, body shaking and shuddering. So beautiful. So fine. Lynn kissed him again and then rubbed his cheek against Rishi. It was good and right to have them all together, to know that they wanted him as much as he did them. Malik touched Rishi, loving his young one the best way he could, fingers finding the hot length of need between he and Lynn. Lynn's kiss he returned eagerly, his tongue pushing deep. Rishi's fur turned to warm, smooth skin, his young one pushing into their kiss. They all moved together, his hand on Rishi moving easily now, their tongues pushing together into Lynn's mouth. Lynn whimpered, hands on their skin. “Ssssssssssso good.” Rishi's voice was low, rich. “Good.” Yes. Good. “My Rishi. My Man.” His own voice was little more than a growl. “Oh ... good.” One of Lynn's hands grabbed his buttocks, squeezing, fingers warm and smooth. 531

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Together they rocked and slid, the scent of sweat and salt and hunger sharp on the air. “Rishi. Now. Need.” He was hard again, needing, so close that the scent and sight of Rishi would push him to the edge, and he drew on Rishi's shaft hard, demanding his young one's release. “Rrrrrrrrrrrrraj!” Rishi's roar echoed, golden eyes so wide, seed spraying. Malik sighed, his pleasure finding him once more, this time softer, easier, but still so good that his whole body throbbed. “Oh!” Lynn cried out, the scent of their Man's pleasure again growing strong. They rested together, breathing hard, and Malik simply lost his man form, the tiger taking over. He needed a bath. Almost as much as he needed a nap. Purring, he licked both Rishi and Lynn clean first. He could do no less than care for them as they did him. “Oh, sweet Lord, that was lovely.” Lynn petted him, hands sliding on his fur. “Nap time, yes?” A bass rumble showed his agreement, and Malik nudged Rishi, wanting all of them to go nap together. He was learning to ask. Even the oldest, grumpiest tiger could learn to try something new with Rishi and Lynn to teach him.

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Chapter 18 Rishi was a Great Hunter. He hunted No-Legs that Bit and Birds in the Sky and Horned Beasts that Ran and Long-Eared Jumpers and Butteryflies. He hunted them all—pouncing and roaring and biting hard. Of course, hunting and catching were two different things. This day, though, Rishi had been most brave, most strong, and had caught a Long-Nosed Toothy Not-Fish for them to share. Malik and their Man would be so proud. He dragged it home and plopped it right in Lynn's lap. Plop! There! Lynn shrieked and leapt up, going backwards until his back slammed into the tree that gave them shade. Rishi arched an eyebrow. Silly Man, it was dead. Rishi chomped its head. Rishi showed their Man, backing away, then pouncing with a growl and chomping, shaking the prey furiously. There. Just like that. Then he brought it back to Lynn. “Yes, very well done, Rishi.” Lynn's hand slid along his head, petting him. “You just startled me at the start.” He purred and nudged their Man's hand. Yes. Good Rishi.

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Lynn dropped to his knees, both hands going into the fur at his ruff, their Man scratching him nice and hard, rubbing their faces together. “Very well done.” Oh ... Oh, Good Man. He purred as loud as he could, cheeks pushing against Lynn's, claws digging into the ground. Lynn made that funny noise that he knew was their Man trying to purr for them. “I love you, Rishi.” Those were good words, made him warm and right deep inside. He licked their Man's belly, grooming gently. Yes. Love. Love their Man. Lynn laughed, the sound happy. Rishi chuffed, licking again, searching for the happy sound. It came, Lynn leaning away. “That tickles!” Tickles must be good, to make laughs! Rishi nuzzled, licking again and again and again. Laughing and laughing, Lynn leaned more and more away until he fell over onto his back. Oh! There! Ha! Rishi pounced, rumbling happily. “Oof!” Lynn laughed some more, hands sliding along his cheeks, behind his ears. He tilted his head, encouraging those so-smart hands to find the itchy spots. Right, no, not there. Just ... Right ... There! He purrrrrrrrrrrrrred. Lynn chuckled, the sound softer than a laugh and huskier, good in a different way. “Such a good tiger, Rishi.” 534

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He bobbed his head. Yes. Good Tiger. Good Rishi. Lynn's foot slid up along his belly, rubbing him there as well. “Yes, Rishi. So very good.” Oh ... Oh, yes. He dipped his head, grooming his Lynn with the softest touch, the gentlest tongue. Lynn made a soft noise that wasn't a purr or a growl, but a moan. It usually meant Lynn was feeling very good; the sound was different when their Man was unwell. Rishi could taste the want and pleasure on their Man's skin—sweet and salty, less rich than his Raj, brighter. So good. He licked harder, looking for more. Lynn moaned again and then pushed him away a bit. “Just a second, Rishi. Let me get the breeches off—I don't want them ruined like my blouse.” Rishi looked up at his Rock, chuffing and purring. The man furs were very fun to play with and carry. Lynn took off his bottom covers and folded them, putting them away in the box that held their Man's Things. Then his Lynn came back without any furs, shaft proud and wet-tipped, a light flush on the pale skin. Rishi purred, licking all along leg and shaft, then grooming the soft curly patch of man-pelt. “Rishi!” Lynn gasped and those long fingers slid through his ruff again. “Oh! Good tiger.” He nodded. Good. Very good their Man. He licked and lapped, the heat of Lynn's shaft rubbing his cheek, his neck. Lynn was moaning and whimpering, making man noises that meant pleasure. 535

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The fingers scratching him got lazy, just petting lightly, randomly now. Oh, now ... that wouldn't do at all! He nipped Lynn's hip, head bumping those hands, reminding their Man. “Ouch!” Lynn rubbed his hip and then those fingers slid back behind his ears, scratching properly again. “You were distracting me.” He chirruped an affirmative and went back to tasting and grooming and licking. Distracting or not—one should not forget to scratch their tigers. “I still say you can't blame me for not scratching when you're doing ... oh, that.” He settled, tongue licking a pool of salt and need off Lynn's belly, then from the source. “Oh sweet Lord, Rishi...” Lynn whimpered, fingers wrapping tightly around his ruff. “Careful ... teeth.” Oh, right. He concentrated hard and became like a man, licking at Lynn's shaft. “Oh!” Lynn moaned, the tight grip in his hair softening, gentling. He curled around Lynn's leg, purring happily as he tasted the clear, sweet drops. “Oh, Rishi. So good.” Yes. Rishi good. He let himself have a man-smile which made his face feel very very much different than a Real smile. “G-g-g-g-good.” “Oh, yes, Rishi. Very good.” Lynn's fingers moved through his hair. “I have an idea. Something that will be very good for both of us.” Then Lynn began to shift around. 536

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He frowned, putting his man-paw on their Man. “No go away. Want.” Lynn's hand slid along his shoulder. “I know, Rishi. But I want too. And I'm not going away—I'm making it so we can both have.” Lynn stroked him again. “Trust me.” He didn't understand both having, but he understood Trust Me. That was like Love Me and Good Rishi. Right words. Malik and their Man words. Lynn started moving again, turning and pushing a bit and then suddenly their Man's shaft was hard and red and right in front of his mouth again, while his need was being taken into Lynn's mouth. He roared, fighting to keep his man form, shaking hard. Lynn hummed around his shaft, pulling him slowly in deeper. Their Man's hands were warm, soft on his thighs. The shock slid away and the scent of Lynn's want caught his nose, distracting him. He leaned in, licking and nuzzling, tasting. Lynn's hums got louder, vibrating around his own need. The hands on his thighs held him tighter. He let the hard flesh slide inside his mouth, sucking to pull out more man seed. Their Man whimpered around him and then began to suck hard, head bobbing up and down on his shaft. Shivers rocked him and he wanted, wanted so badly. Rishi called out, stretching beside his Lynn, hips cocking up. Lynn's hands pulled on his thighs, encouraging his movements. 537

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So strange, to mate like this. Strange, but good. Very good. Lynn started to move as well, hips pushing their Man's need in and out of his mouth. He sucked, pulling hard, his fingers rolling on Lynn's thigh. Suddenly Lynn's hands got so tight on his legs and then hot salt need was pushing down his throat from Lynn's cock. He took what he could, the rest spreading between them. Lynn kept sucking him, fingers slowly relaxing on his skin. Rishi licked and sucked at their Man, hips moving, pushing deep. Need. He needed. Lynn pet his skin, fingers gentle as their Man sucked him hard. Pleasure hunted him, bit his spine and shook him and he roared, spilling into their Man, caught. Lynn swallowed around his shaft, drinking down his pleasure. When their Man's mouth eased, he turned, licking at Lynn's lips, kissing, holding onto the man form. “L-l-l-love.” Lynn's arms wrapped around his neck. “Oh, Rishi—I love you, too.” “Yes?” Rishi purred, nuzzled. “So good Man.” “Yes, good Rishi.” Lynn chuckled, the sound soft and husky. “So good.” He licked his Lynn, landing heavy in their Man's lap before becoming Real and purring loud. So Good Rishi. Lynn seemed to agree, hands scratching him again. “Yes, Rishi. Such a good tiger. And man. Tiger-man.” He purred, stretching long and happy, rolling so Lynn could scratch that spot under his chin, that itchy spot. 538

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Lynn was a good Man, he understood and scratched the itchy spot. Of course, it was only right, to scratch the itchy spot of the one who Hunted. One day, he would be as good as his Raj. Until then he would be So Good Rishi, One that was Loved. **** Malik woke from his nap, stretching and yawning, tail curling over his back. A quick, habitual survey of their home area told him that Rishi was nowhere to be seen, but Lynn was there, grinding small berries up to make ink. Their Man was very strange. Sweat stood out on Lynn's brow, and Malik decided it was time for his Man to have break, so he made his way over and stretched out on the ground next to Lynn, head coming to rest on one of Lynn's thighs. “Hullo, Malik.” One of their Man's hands slid over his head, fingers scratching quickly behind his ears and then Lynn went back to his bowl. He had not made himself clear, obviously. Bunching his muscles, Malik gave the slightest push, working more firmly into Lynn's lap. “Malik! I'm making ink.” Lynn tsked and shifted over so that he was again only resting his head on Lynn's thigh. A low growl escaped him. Stubborn Man. He did not want to spill Lynn's bowl, but it was time for Lynn to stop making smashed berries and pet him, or play, or possibly love. Malik rolled and put one big paw on Lynn's lap. 539

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Lynn chuckled this time. “Are you trying to tell me something, Malik?” Chuffing, he nuzzled Lynn's leg. Their Man was slow sometimes, but he caught on. Lynn laughed again. “Yes, I do believe you are trying to tell me something.” Lynn set his bowl to the side, hands coming to dig into his fur. Oh. Yes. Malik puuuurrrrred, moving closer, crowding against Lynn. Good scratches made him very happy. Lynn set to scratching, murmuring to him the entire time. That made him move even closer, until he was climbing into Lynn's lap. But the tiger Malik was too heavy for the Man Lynn, so Malik found his own man inside and let him out, straddling Lynn's legs. “Oh! Malik...” Lynn's arms went around him and Lynn pressed their lips together in a real kiss. Lynn tasted good, spicy and sweet at the same time. Malik liked the taste, so much that he went looking for more, his tongue pushing deep into Lynn's mouth. Lynn whimpered softly, holding tight and falling back, bringing him down with their Man. Purrs sounded different in a man chest, but purr he did, letting his body rub along Lynn's. Lynn purred as well, pushing back against him, hands on his buttocks, pulling him down closer. 540

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“Lyyyynnnnn.” The sweet skin of Lynn's throat called to him, and Malik bit it, claiming his man as he would his Rishi. “Malik!” Lynn arched, body bucking up against him. “My Man. Mine.” Leaving the mark he'd made, Malik licked at Lynn's jaw, Lynn's chest. His Man wore no shirt, only the lower covering, and Malik could taste salt sweat and desire. Gasping, Lynn moved beneath his touch like the grasses moved with the wind. “Yours,” Lynn murmured softly. He went searching for more good tastes, licking Lynn's belly, tearing at the cloth covering his Man's shaft. “Malik! I would have undone them for you.” The words were reproachful, but the tone was not. There. Hot and hard, Lynn's shaft was in his hand, and Malik licked at it, ignoring the words in favor of the feel of the blood rushing under the soft, soft skin. Moans and whimpers replaced the words, Lynn pushing into his hand, hips moving insistently. Licking and sucking, Malik moved up and down Lynn's hardness, the scent making him dizzy. His Man was so good, so hot. “Oh, Malik...” Lynn's hands were in his hair, keeping him in place, encouraging each bob of his head. Searching for still more, Malik touched Lynn's soft sacs, sucking hard on Lynn's shaft, growling around the flesh in his mouth. A loud gasp and Lynn moved faster still, humping up into face with abandon. He encouraged Lynn with touches and moans and purrs and growls. He wanted his Man's pleasure, wanted to taste it. Lynn pushed into his mouth twice more and then jerked, crying out to the skies as his mouth was filled. There was 541

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what he wanted, and Malik swallowed Lynn down, licking to make sure there was nothing he missed. “Lyynnn. Good.” Lynn purred, the sound almost as good as a tiger. “And so good Malik.” “Mmmmm.” Sliding up until he straddled Lynn again, Malik kissed his Man, sharing the taste in his mouth. Lynn made a happy noise and one of his Man's hands moved over his skin, finding his need and wrapped around it. Oh! The touch made his skin jump and twitch, and his shaft throbbed, making him push into Lynn's hand. A deep growl spilled from his lips, a sound of pure need. Lynn smiled up at him, tongue licking at his lips as Lynn's hand continued to move on him. The touched made his head feel dizzy, made his skin hot and tight. Malik growled and kissed Lynn hard and pushed and pushed, working toward completion. Lynn's free hand slid around to his front, pushing between them to tug on his man teats. “Lyyynnnn!” The name came out as a wail, his pleasure coming upon him as sudden as a summer rain, wet heat splashing from him onto Lynn. He panted, hips still moving in small pulses, lips on Lynn's skin. “Love.” “Mmm ... Malik. Love you.” Lynn brought his hand up and began to lick it clean. “Mmmmm.” Their man really was getting good at purring. Malik nuzzled, showing Lynn how pleased he was. It was time to bathe. And nap. And then maybe find Rishi and have some more loving. 542

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Then their Man could finish his ink. **** Stre-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-tch. Wiggle wiggle. Lick. Nibblenibble. Lick. Stretch again. Claws in. Out. In. Out. Swish tail. Purr. Rishi blinked and headed down to the water. Mornings? Were Hard Work. Very Hard. Their Man was lucky. Lynn only had two feet to remember how to work. And there was their Man, whistling, beating the mancoverings against a rock in the water. Silly Man. It was Too Early to be Beating. He growled and moved to take a drink from above the bubblies. Bubblies? NASTY. Lynn looked over at him and smiled. “Good morning, Rishi. How is my so good Rishi today?” Tired. Grumpy. Thirsty. So Good. Yes. So Good. Happy to see his Lynn. 543

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A little hungry. Needing a scratch. Right There. By his ear. He plopped his head in Lynn's lap. There. By his ear. Lynn chuckled, hands leaving the silly man-coverings on their Wet Rock to bury in his fur. Oh yes, right there. Lynn gave good scratches. Rishi purrrrrrrrrrred and stretched, leaning hard into Lynn's body, claws rolling in the dirt. So Good. So Good Rishi. The whole time their Man talked to him, Lynn's words flowing like the water. “Did you have a good sleep, Rishi? Were you dreaming? You looked like you were dreaming when I got up.” Mmm ... Dreaming. Yes. Sleep Worlds. His Raj told him All about those. That they were Not Real, but may Be Real one day, so a good tiger Watched and Listened for Omens. Mostly, though? His Sleep World showed him Hunting and Loving. Lynn dropped a kiss on his nose and rubbed their cheeks together. “So good Rishi. Such a pretty tiger.” He preened. Yes. He was a Fine Tiger. Not beautiful and strong and fine as his Raj, but Pretty. Pretty So Good Rishi Their Man said so. He nuzzled into Lynn's belly, purring hard, as he morphed. “P-p-p-p-p-p-p-pretty Man?” 544

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“Mmm. Yes, Rishi, you are a pretty man, as well.” Lynn's scratching and petting turned into caresses, fingers gentle and good on his man-pelt. “Mmm ... Llllynn pretty pretty man.” He stretched and rubbed, happy. Lynn's smile grew closer and then their Man was kissing him, making his mouth full of the taste of Lynn. Oh. Oh. This was the best part of being a mans. Kissing. Tasting. It was So Good. Rishi nestled closer, purring happily. Their Man filled his mouth with whimpers and moans, hands moving on his man-skin. His own paws were clumsier, but Lynn didn't seem to mind, arching and offering him more and more. Lynn lay back, pulling him down to lie on top of their Man. They rubbed together, soft and warm in places, hard and hot in others. Good. He leaned down and nipped, taking Lynn's scent in. Lynn moaned, head tilting back to offer him a long, thin neck. His growl was possessivehungry, rumbling in his belly. “Good. gooooooooooood.” “Yes. Good. So very good.” Their Man moaned again, bucking up against him, sliding their hardness together. He licked once, then bit down, growling at the salt and sweet and man flavor. Lynn bucked again, crying out as heat spread between them. 545

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Oh. Good. Rishi licked his way down, purring loud, cleaning Lynn's belly with his tongue. Lynn's hands tangled in his hair, stroking and rubbing and puling as Lynn moved restlessly beneath his tongue. He licked until all the salt was gone, happy and nuzzling. Then he licked until the salt flavor started to come back. “Oh, Rishi. You make me hunger so ... make me need.” “Nnnneed. Need Lynn.” He nibbled Lynn's thighs, Lynn's sacs. He liked Making Need. Lynn's legs spread for him, hips lifting, baring Lynn's entrance. “Mmm...” He shifted, licking and tasting, his need rubbing against his own belly, so Hard. “Oh, Rishi, yes. Please. Make me ready for you.” He was shaking with Wanting, tongue pushing in, taking Lynn's hole. Crying out, Lynn tugged on his hair, encouraging him to continue. He spun Lynn, settling his Man on hands and knees, tongue moving faster, his entire body shaking and shuddering. Lynn pushed back against him. “More, Rishi, please! I beg you, now, Rishi, now.” Rishi leapt, covering Lynn with his body. His teeth sank into Lynn's nape, hardness finding a home inside the soft heat of his Man. Lynn screamed, back arching. “Rishi!” A whimper followed, Lynn rocking, his Man pushing, rutting with him. They Mated and it was good, the air filled with growling and snarling and moaning. So Good. 546

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Lynn reached back, finding his hand and tugging, pulling it around to the hardness that grew from between Lynn's legs. He made a hole with his fingers, giving Lynn a hole to push into, their mating going full circle. Lynn's body tightened around him, squeezing his need. He groaned and jerked, pushing deep, spending in Lynn, eyes rolling as he roared. His. His Man. Lynn cried out his name to the sky as heat poured over his fingers. Rishi licked at the dark mark on Lynn's nape, purring low, nuzzling. Good man. So Good Lynn. “Love you, Rishi,” murmured Lynn, their Man sinking to the ground. “Mmm ... Lllllove. Llllove Lynn.” He cuddled close, purring. “Llllove.” “Mmm. Such a good Rishi. Such a lovely morning.” Lynn kissed him softly and pushed closer, nuzzling. “Mmm ... Mmmmorning.” He chuffed, happy and sated, warm and lazy. “Mmmmmmorning, Love Lynn.” He got another kiss. “Yes, Rishi. Morning. Love you.” So good Rishi and so good Lynn. They would nap together now. After all, mornings were Very Hard Work. **** Crawl. Buzz. Flapflap. Crawl. Bugs were fun. Crunchy too. 547

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Especially the big blue ones with the pointy noses. Their wings were small and didn't get stuck in his teeth. Rishi stalked the shiny bug, nudging it with his nose when it stopped amusing him. He was so focused, so intent about what he was doing that Lynn's feet with their no-claw toes startled him, made him jump and roar. Lynn jumped too, shrieking at him. Oh! Lynn wanting to play! Their Man was much better than a shiny bug. Rishi pounced, roaring playfully. Their Man shrieked again and then started to tickle him, fingers digging into the sensitive skin where his legs met his body. That made him dance and chuff, bouncing away and running around to let Lynn do it again, tail high and happy. Lynn was making that man happy noise; laughing he called it. He raised up on his back legs, boxing carefully with his paws, then bounded away again. Oh! Oh, he loved their Man. Loved loved loved. Lynn was still laughing, stumbling as their Man chased after him. He flopped down, turning to catch Lynn and roll, face nuzzling the good-smelling neck. “Oof!” Lynn laughed a bit more and their Man's arms wrapped around him, fingers digging in. Yes. Oof. Oof meant So Good Rishi, he knew that word. He started licking, purring down through his bones. 548

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“Oh, Rishi.” Lynn's hands dug in deeper, scratching him most nicely. Yes. Oh, Rishi. He stretched and rubbed, belly stroking against Lynn, claws rolling in the air. Lynn made his funny man-purring noise, rubbing back. “So soft and warm, so good, Rishi.” So Good Man. Yes. He purred and shifted, wanting to tell his Man that—that they were So Good. Together. Happy. “Ssssssssssso Good, Man.” He headbutted Lynn, rumbling. “Sssso good.” “Oof.” Lynn chuckled. “Yes, Rishi.” Then Lynn put their lips together. Oh. His Raj had been first to teach him this, tempted him to be a man with these touches of tongue. He opened wide, tasting Lynn eagerly. Their Man made soft noises, tongue licking at his. Oh. Oh. He pushed up, rubbing harder, mouth open, hands sliding over Lynn's back. Oh. Oh, more. Lynn's hands were on his not furry skin, sliding soft and warm, leaving him tingling. “Lllllllynn. More. Oh. More.” He gasped, eyes rolling. “More.” Lynn deepened the kiss, body moving against his. Oh. Oh, good. Hot. Hot in his belly. Hot. He roared, shivering a little, body so excited, so wanting. Their Man made more noises and started to lick at him, biting kisses on his chin and his neck and his shoulders. 549

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“L ... L ... Lllynn.” He shook, exposing his throat as his thighs parted, so hard, so so hard. Lynn bit at his throat, marking him with so hot lips and tongue. The goodhotneed exploded, heat pouring over his belly, his man-pelt. “Rishi,” murmured Lynn, sliding down his body and licking at his seed, tongue strong and sure on his belly. Oh. Oh. Oh. “So ... so good. So good.” The world was spinning and moving and ... Oh. “Mmmm ... yes, Rishi.” Lynn kept licking until his man-pelt was clean and then Lynn started licking his shaft. He whined, shifting. His body tingled, bare skin all full of lightning. The feelings were big—big like his Raj, like the sky—and they hunted every bit of him. His shaft was licked from top to bottom and then Lynn took one of his balls into their Man's so hot mouth. Rishi's eyes popped open, rolling wildly, the sensations pulling from the base of his belly. Humming around his ball, Lynn sucked gently and then let go, taking the other one into Lynn's mouth. As soon as he could, Rishi turned, hips in the air, offering Lynn his body, his need, fingers and toes gripping the ground. Lynn made the funny purring sound again and then began to lick at his entrance, fingers hard and hot as they held him open. The sounds that left him were sharp barks, loud and needy, the pleasure too much to be silent. Lynn's tongue pushed inside him, making the same movements as rutting. 550

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Rishi arched, entire body moving, focused on that touch, that tongue. Finally, when he thought he would spill again, Lynn took away his tongue and instead pushed inside with his cock. Roaring, Rishi pushed back, muscles rippling. In. Oh. In. Good. Much Good. More. Oh. “Rishi ... Oh.” Lynn moaned and pushed all the way in before pulling out again. Before he could protest, Lynn was pushing back in again. It was running and hunting and breathing and good and hot and he never wanted it to stop, never wanted to catch his breath. More and more, harder and faster, Lynn moved with him, hot breath panting on his neck, hands hard around his manhips. His hands tightened in the dirt, panting, roaring, needing. One of Lynn's hands slipped, moving around his body and taking his shaft in a tight hold. “Oh Rishi!” It only took a single touch to his shaft and he spent, lights flashing behind his eyelids. Lynn roared most impressively, heat filling him. Rishi settled on the ground, purring softly. So Good. So Good. Lynn lay on top of him, pressing soft kisses against his neck, hands sliding on his man-pelt. Good. So Good. His Lynn. His and Malik's. Rishi purred. Much better than bugs. So there. 551

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Ha!

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Chapter 19 Lynn was paddling about in the river. He didn't usually do it on his own, but it was too hot for him to sleep, it was almost too hot for him to breathe, and he needed the dip in the water. Both Malik and Rishi had been lying under the tree, fast asleep. He'd made noises, enough to wake the tigers if they were inclined to be woken, but neither of them had budged. So he'd gone down on his own, sighing happily as the water cooled him off. He floated and paddled and swam, staying near enough to where Malik and Rishi always entered the water, knowing it would be safer in the tigers’ territory. It took a moment for him to realise that the river had gone silent. Oh, the water was still flowing, making its noises as it flowed against its banks and over rocks and bulrushes, but the wildlife had gone dead quiet. He glanced over at the bank, but neither Malik nor Rishi were at the water's edge. He didn't really want to imagine what else might make everything go still and quiet like this. Trying not to panic, he headed for shore. He could hear something behind him, something moving fast and slick and oh, dear sweet Lord ... He felt something scaly push against him less than a heartbeat before he heard a furious roar, an orange and black 553

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blur splashed and snarling behind him. He didn't even look back as he scrambled for the shore. He pulled himself up, panting, his heart in his throat, shaking at how close it had been. Safe now, he turned to the river. Rishi had an alligator in his jaws, shaking it furiously, water spraying everywhere. He could hear the tiger's rage as Rishi growled and snarled and shook. He wanted to help, to make sure the alligator was killed without hurting Rishi, but there was nothing he could do but watch, hands clutched together in front of him. It didn't take long before he heard a hideous crack and then alligator went limp, simply twitching and jerking. Rishi tossed it onto the shore, paws landing heavy on the carcass as a triumphant roar filled the air. “Oh Rishi!” He fell onto Rishi, hugging and petting. “You saved my life! Thank you. So good, Rishi. So good.” Rishi nodded, big head nudging him into the soft grasses, tongue sliding over his skin. It took Lynn only a moment to understand that Rishi wasn't grooming, the big cat was searching his skin, assuring that he was not hurt. He lay back, letting Rishi examine him, letting the warm tongue soothe him, prove to himself that he was unhurt. His shaking slowed to the occasional shudder. Finally Rishi started purring, grooming and straightening the damp fur and him in turns, the muscled body relaxed, easy. Another shudder went through Lynn. He was safe. Rishi was safe. It had been close, though. 554

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He turned and wrapped his arms around Rishi's neck, burying his face in the warm, damp fur, pressing close to Rishi. Rishi's purr vibrated him all through, the hot, rough tongue brushing his shoulder. He pushed Rishi over onto his back, the big tiger letting him. Then he started to rub, hands digging into Rishi's fur as the relief gave way to need. Pure, driving hunger. Rishi stretched, paws in the air, then slowly morphed so his hands were rubbing warm, soft, barely patterned skin. “Oh, Rishi.” He buried his face in Rishi's neck, moving against warm skin. “Llllynn.” Rishi's mouth moved against the top of his head, fingers stroking his back. “Rishi. For a moment back there I thought I was dead. Thank you.” He kissed Rishi's neck. “Thank you.” He kissed Rishi's jaw. “Thank you.” He kissed Rishi's lips. “Thank you.” Rishi was blushing, golden eyes glowing and warm. “Thhhank you.” He was given a hungry, deep kiss, Rishi's tongue exploring his mouth. He leaned hard against Rishi, rubbing their hips together. Rishi purred, stretching beneath him, need hot and stiff against him. He moaned, moving faster against Rishi. “I need you,” he whispered. A low rumble sounded and Rishi managed to turn, spinning beneath him, lean buttocks offered to him, to his need. “Oh! Yes, Rishi, yes.” He knew the tigers never used anything to ease the way, but he still preferred making the way easier. He pushed himself down along Rishi's body and 555

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then began to lick at the tiger-man's entrance, fingers spreading the rounded buttocks apart. Rishi growled, hips rocking, the sound so needy, the musk of his lover strong and male. “So good, Rishi,” he murmured, licking and licking before pushing his tongue into Rishi's body. The sounds were rich, echoing as Rishi snarled and growled for him, so vocal in pleasure. It wasn't long before he simply could not wait any longer. With a cry, he surged up, pushing into Rishi's body, shuddering as tight heat closed around him. Rishi roared, hips arching and moving for him, fingers dug into the grass. They rutted furiously, all his residual fear pushing out from him as he thrust into Rishi over and over again. His lover took it all, encouraging him with body and voice and need. As he pushed into Rishi over and over again, everything else fell away. There was nothing but the squeeze of Rishi's body around him, the warmth of Rishi's hip under one hand, and the heat and silk of Rishi's shaft under the other. Rishi's roar rocked him, the long body squeezing him tight as heat sprayed over his fingers. The sounds and scents of Rishi's pleasure and the way Rishi's body held him so tight sent him right over and with a cry he filled Rishi with his pleasure. Rishi settled on the ground, purring, hair shifting as he rubbed his cheek on the grass. “Llllynn.” “Oh, Rishi. That was lovely. So good.” He kissed the back of Rishi's neck, curling on the warm back. 556

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“Yes. So good Rishi. So good Man. So good.” Rishi reached for his hand, licking it slowly, purring against his fingers. He chuckled, Rishi always making him happy. There wasn't much that was important in the tiger-man's life and he considered himself lucky to be one of the things that was. “Love you, Rishi,” he murmured. “Mmm...” Rishi nodded. “Llllllllllove. Love. Love love love.” He purred, knowing it wasn't as good as Rishi or Malik's noises, but knowing his tiger-man would recognize the sound as happy pleasure. Rishi grew large, warmer, fur soft against him, as Rishi purred back, giving him a place to rest on the broad back. He rubbed and settled comfortably, sighing as exhaustion suddenly overtook him. Between the scare, the heat and the orgasm, he was ready to indulge in one of the other things Rishi thought was important, that was becoming just as important to him—a nap. **** Rishi limped across the clearing, whimpering and whining low. One of the No-Legs that Bite had bitten his paw and made it Ow and Oh, Ow and Not Good. So, he went to find his Raj. His Raj would See and Lick and make it All Better. At least Rishi hoped so. Because Ow. Oh. Not Good.

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His Raj was the biggest, finest, lickiest Raj ever, and he took Very Good care of Rishi, so it was good that Malik was on their rocks, surveying their territory with a serious look. Oh. Oh, his Raj. So Fine. So Big. He hurried over—Oh. No. No, that was Not Good. He limped over, calling low. Malik was there by his side so fast, rumbling purrs soothing him as Malik nosed him over on the ground, sniffing at him to find where he hurt. Rishi gave Malik his Very Best Pout, holding up his paw for his Raj to find. Here. Lick. Malik growled at the bad hurt ow and licked it so softly, not hurting at all, making it feel better right away. Oh. His Raj was So Good and Fine and Strong and His. His purr filled the air, claws pushing out and drawing back again and again. Those soft licks and nuzzles kept on until he was purring and his paw was only a little ow and not oh at all. Rishi rolled, stretching and baring his belly and throat in thanks, singing of his Most Good Raj with his best voice. He was soothed and claimed at the same time as Malik rubbed against his belly, scenting him with soft pushes of Malik's cheeks. It made his belly fur tingle, made his tongue hang out, made his tail twitch. 558

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Malik kept on, grooming him with long swipes of tongue and whiskers, rumbling sounds telling him how brave and good he was to face up to No Legs, how pretty his fur was, how much Malik loved him. Oh. Oh. Oh, his Raj made him full with need, with pride. When Malik had licked and nuzzled almost every part of him, his Raj covered him with that big body, pressing down against him, rubbing cheeks with him. He stretched, reaching out with his claws, the pleasure too much to stay still. Malik rubbed other things against him then, pushing and pushing, the soft fur of Malik's belly tickling him. He arched up into Malik's heat, their tails sliding together. Malik bit down on his neck, so gently, teeth barely sinking in, marking him, claiming him as Malik's to hold and heal and love. Heat filled his belly, tingling through his Whole Self. Oh. For his Raj. He was made for his Raj. His Raj was just as hot, hard against him, purring deep and rough against him, tail so tight around his. They moved together more in need than comfort now, Malik's loving making him want. He called out, telling all the beasts and birds about their love, about his Raj. His cry echoed with one of Malik's, a deep roar that told the trees and the clouds how Good he was, how right. 559

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Rishi nodded, head back, grasses and skies spinning and whirling, making his breath come fast like he was hunting. Those sharp teeth closed over his throat again, deeper this time, low growls making his fur stand up, Malik rumbling and groaning, heat splashing against his belly. His own pleasure bloomed and ran to meet his Malik's, pouring out from him, the scent strong and good. They rested together, Malik holding him down with his Raj's greater weight. Finally Malik moved, backing off and licking him, grooming away their pleasure, working to his sore paw, nuzzling and licking, checking to make sure the ow and oh was gone. He purred and watched, watching the rhythm of Malik's tongue, flicking in and out. So Good to Rishi. So Good. No Legs that Bite could bite him all they wanted. With his Raj to heal him and love him, there was nothing they could not mend. **** Malik paced. Rishi napped. Lynn was off staring at the grasses, a passtime that Malik did not truly understand. And Malik ... well. He wanted to play. Naps were sacred. malik maintained that staunchly. But so was play, even to old tigers like him, who were charged with protecting a Rishi and a Lynn. Rishi's tail twitched, and that made up Malik's mind for him. He pounced, landing on that flippy tail and batting it with his paws. 560

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Rishi rolled, happy little roar filling the air as that tail flicked wildly. So good, his young one. So eager and willing to play, even fresh from a nap. He would be grumpy if someone woke him that way, but not Rishi. Malik gave chase, bouncing after that tail, feeling only about a third of his years. Rishi dove into the big grasses, crouching low and trying to hide, to pounce back. Malik could see him, vibrating and chuffing and watching, pretty eyes shining like the sun, white tipped tail peeking out of the grass. Should he let Rishi pounce him? Thinking about it, Malik circled their rocks, going to his belly and slinking. He would let Rishi try, that was what he would do. He managed to get around the rocks before Rishi burst from the grasses, all paws and white belly and bright sounds. A roar burst from him as he met Rishi halfway, the two of them thudding to the ground and rolling, tails tangling. He chuffed, tongue hanging out, rolling over and over, loving the sun and the wind and his Rishi. They landed hard and a flock of white birds went flying, all beaks and long, long legs. They leapt together, chasing and roaring and running. When the birds were all gone they turned back to stalking each other, romping until they both breathed hard and Malik's thoughts turned more to loving than playing, as they always did when he and Rishi rubbed and tumbled and bit and licked. Rishi nuzzled his cheeks, tongue smoothing along his ruff, his shoulders, a low, pleased purr shaking his mate's body. 561

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His own purrs sounded loud in his ears, and Malik returned the touches, grooming his mate happily. Rishi chuffed and nuzzled, smoothing eyebrows and whiskers, lapping his paws. Then Rishi stretched, offering him that vulnerable throat and so-white and soft belly. His So Good Rishi. Malik nuzzled, licking at Rishi's belly and chest, teeth closing over that bared throat, claiming his young one once more. The purr was so happy, his Rishi loved him above all else, paws kneading his chest gently. Malik growled and rumbled, telling Rishi how he loved him in return, as big as the sky and the trees and the rivers. Pressing down against Rishi brought his hardness against the softest, most beautiful belly fur, and he purred rubbing firmly. Rishi moved and panted beneath him, tongue lapping and licking his chin again and again, his young one's need growing strong and heady. The wild scent of them spurred him on, making him push and grunt and snarl, feeling Rishi's shaft rub against him. The loving was as good as the playing. Better. Almost as good as swimming or napping. Maybe as good. Rishi rolled out from beneath him, hips canting, tail raised. That fine nape was exposed, a needy snarl in the air. Yes. Oh, yes. Malik pounced, teeth fastening on Rishi's neck, sinking deep as he pushed against Rishi from behind, sliding inside his young one, rutting upon him. Tight! Hot! So Good. The roars and low cries shook the earth itself, the flocks flying as his Rishi sang for him. 562

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Scrabbling, Malik found better purchase against the hard ground and pushed, moving in and out, taking his Rishi deeply. His Rishi. His love. Growling his triumph, Malik bit again and again, letting Rishi feel him, letting his young one know his pride. He could feel Rishi's climax, feel the tight body burn and ripple and squeeze him tight. Then the scent hit his nose, rich and male and right. Oh. His own pleasure came upon him quick and hard, and Malik slammed into his Rishi, grunting and roaring to the trees and rocks as he shot deep into Rishi's body. Rishi's head came to rest on his paw, tongue licking so soft, so slow. Malik nuzzled and purred, so proud and pleased and happy they'd played. They settled together, curling in the sun, tails sliding lazily. Now. Time to nap. **** Rishi looked over at their Man who was doing ... Something. He scooted closer, curiosity itching at him. Their Man was looking at a ... something. A something like a little box with flat leaves. Flat leaves that turned. Flat spotted leaves. Rishi inched a little closer. Their Man didn't stop looking at the something, but Lynn did reach out and scratch him behind the ears.

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Mmm ... Rishi Purred and nuzzled into the touches, pushing and wiggling until his head was in Lynn's lap, almost right next to the something. Lynn chuckled and placed a kiss on his head. Then their Man went back to looking at the something and only sometimes stroking Rishi's head. Well, this was No Fun. He shifted again, knocking the something out of Lynn's hands completely by accident. Mostly. “Rishi!” Lynn tutted and fussed over the something, picking it up and smoothing it and making the leaves rustle. He harrumphed, head butting Lynn's side. That something was BORING. He was Right Here and Soft and Purring. Silly Mans. Stupid Man Things. Lynn tutted at him again, but the something was put aside and two hands were sunk into his fur. “Silly Rishi, I was reading.” He tilted his head into the touches, making a curious noise before carefully putting himself into a man's form. “Rrrrrrrrrrrreading?” “Yes. Reading. It is like ... someone has put their words into symbols on the paper and I look at the symbols and turn them into the words again.” He blinked. “Mmmmagic?” Lynn laughed. “No. Well, perhaps it is a magic of sorts, but anyone can learn it. I could teach you.” 564

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“Teach me?” He moved closer, nuzzling, wondering what their Man meant, if his Raj would Growl. “Yes, make is so that you know the words that the symbols make. Then you could read as well.” It took only a little to crawl into Lynn's lap, licking and nuzzling. “Rrrrrrrrrread.” It was a fun man-word to say. Lynn half chuckled, half moaned, hands sliding on his skin. “Yes, Rishi. Read.” “Rrrrrrrrrishi. Rrrrrishi rrrrrrrrrrrrread.” He laughed. Oh, those words made his belly tickle. Lynn kissed him softly. “Would you like to learn now?” He purred into the kiss, cuddling close, begging another. Learn? He knew all about kissing. “Maybe we'll do that another day...” Lynn licked at his lips and then pushed inside his mouth. He moaned and curled his arms and legs around Lynn, shaft beginning to fill. Mmm ... So Good Lynn. So Good Rishi. Lynn gasped softly, hands going to his buttocks, pulling him close against their Man. Oh. Warm. Good. Lynn. So Good. He rubbed and growled, hips pushing back into Lynn's hands. Lynn's hands felt so good and pulled him close so he could feel the heat of Lynn's need even though the stupid man furs Lynn always wore. Rishi leaned in, tugging at Lynn's furs with his teeth. Off. Off. Laughing, pushing at him, Lynn took off half the man-furs so there was skin from Lynn's head to his waist. 565

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Mmm! Better. He Licked and Nuzzled, Purring over that salty skin. Lynn gasped and moaned, hands going back to his bottom, squeezing and pulling him close again. Oh. So Good. He nibbled and bit, stretched and pushing his hips into Lynn's hands, offering himself. “My trousers,” murmured Lynn, hands leaving him so Lynn could push at the bottom man-coverings. He pulled and tugged, growling low. Silly things. Silly not-furs, hiding their Man from them. “Careful, I don't want them torn. Again.” “Want.” He nuzzled, head-butting gently. “Want.” Lynn nodded. “Yes, Rishi, I want, too. Let me get rid of these...” He nudged and nodded, lapping at whatever skin he could find before stretching out in the grass, rear in the air. “Oh, Rishi, you make me want so much.” Lynn's hands slid along his buttocks, down to cup his sacs. “Lllllynn. Need.” His thighs parted, back arching. “Yes, I need, too, Rishi. So much. So big.” There was a sucking sound and a pop and then wet fingers pushed inside him. Oh! He roared, pushing back against those fingers and taking them deep. “So hot, Rishi, so tight.” Lynn leaned over him, kissing his spine, licking him. “So good, Rishi.” He rolled his spine, Purring. “Yessssssssss ... Sssso Good. Sssssso Good Rrrrrrrrishi and Lynn.” “I can not wait any longer, Rishi.” The fingers disappeared, the hotbluntgood of Lynn's shaft pressing into him. 566

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He shuddered, fingers digging into the ground. Good. So Good. So Good. “Rishi!” Lynn began to rut with him, filling him over and over again. He pushed back, panting and moaning, eyes rolling at the heat and need pouring through him. One of Lynn's hands wrapped around his hip, the other around his shaft, pulling, pushing, sending him soaring. Rishi Roared, the sound as huge as the rushing in his ears. Lynn's call wasn't nearly as loud, but it was good, heat filling him. He panted, head hanging down as tingles moved through him. “Oh, Rishi. Love this. Love you, Rishi.” His Man said words and kissed his skin. He purred, settling on the ground on the So Soft Grass. “So Good.” Lynn lay down beside him, fingers stroking his face. “Yes, Rishi. So good.” He licked and nuzzled those fingers, loving his Lynn so hard. Lynn made his man-purring noises and then they were kissing again, Lynn loving him hard, too. Oh. Oh, maybe he would stay in his man skin, share more kisses. Love their Man. Still kissing, Lynn pressed closer, hands warm on his man skin. “Mmm...” His purrs grew louder and he Rubbed. Soft. So Soft. So Good Lynn. Lynn's tongue was hot and wet and good in his mouth. 567

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Lynn's eyes looked at him, warm and bright and he shivered, cuddling closer. “I love you, Rishi. My so good Rishi.” “Love. Love. Love.” He rubbed their cheeks together, happy. Their Man was happy, too, showing his teeth. He reached up, touched Lynn's teeth, so small ... Lynn nipped gently at his fingertips, eyes happy. He chuffed, blinking. “B ... b ... b ... big!” He looked at his fingers, then touched Lynn's teeth again. “Big?” Lynn nipped again. Oh! Oh, yes. Big and Sharp and Good and Oh! Rishi Nodded, Growling. That made Lynn laugh and bite hard. Oh ... Rishi leaned his head back, offered their Man his throat. So Good. He loved. Lynn made his small purring noise and those small teeth went into the man skin of his neck. Rishi shivered. Never had anyone bit him but his Raj. Never had anyone made Marks. Lynn moaned and pushed him to his back, teeth finding a new patch of skin and making biting again. He whimpered, stretching out and shaking with wanting and hot needing and oh! More! Good! So Good! Still finding new places to bite, Lynn began to move against him, so hot sliding above him. Rishi was burning—tingling inside, moving up and up, growls and cries sharp on the air. 568

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Faster, Lynn moved against him and harder those small teeth bit and marked and made him know that Lynn wanted him. He Needed and touched and Roared and moved and ... “Lynn!” “Yes, Rishi, give me your pleasure.” The words were followed by a sharp nip and his body knew that well, pleasure pouring from him, hot and wet and real. “Yes!” Another bite, this one over the place where he could feel his heartbeat and Lynn shook, spreading more heat, marking him with burning seed. The feeling made his shaft throb again and, if he had not been So Ready to Nap, he might have spent again. Lynn lay atop him, lazily licking at the marks on his man skin. He Purred, blinking slow. So Good. So Good Lynn. Lynn murmured and wriggled a little and went heavy on him. Rishi let the man form go, curling warm and Real around their Man. Lynn didn't need a something, their Man needed a so good Rishi.

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Chapter 20 Their Man was ... Odd. Lynn wore false furs. Lynn ruined his meat in fires. Lynn could not roar or pounce or purr or groom or twitch his whiskers—although he did have many whiskers, sometimes, when he did not cut them short with a terribly sharp knife. Rishi licked his paw in memory—terribly sharp. Still, Lynn had Many Good Things. He ... Uh ... He ... Uh ... He tasted good. And the Brushing was good. And he Nuzzled almost as good as Malik. And he could find fishes. Sometimes. Rishi blinked over at Lynn, ass wiggling, tail flicking as he prepared to pounce. Oh, yes. He was very good for pouncing. Lynn screeched and oofed loudly as he went down under Rishi's weight. He grinned and li-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-icked, purring loud. Yes, Lynn tasted very good. “Rishi!” Lynn pushed at him and then started to pet him, chuckling and moaning. 570

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Before Lynn could even get a good hold on his ruff, a loud roar sounded and his Raj bounced right up and knocked him over with a head butt. He growled and rolled, paws reaching for his Raj, for fur. Malik turned a tight circle and faced him, tail up and head down. Oh. Oooh. He crouched, backend raised up, a low, happy snarl filling the air. Fun. So Fun. Sneaky Raj! Malik circled, putting Lynn between them, chuffing at him. Oh ... So Mean! So Smart, his Raj. He bounded up to their Man and then, as fast as he could, spun around to leap at Malik. Lynn shrieked and tripped as he moved out of the way. “Oof!” Yes. Oof. Oof. So Good Rishi. He roared. Another bounce brought Malik back to him for another pass, pushing him off Lynn, tackling and rolling. He hit the ground hard, paws wrapping around Malik and holding on tight. Lynn suddenly pounced them both, shouting as he landed. Oh! Oh, so Good Lynn! Playing! “I win!” Shouted Lynn. 571

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Chuffing, licking, Malik rolled again, sending all three of them spinning. He roared and purred, tongue dragging over skin and fur, the scent of their pleasure filling the air. Lynn laughed, hands pushing through his fur. His Raj purred, low sounds telling him he was So Good, the same sounds telling their Man how brave and strong he was. Yes. So Good Rishi. So Good Lynn. So Good Raj. So Good Them. So Good. End.

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Pack mates Chapter 1 He was never going on another blind date in his life. When Les had called, it had sounded cool enough—new guy on campus, friend of Vic's, GLBT mixer first, then dinner and drinks at Lucy's Bar and Grill with all four of them. Okay, cool. Except ... The guy was way older than him and sort of scary in a leather strappy pants sort of way and he was, well, he was a geek, wasn't he? And Les had a migraine before the mixer started and there were lots more than a few people and then Vic had to take Les home and now he was at Lucy's with this Jason guy. Alone. Watching the dude eat damned near raw meat with a scary sort of gusto and, well, it wasn't fucking Halloween or anything, but it sure seemed that the guy's eyes were shining. Gleaming. Glowing. Whatever. So, basically? Not cool. Keith picked at his chicken and potatoes, drinking his diet coke and trying hard not to stare. “So, uh ... What do you study?” The Jason guy licked his lips, gave him a scary damned smile. “Biology. You?” 573

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“Education.” That got him another smile—one that made his balls pull up. “Oh? You a little teacher wannabe? That's just delicious.” He nodded, eating a green bean. “Yeah. I like kids a lot, like teaching. You going to do research?” Jason laughed and nodded. “Yep. I study canine habitats, social behaviors, that sort of thing. You like dogs, Keith?” “I guess.” He shrugged. “I mean, who doesn't like dogs?” “Exactly.” Jason leaned back, watching him. “I mean, they run in packs, have stable family-type units with an alpha. Simple rules, basic rules. Real rules.” Keith nodded. “And they make cute puppies and catch Frisbees.” His date made the oddest sound—low and rumbling and unhappy, it was almost a growl, almost animalistic. “You ... you okay?” “Yeah. Something in my throat.” Those eyes flashed again and Keith looked behind him, looked out the window, wondering if something were out there shining in. Maybe neon lights or something. “You looking for someone?” “No. Some light's hitting your eyes, making them glow funny. I was trying to figure out what it was.” Keith felt his blush deepen, gave Jason a sheepish grin. “Sorry. It makes you look sort of creepy.” The wolfish grin widened. “No problem at all. So, you want to go get something to drink, maybe do some dancing?” No way. Not a chance. Gag. Ick. Blech-o. “I can't, I'm sorry. I have to work in the morning. 6 a.m. shift.” 574

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“Oh, that's too bad. I'd like to spend some more time with you tonight. You never know what's going to happen, yeah?” ‘Cause I'd be devastated if you found someone else to grin at. Christ. “Yeah, but work's work, you know?” They finished their dinners, splitting the check. Keith got up and shook Jason's hand, Jason's really big, really strong, really long-nailed hand. “Nice to meet you, Jason. Maybe we can get together sometime, yeah?” His hand was squeezed tight, almost hurting. “Yeah. See you.” Keith walked out of the restaurant, heading for the campus at a fair clip. No more blind fucking dates for him. None. Christ. He heard the growling as he passed 18th Street, low and rumbling. He turned to see a dark figure following him, eyes shining in the lamplight. Oh. Oh, fuck. Panic flared in him deep and he started running, legs pumping as he headed for the library. For lights. For safety. For anything. A heavy weight landed on his back and he screamed, falling into the circle of the streetlights. Something sharp and hot pierced his shoulder, piercing deep, burning him. Biting him. Biting him. Oh, fuck. Fuck, no. The next few seconds where wild, insane, filled with lights and sounds and shots and screams and when the world righted itself? He was shaking, sitting on the sidewalk, blood 575

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pouring over his arm and Jason was in handcuffs, snarling at him. “You relax, son. We got him. The paramedics are on their way.” The lady cop was petting him, avoiding the blood. “You're lucky. He's a strong one. He's in custody now, though. You're okay. You're going to be okay.” He blinked up. “I saw a dog.” “Yeah? Well, I didn't, but he was already on you and you were screaming when I came out of the car. We'll look for your dog. Later. Now, just sit tight.” She looked over at her partner. “That EMS team coming?” “Yeah. Hold on, kid. You're okay.” Jason snarled low. “No. No, you're not. You're a dead man. You just don't know it.” “Christ, don't let him bleed on you, Mike. He might be sick.” The pretty little lady cop looked back over at him, but she didn't pet him anymore. He nodded, closing his eyes as he slumped to the ground. Going to be okay.

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Chapter 2 The hunt went poorly. Why they had to give him, of all of them, a passel of young ones to fend for, Seamus would never know. Lord knew the elders would never tell him straight. They spoke in fucking riddles. One way or the other, he had a lot of mouths to feed, and he had to do it soon, before they started disturbing the fucking neighbors, so Seamus locked the little furry monsters in and headed out, and he was having no damned luck at all. This one was too skinny, and that one would be missed. He was far enough from home that getting a good meal back might get him noticed, and his fucking feet hurt. Always put him in a foul mood, and this was no exception. So maybe it was some kind of fate that he heard the sounds coming from the alley he had just passed. Normally he would have ignored the sounds of flesh striking flesh, the noises that came with a pack of drunken men, but there was another sound underneath, a desperate whining growl, layered over a scent he would know anywhere, at any time, and Seamus couldn't pass by. He hit the alley at a run, taking in the situation at a glance. Five men, backing one like him into a corner, broken beer bottles and pocketknives in hands. The young one, for he was very young indeed, was halfway to the change, but fear and pain had him confused, if nothing else, and he didn't know how to fight back. 577

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Seamus had no such difficulties. Like a duck shedding water he slipped out of the human guise he wore, unearthly snarls coming from deep in his chest as he attacked, ripping two of the men away in his first pass, tasting the gush of hot blood in his mouth. The young one started panicking at the scent of blood, fear and hunger flooding the air. A short sharp growl sounded, more animal now, the kid's teeth snapping. The three remaining men turned toward him, weapons drawn, faces painted in lines of horror. A mistake—even a new young one could attack from behind. He sent a sharp bark in the young one's direction, knowing the command would be instinctively obeyed, and went for the strongest of the three, the one with the wicked looking knife. Perhaps that one would give a fight, satisfy his bloodlust. The knife flashed in the moonlight, sliding close to his chest, another blade appearing in the man's free hand. A scream echoed as the young one struck, feral snarls triumphant. Beautiful, to see one like that in what might very well be his first kill, but he had to concentrate on his own fight, turning away from the blades, sliding in under the man's guard to attack at the legs. The man went down with a cry, vulnerable throat exposed as he fell, begging, pleading in nonsense words. There was no mercy for this man in him, only rage, and he went for the throat, ripping the exposed vein, snarling his triumph. This one would make a meal for the pups. 578

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The final man went down, the young one clumsy and illtrained, but hungry and full of fury, muzzle ripping at the soft belly of his meal. Seamus ate his fill, but his neck itched, sending the hair up on his back. They needed to move soon, to take their catch back to the pups, as much as they could carry. They would be found soon. And the young one would come back to himself, and be afraid. Now that the crisis was over, and his belly full, it was a matter of a thought to assume his other form again, straightening to stand over the young one. Gold eyes shone up at him, then the young one snarled, trying to protect his kill. The sound was soft, unsure, more fear than fury. “Shhhh. Hush now. Come. Come on, and come back. We've gotta go. I know you're hungry. We can eat more later, but the cops are on their way.” He kept his voice low and soothing, but they had to get the fuck out. Those eyes went wide, gold fading to black, a thin, darkhaired boy staring up at him in a complete panic. “I didn't ... I ... What did I...” The reedy voice got louder, slim body shuddering. “Hush. Quit it now. Come on, kid, we've got to get these into the dumpster. Gimme that one's coat, though, and you take that jacket. We're both covered in blood. And I want that one's gym bag, I'm taking a haunch or two back.” He didn't wait to see if the kid was following. He would. Seamus knew his voice would brook no argument. The kid 579

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moved behind him without another word, even though the soft whimpers never completely ceased, the kid terrified and in shock. The bodies were dumped, the coats thrown on, the gym bag loaded, and they were three blocks away before the black and whites showed up. Perfect. Now all he had to do was get the kid home before he collapsed. He put an arm around those thin shoulders and steered. Why him, indeed. **** Keith stood in the middle of a normal looking living room with a boring couch and a scratched coffee table with a candle and coasters. There was a little dining room table and a beige bar and a kitchen with a refrigerator and a stove. There was a sliding glass door and a patio and a ceiling fan and, if it hadn't been for the dead man's jacket on his shoulders and the scent of blood on his face, it might have been nice. Somehow that made it scarier. The man who'd helped him was down the hall with some dogs. Feeding some dogs. Feeding them ... somebody. “Oh, God.” He turned toward the door, heart pounding—from fear, from exhaustion. From hunger. “Where are you going, cub?” It was the man again, tall, blood-spattered, looking at him with concern. “Where have you got to go, hmm?” 580

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“I ... I don't. You fed the dogs with ... I should tell the police. I killed one, didn't I?” His voice sounded weird, whiny, rough. “I should tell the police.” Head tilting, the man looked at him, voice going low and soothing as he spoke. “Tell them what, pup? That there was a big dog who was a guy who was a dog? Better not to talk to them at all.” A warm hand closed over his arm. “Let's get you cleaned up, cub, okay? You'll feel better.” “But ... I...” God, he was scared. Sick. Really sick. The scent of blood was thick and coppery, almost an ache inside him. “Are you going to kill me?” The hand moved from his arm to his back, moving in slow circles, almost petting. “No. I helped you, didn't I? Helped you and brought you home with me, and now I'm going to help you get a shower and some food, okay?” The voice was a low growl now, vibrating in his ears. The touch was soothing and he whimpered softly, head dipping in a nod. He didn't understand. Not at all. But it was true. The man helped him and now was offering to clean him, feed him and he was so hungry again. Always so hungry. “Yeah. That's it.” The touch was good, the voice commanding, and he found himself following to a small bathroom. “What's your name, cub?” “Keith. Keith Loew.” It smelled good here, warm, rich. Peaceful. “Who are you?” “Seamus.” Seamus got the shower going, steam coming out, and reached for his clothes, stripping him like a child. “Go on, get in.” 581

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He stepped in, moaning at the heat. It poured over him and he closed his eyes, listening to the water hitting his skin, hitting the tub, hitting the tile. The scent of blood faded, eased, the horror waiting for him, sleeping behind his eyes. A big, warm body joined him, Seamus stepping in behind him, soaping him up and rinsing him off, soothing him with soft words when he tensed. It should have been uncomfortable, should have been frightening, but it was too gentle, too peaceful. Whimpers filled the room and those hands eased him, petting his skin. Eventually, the water ran cold, and Seamus drew him out, wrapping him in a big fluffy towel and handing him a robe. Red. Seamus’ hair really was red. Dark with water, but he could tell. And the man's eyes were green. “I killed someone. I didn't try to. I haven't ever before.” A very bright green, but warm, not cool. “Thank you for the robe.” “You're welcome. And of course you didn't mean to, cub. He was trying to hurt you.” Seamus stroked his cheek for a minute before slipping into a second robe and steering him back out to the kitchen. “Let's get you something to eat.” He whimpered, so hungry. He'd never been so hungry. “I keep trying to eat. I eat and eat, but it doesn't help. I'm still empty.” “I know. I know. Come on. It'll be all right.” Seamus was just big and solid and comforting. Seamus went to the freezer and pulled out a package wrapped in supermarket butcher plastic, labeled eye of round. Which was a relief. It smelled cold. 582

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How could something smell cold? He gave that a second of thought and then suddenly realized he was bouncing, nostrils flared as he sniffed, little hungry noises sounding. “Oh, sorry. I ... Sorry.” “Hmm? Oh. Nah, don't worry about it, cub.” The meat went into the microwave, where Seamus left it until it was just thawed, then pulled it out. “How do you want it, Keith? Broiled rare?” He opened his mouth to say well-done, but what came out was, “yes, please.” He was salivating so much it was like he wanted it raw which was just ... ew. “Gotcha.” Broiler pan, oven, efficient and sure, Seamus set it up for him, then turned, looking him over shrewdly. “Want something? Orange juice? Coffee or tea? You need some sugar. You look kinda shocky.” “Juice, please. I ... It's been a long day. Night. Whatever. It has been. Long, I mean.” He blushed and sighed, pushing his bangs back out of his eyes. “Yeah. I bet it has.” There was a note of real sympathy in Seamus’ voice, and he got another warm brush of a hand on his cheek as Seamus passed to the fridge. “Here. Drink up. Steak just needs turning.” “‘kay. Thanks.” He drank the juice, the flavor so bright, so tart and sweet that it almost hurt. “They were going to beat me up. I went in about a job. It's in the paper, the job. I never even got up to the bar.”

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He frowned, shook his head. He had the world's shittiest luck sometimes. The place had ... had smelled weird and he'd gotten confused and bumped into that one guy and then ... Oh, God. He was in some much trouble. “Do you think I'll go to jail?” “Nope.” The steak plopped onto a plate, and Seamus sat it in front of him. “Eat up, cub. You're gonna be fine. I'm going to take care of you.” “You are? But...” Normally the sight of the blood would have made him sick, made him look away, but this? Oh ... The weirdest sound was rumbling in his chest, his hunger suddenly sharp and real. “It's all yours, babe. C'mon, tear in.” Seamus backed off a step, leaving him plenty of space. He managed to cut a few bites with the knife before he started eating, but once the first flash of blood hit his tongue, things got ... dizzying. The tastes, the scents, the sounds— they were all huge, his eyes rolling as he feasted, a growl sounding in his ears. When everything eased, he was panting, licking his fingers, plate perfectly clean. Keith slowly put his hand down, looking up at Seamus. “Feel better, cub? Your stomach less rumbly?” Seamus looked perfectly calm, not at all upset with his behavior. “Yeah. Yes.” He did feel better, a little shaky, a little scared, but better. “I was so hungry. Thank you.” “Yeah. It gets in you and grinds. Come on, let's sit before you fall down, okay?” As gentle as he had been the whole night, Seamus led him out to the living room, and the couch, 584

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sitting and pulling him down, cradling him in the lee of that big body. Oh. Warm. He cuddled in before he knew what he was doing, little soft noises sounding. “I don't ... I shouldn't do this. We don't know each other.” Still, he didn't move, did he? “Hush, cub. We know each other better than most people ever will.” Seamus tucked his head under that strong chin, hands making circles on his back and belly. “Sleep now. You'll feel so much better for it, with a full belly.” Keith went to answer, but nothing but a soft groan came out, the comfort so needed, so perfect, that he was dreaming of running before he realized he was asleep

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Chapter 3 Poor kid. Two days later and all he could do was sleep and eat. Hell, the first night he'd been like a rag doll, so deep asleep that when Seamus put him in the big bed with the pups he didn't so much as growl. When he finally woke up, for real, Seamus figured he'd be two things—hungry and disoriented. The hungry he could handle with a nice stew made from some leftover elk meat a friend had given him, light on the veggies. The disoriented. Well that would take more time. Seamus felt for the kid, he really did, because when you grew up knowing in your bones what you were, it was a Hell of a lot easier. But the cub had Seamus now, and he would help the kid any way he could. The kid who was standing in the kitchen doorway, sniffing and drooling. “Hey, cub.” “Good ... morning?” He got a quick grin, the dark fringe pushed back again, dark eyes bright and awake for the first time. “It smells so good. The puppies were gnawing on the furniture, so I gave them their bones like they asked for ... wanted, I mean.” “Yeah. Damned puppy teeth. Jade, especially, she's teething.” He motioned to the kitchen table. “Want some coffee?” Keith wrinkled his nose. “No, thank you. Can I help? I mean, you've been so nice and I've been so lazy. Just 586

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sleeping and eating and eating and you haven't turned me in or anything.” A low growl escaped him before he could help him, lip lifting in a snarl. “Will you stop with the turning you in! You didn't do anything but defend yourself.” The softest whimper sounded and the kid backed up a few steps, nodding. “Yeah. Okay. Sorry.” Those dark eyes were hidden behind the bangs, the sharp smell of fear tickling his nose. He sighed. “Hey, cub. I'm sorry, ‘kay? It's just, I have no intention of making you go anywhere. How are you at scrubbing pots? The one in the sink could use it.” He stepped close, ran a soothing hand down the kid's back. He got a nod, the lean muscles under his hand trembling for a moment before relaxing. Then Keith moved to the sink and started the hot water up, the scent of lemon soap strong in the air. Yeah. The disorientation was going to take some time. He dished up the stew, heading out to feed the pups, giving Keith some space. He came back just in time for the kid to finish up washing, and he dished up two more stews. “Hungry?” He got another quick grin and those olive cheeks reddened. “I think I'm always hungry. It's unreal.” Keith stretched up as far as he could. “Maybe I'm going to get taller, huh?” “Yeah. Regular growth spurt.” Seamus laughed, but something went tight in his belly at the sight of the little patch of skin that stretch revealed. Shit. He needed to hunt. 587

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“Want something to drink?” Keith was scenting the food again, bouncing lightly on the balls of his bare feet, dark eyes just glowing along the edges. “Nah. C'mon. Sit and eat. I'm good.” Really, if he could get the cub to stop thinking? Keith'd be a natural. “‘kay.” The word was sharp, almost a bark, rich with hunger and eagerness. Keith settled on the chair, watching him, waiting to see what he'd do, unsure of the instincts that were altering the slender body. He figured instinct would take over, but he'd be polite and start using a spoon, make Keith feel better. He figured the cub managed two bites with the spoon, maybe three, before it was discarded and the stew devoured, those eyes golden and glowing bright. Which was just fine with him, because that meant he could scarf his down. He was hungry. He licked the bowl clean, heaving a happy sigh at the full feeling in his gut. Now if he could just do something about the horny. Keith cleaned his own bowl, sliding it idly about the table, holding onto the changes longer this time. Those eyes kept watch on him, more curious now, wary rather than scared. He made an inquiring sound, low and deep, watching the kid's face, scenting the air. Anything he could get Keith to react to would help. Keith tilted his head, an answering sound rumbling from the thin throat, curious and questioning. Yeah. That was the stuff. The kid was going with it, not thinking too much. If he could keep it that way, they'd be good. He gave a sharp sound, more a bark than anything, 588

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and got up to go to the living room. Time for some close contact. Seamus settled on the couch, sure that Keith would follow. The cub stayed at his heels, soft sounds trailing behind. He held out a hand, waiting for Keith to sit with him, pulling the kid close, rubbing belly and back, knowing it would soothe. Had to get the kid used to his touch, his scent. Keith stretched under his touch, panting softly, eyes glowing warm and gold. Those nostrils flared, sniffing, breathing deep. He just rumbled, petting easily, shifting so that Keith was draped over his thighs. His lower thighs, far enough away from his hard-on to be safe. He found a ticklish spot and Keith chuffed, teeth gleaming with the laughter. There was hope for the kid yet. Which was a damned good thing. Not like there was much choice in him taking care, because he would. But if Keith could tap into the old instinct, that would make it easier. Besides, he was easy on the eyes. The gold slowly faded from those eyes, black replacing it, before they closed, hiding him. “I'm sick. There's something wrong with me, isn't there? Something really wrong?” A low, almost sub vocal sound came from his chest, instinctively soothing. “You're not sick. Not like you mean, cub. But there is something pretty significantly different about you now, yeah.” “Can you fix it? Help me? I ... I'm not who I was and I...” Tear-filled eyes met his, sorrow and fear so much deeper than panic filled the air. “I'm scared. I'm scared to go home. I'm scared of what I'll find.” 589

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He held Keith close, nuzzling his neck. “Hush, kid. Hush. You don't have to go home. You're here.” “But where's here?” The words were worried, human, but the way Keith sank into him spoke of pure trust, the cub accepting him as alpha without question. “With me. With the pack. You'll be fine.” He kept nuzzling, licking, letting his sounds and smells make the kid feel at home. “The pack...” Keith whimpered, the soft musk of arousal rich and heady. “I can't think when you do that.” “That's what this is about, kid. Not thinking. Just instinct.” God, he was hot. “Instinct.” His jaw was nuzzled, a needy sound tickling his jaw. “Not a kid.” “Right. But you are a cub. Just barely.” He titled his head, letting Keith at his lips and cheek. The cub rubbed their cheeks together, lips sliding, just barely touching. Those black eyes were tinged with gold again, questioning and wanting. “Yeah, cub. Yeah.” He turned, catching the kid in a hard kiss, knowing he was probably going to push the kid over the edge, but wanting. Needing. And the cub brought out all of his protective instincts, and a lot of something a Hell of a lot more horny. The kid gave a sharp yelp and then opened to him, hunger meeting him head-on. Hell, yes. That was what he needed. He pushed the kid back and down, pressing against him, kissing hard, hands everywhere. Fingers tangled in his hair, body pushing back 590

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into him, rubbing. Low growls filled his mouth, flavored with blood and lust. Growls were coming out of him too, and he nudged Keith's chin up, biting at the exposed throat, fingers working the fastenings of their clothes. No more words, nothing but need and skin and heated desperation swelled between them, the cub responsive and needy. He bit down, drawing a tiny bead of blood, letting it feed his need. The he took another kiss, letting Keith taste his desire, hands cupping the kid's hips, his cock. The kid shuddered in his arms, trembling. Short yelps sounded as Keith's thighs parted, the cub's control slipping. “Yeah. That's it, cub. Let it go.” Kid felt good under his hands, hot, damned good. He rubbed against Keith's thigh, close to the edge himself. The spray of spunk splashed against him and a roar sounded, proud and pleased. He let out his own snarl, coming like a ton of bricks, holding onto the man Seamus by a thin thread. The cub didn't manage as well, the animal responding to the sex, to his own presence, and fighting to be free. Yellow eyes fastened onto him, toothy snarls questioning and worrying all at once. “Shhhh. S'all right, cub.” He managed not to collapse on the kid, God knew he'd needed that, but the kid needed him more. He stroked, soothed. “S'all good.” The cub whined softly, nose pushing against him, trembling muscles relaxing under his touch, dark body curling up against him.

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“Yeah. Like that, cub. Just like that.” They would sleep now, would rest, would let the kid come back to himself. They would deal with all the rest of the shit later. A soft tongue ran over his hand and then the cub settled, snuffling softly. There'd be time enough later for teaching the kid things he needed to know, for helping him learn. For now it was time to appreciate the power of a good nap. **** Liz and Bruiser were settled on their beds, Jade still awake and snippy. Bruiser was fair-haired, blue-eyed and stocky, unlike the twins with their dark brown hair and gold eyes and thin muzzles. Keith petted Jade, humming soft and low as he hid out in the pup's rooms while Seamus did ... whatever Seamus did. It was easier in here. Easier to hide. Easier to lie. Easier to not think and just be. He didn't want to think about why he was still here, why he hadn't gone back to his dorm room. Why he wasn't worrying about classes. Why he wanted to push into Seamus’ arms and just ... Yeah. Well. He blushed and shook his head. Right. Just. Jade nudged his hand with her nose, reminding him he'd stopped petting. Again. Then all of the sudden Jade was gone, scrambling over his legs and standing at the door, wagging so hard her whole butt moved.

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“Hey, lady.” Seamus opened the door, chuckling as the pup threw herself at his sturdy legs. Seamus scratched Jade's ears, looking curiously at him. “You okay, Keith?” He blushed even darker and nodded, eyes trailing over Seamus’ body. “I was playing with the puppies. I ... How're you?” Seamus made it hard not to check him out, wearing nothing but a pair of boxer briefs and some sweat. “Fine. Wondering if you maybe wanted to keep me company for a while, you know, while I make dinner. We can let the pups have the run of the place.” He was nodding before Seamus even stopped speaking, taking the large, square hand in his own and getting up off the floor. “I would. Yes. Please.” Pulling him close for a minute, Seamus nosed his neck, breathing deep. “Oh, cub ... I should have come got you sooner.” His chin lifted, a low rumble filling him. There was something about Seamus’ touch, the scent, the heat of the broad body that excited and soothed him all at once. “Yeah. That's it, cub. That's what I want to scent on you. Come on.” Seamus tugged him, Jade bounding behind them. “I was thinking something with chicken.” “I like chicken.” He followed along, something inside him laughing. “What have you been doing today while the puppies and I played and lazed around?” “I went out and got some groceries, picked up the mail from the PO Box, did a few jobs for Mrs. Dooley down the way, her gutters needed fixing. That sort of thing.” 593

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“I should go to my dorm room and do that stuff, shouldn't I?” He met Seamus’ eyes, squeezed the big hand. “Things seem so different now, so ... strange.” “You can if you want. Don't have to if you don't want to. Things are different, babe. I won't lie about that.” Seamus detoured from the kitchen, led him to the couch instead, pulling him down, surrounding him with that big body. He still wasn't sure what he believed, what he was supposed to believe. Him? An animal? He read books and sneezed at cats and ... Keith settled into Seamus’ arms, nuzzling the thick column of throat. “I just want things to be like they should be. God, you feel good.” “So do you.” They curled together like the pups still sleeping back in their bedroom. Jade pushed her nose against his back and Seamus cradled him close, and it was easier suddenly. There was something about this that felt so right, so natural. He let the soft rumble that was building in his chest free. “Yeah.” A low sound answered, deep in Seamus’ chest. “See? It can be easy.” “Being with you makes things easy, Seamus. Something about you turns my brain off.” He hoped Seamus didn't take it as an insult; it wasn't meant as one. “S'okay. Supposed to. You know me, deep down, like I said before.” Seamus nuzzled, nibbled. Made him lose all his thoughts.

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He relaxed completely, just letting himself go, tongue sliding along the salt-heat skin beneath his mouth. His fingers rubbed against Seamus’ belly, petting and caressing. “Yeah. That's it, sweet cub. You're a natural, babe. Could have been born into it.” The deep rasp of Seamus’ voice touched his skin, hot breath raising one nipple just before Seamus’ mouth closed over it. He gave a soft cry, body arching towards Seamus’ mouth, world collapsing until there was nothing but Seamus’ mouth and hands and body. Teeth scraped over his skin, so sensitive, and Seamus held him in place, keeping him awash with sensation, low growls sounding. Each growl sank him deeper into the swell of passion they created, his cock throbbing in time with Seamus’ heartbeat. Moving, shifting them around, Seamus pulled him up for a kiss, hand going between his legs to rub his cock through his shorts, squeezing and pulling. His eyes rolled, hands pushing into Seamus’ thick hair as his hips jerked. His tongue slid into Seamus’ mouth, pressing deep, tasting and licking. Wild, fierce, and spicy, that was what Seamus tasted like. Hot too, with harsh stubble that burned his cheeks. Seamus moaned, pulling him closer, hand still moving fast between them, pushing his shorts aside to get at his skin. Shuddering, he pulled his t-shirt off, the material heavy and weighing on his skin. When their chests brushed, he gasped, head falling back. “More...” 595

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His voice had taken on the increasingly familiar edge, throaty, rough. “Yeah.” Seamus reared back, pulling his shorts off, then Keith's, then pushing back into the kiss, pulling Keith onto his lap. He straddled Seamus’ thighs, belly rubbing against that amazing heat. Hands cupped his ass and he pushed back into them, his cock leaving a long, wet trail over Seamus’ abs. “God, babe. Yeah.” Seamus arched up beneath them, pulling until their cocks lined up together and rubbing. “Never wanted anyone like this, like you. Fucking addictive.” He nipped at Seamus’ bottom lip, growling. “Yes. Hell, yes.” Needy, hot, Seamus moved against him, short, sharp twists of his hips. “I need.” He reached down and pumped that throbbing prick, each motion driving another sound from him, another shudder. “Smell so good. Feel so damned good. Been waiting for you, cub.” He didn't know how he understood that voice, as guttural and thick as it was but he did. Understood the heavy heat in his hand just as well. Seamus needed him, too. “Yes. Oh, God, love. Fuck!” He arched, body shuddering, sliding on the razor edge. “Come for me, cub. Want to smell it. Wanna taste it on your skin.” Keith threw his head back and howled, come pulsing against his belly. So hot. Seamus snarled, bringing a hand up to lick his come off, hips bucking against him, adding a 596

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deeper, earthier scent to his. They rubbed together, mingling their scents, the odor heady, making his head spin. They stayed together that way for long moments, bodies softening into each other. “Better, cub? Want you to know you're safe.” “I do. I am.” He nuzzled Seamus with his nose. “I want to stay. Things are different now. I want to stay with you.” “Good. Want you here. Need you, cub. Should have known that loony old bitch was right.” “Who?” His fingers were petting through Seamus’ hair, listening to the strong heart beat. “Hmmm? Oh, Grania. The bitch herself. Never mind, cub. We need to get up here soon, and make the pups some dinner, yeah?” He had started to argue when Bruiser's head appeared over the edge of the couch, Liz following in short order, barking in sharp agreement as Jade bit his toes hard. Shaking with laughter, he nodded. “Okay, okay. Fine. Food first. Then we can talk.” “Deal.” Seamus got them all untangled and got up, helping him up as well, walking off to the kitchen, stark naked. He almost grabbed his clothes when the scent of Seamus distracted him and Keith found himself following close behind, body brushing the long line of spine. “What're we doing with the chicken?” “Maybe some rosemary and some lemon garlic?” “Mmm ... sounds good.” Keith licked Seamus’ shoulder.

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“Or we could just feed them the steak I had thawing in the fridge and fuck like bunnies.” Seamus turned, pulling him close again, nibbling his neck. “Oh ... Oh, that sounds so much better.” He stretched up, nodding. “We can order pizza later.” “Mmm. Yeah.” His shoulder got a bite, his arm a nibble, his neck a deep bruise. “You're leaving marks.” He was already needing again, prick filling, breath coming in soft pants. “Mnn. Yeah. You're mine, babe. Gotta mark what's mine.” Seamus marked him again, just under his ear. “Yours...” He wasn't sure if it was a question or a fact, his head was spinning, marks throbbing gently. “Mine.” Seamus pressed him back against the kitchen counter, lifting his weight easily, hands under his butt. He nodded, wrapping around solid heat. Unreal. Unreasonable. Ridiculous and absolutely true. He could no more argue with those words than return to his old life. “Yes.”

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Chapter 4 Seamus was happier than he could remember being since he'd hit the city three years before, paving the way to bring the pups. Setting up shop, as it were. Somehow, Keith fit. He slept better with Keith next to him. The pups were happier with Keith's more gentle presence to balance his. The only one who was not happier was Keith. Which, yeah, he could see. The last few weeks had been hard on the kid. It seemed to be getting worse, though, with Keith getting more and more restless. The cub was worried about everything, obviously, but something was really eating at him. And it was time to find out what. He caught Keith in the kitchen, chopping up stew beef for the perpetual job of feeding the pups. The cleaver fell with solid, sullen whacks. “Hey.” “Hey. How's it going?” Keith's voice was tired, flat, tinged with anxiety. “I'm great. You? Not so good. What's up?” He ran a hand down Keith's back. “I...” Keith sighed, put the cleaver down. “I've missed a month of classes. I haven't gone to get my things. I ... I'm not me anymore, Seamus. I'm scared to leave the house, but I'm more scared of staying here and just ... I don't know ... I'm changing and I didn't expect this. People don't do this ... whatever this is.” 599

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Dark, worried eyes caught his. “What if I'm crazy? What if I've gone insane and this is all fake? Sane people don't meet other people in dark alleys and turn into beasts. Sane people don't just become different one day.” The growl tried to escape, but Seamus bit it back, knowing it would only scare the kid. “Oh, cub. You're not crazy. Not gonna go crazy. I won't let you.” He nuzzled Keith's neck. “But, love ... sane people don't just melt like this.” Keith shook his head, cheek sliding and smooth. “What happens next? What? I'm just a guy—sorta toothy if I get horny with a larger than average butcher's bill and a contagious bite?” He slid his arms around Keith's waist. “Sorta, yeah. More like things are always going to be different than they were, but that doesn't mean they can't be good.” Man, he was having to try too damned hard to keep the panic at bay. He didn't want the cub flipping out on him now. “Someone's going to miss me, eventually. When I don't pay my bills, pick up my books. Someone will notice.” Keith moved into his arms, the motion instinctive, easy. The cub's body knew what to do, where to find its comfort. “So what do you need to make it better?” He rubbed, letting his scent mingle with Keith's. “What do you need to cancel or whatever?” “I ... Classes, first. I need to pack, too.” Keith looked up at him, eyes still and dark and deep, so human. “Do I bring my things here? Do you want me here?” He did growl this time. “If you were going, you would have been gone the next day, cub. I need you here.” 600

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“It scares me. You don't know who I was, but no one knows who I am like you do. I died when Jason bit me, didn't I?” Keith reached up, touched his cheek, eyes just beginning to glow. “Got reborn into another world.” “If that's the way you want to look at it. My world. I can't say I'm sorry. But if you want me to kill this Jason, I will.” He wasn't sorry, but he was full of rage for anyone who would hurt his cub. “No.” Keith gave him a quiet look, the air around his cub growing almost thick, feral. “He should be wary, though. I will tear out his throat if he threatens us.” “Good.” He nodded, scenting the fierce anger on Keith's skin. It made him hard, made him rub against Keith's hip. Keith growled low, eyes flashing. “You make it hard to control my instincts.” “Yeah. You just make me hard.” He pushed, sending Keith stumbling back against the counter. He followed, burying his nose in the skin at the base of Keith's throat. The scent of blood and need were in the air, edged by Keith's latent fury. Sharp teeth threatened his shoulder, Keith pushing back, challenging him. God, yeah. He growled again, deeper, the sound more true, pushing Keith's legs wide and moving between them. The kid affected him deep and wild, like no one ever had. Sharp nails raked up his spine, Keith growling deep and low. The arousal and passion made his hackles rise, made him ache. “Oh, cub.” He bit deep into the muscle between Keith's neck and shoulder, humping against him. Seamus felt an 601

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answering sting on his shoulder, Keith holding on, trapping them together in this dance. He couldn't get enough, couldn't get close enough. He pressed up against the kid, snarling as their cocks rubbed through their clothes. His shirt tore, echoed with a snarl, his back suddenly exposed to the air, Keith's hands moving over his bare spine. “Yeah.” He grabbed the cub's shirt and gave it the same treatment, pulling it off, attacking the shorts next. Had to have skin. Keith twisted and ducked out from his arms, eyes golden and flashing, panting in the kitchen. It took him only a heartbeat to realize he was being taunted, teased, Keith playing with him. Oh. Oh he was good at this game. He went after Keith, tugging off his shorts, cock bobbing in front as he circled to the right to get a better angle of attack. Keith followed his movements, muscles bunched and taut, ready to spring. Lean and quick, he could see the lines of a hunter in the cub now, see the hints of a lithe grace that would cull their prey. So damned pretty, so ready. The man might have doubts, but the cub knew what he was doing. Seamus became the hunted instead of the hunter, moving back, letting the kid stalk him. Those nostrils flared and Keith blocked his access to the door, backing him up with careful motions, the cub sure and focused. Oh, it was a sight to behold, made him ache. The leader in him wanted to roll the cub, go for the belly up and throat bared, but Keith needed to learn to do this, and the man in Seamus was aroused as Hell. 602

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Keith pounced, faking towards the right before going low, nose brushing his skin in a move that would hamstring a human. He slid away at the last moment, needing to make it a challenge, needing the kid to work for it. Not discouraged, Keith pounced and herded, moving them down the hall, away from the open spaces in the kitchen, away from the windows, away from the front door. It went against his every instinct to be cornered, but he allowed it, letting the man in him take over and glory in the need. The soft growls were constant now, steady and hungry, Keith's eyes twin lights in the dim hallway. Seamus did some taunting of his own, moving, swaying, leading the kid on a merry chase. The things he could smell. Fuck, it was good. Finally, impatience and need overwhelmed the cub and Seamus found himself tackled, arms full. Allowing the takedown, Seamus angled their fall so they landed soft. Then he growled deep, rolling, spreading Keith beneath him, teeth closing on the cub's throat. The cub arched for him beautifully, belly and throat offered without hesitation. He snarled, ripping away Keith's shorts, rubbing together, hot and hard and so damned good. Keith's legs wrapped around his waist, bodies sliding faster, heat making them slick. He wanted inside, wanted to be buried deep in the kid's body, wanted his cub around him. But not this time. Not yet. The thought was enough to make him moan. Moan and jerk and bite at Keith's lips in a stinging kiss. 603

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The bite sent the kid tumbling, liquid heat spreading between them. He all but howled, pressing down hard, hips snapping against the kid as he came. Yeah. Fuck yeah. Fingers stroked through his hair, soft snuffling noises sounding against his skin. Resting against the kid was easy, so easy, and he let the scent of their come soothe him. It was a long while before he lifted up, pulling the kid up with him, onto his lap. “So what do we need to do to make you mine, cub? To let you let go of that other you?” “I've been yours, love.” Keith cuddled close, the scent of worry faded. “We need to close the old life away, so no one misses me, so I don't endanger the pups.” “Yes. Okay. We'll start tomorrow?” He held Keith tightly, nuzzling, licking, comforting. “Yes.” Keith leaned into him, warm and relaxed, heavy. “I belong here with you, with the little ones, with our pack.” “Yeah.” Oh, fuck yeah. It was about time Keith figured that out. Now that he had, they could tackle anything.

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Chapter 5 “Liz! Jade! Stop!” Keith came barreling out of the bathroom, soaked head to toe, bubbles flying. Bruiser didn't like baths, but the girls? Shit. He swore Seamus left him alone with the puppies just so he'd have to bathe the twins. Alone. With water. “No, Lizzie! No! Not the sofa!” Lizzie made laps around the room and Jade slinked out to shake on him, soaking his back as well, and the front door opened just in time for Seamus to see him go down in a heap under Bruiser. “Enough!” It was a sharp, hard bark and the pups reacted, moving back toward the bathroom as Seamus came in, growling low. He whimpered, he couldn't help it. Everything in him screamed to go and nuzzle, to lick and lap and ease that growl. Seamus gave him a nod and a soft sound, before turning back to the pups, following them into the bathroom to scrub them down. Keith grabbed some towels and started cleaning up the water, stripping his sopping clothes off as he went. Seamus came back out a few minutes later, the twins behind, heads and tails down, going right to their room. “You okay, cub?” 605

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“Yeah. Sorry. They got away from me.” He shivered and moved closer, head tilted, looking up into those green eyes. “You mad at me?” “Hell, no, cub.” The growl faded into a soft rumble, reassuring him. “I'm mad at them, for taking advantage.” “Oh.” He offered a slow grin. “Love that sound. Makes me ... Want.” “Yeah?” Seamus gave him a hot look in return, green eyes glinting. “Good.” “Yeah?” He stepped closer, feeding on Seamus’ heat. “It's okay?” “Not a thing wrong with it, cub.” Seamus moved even closer, their arms brushing together. “Oh, good.” Keith rumbled, the world suddenly going sharp, bright. “Come here, cub.” Seamus held out his arms, pulling him tight against that wide chest when he moved, plastering them together and rubbing against him. Scenting him. He reached up, fingers tangling in Seamus’ hair, a low growl filling his throat. So good. They smelled so good together. “Yeah. See? It's right. Good. You make me want, too.” Seamus stroked his arms, his back, his hips. “Mmm ... Yeah.” He shuddered, pushing closer, rubbing, mingling their scents, their need. “Oh, cub. Be sure.” There was something very serious, very important, in Seamus’ tone.

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Keith searched Seamus’ eyes, looking for ... something. He was nodding, lost in the feel of them together, the heat in those eyes. “Yeah.” Seamus bent, nuzzling along his neck, tongue moving lightly on his skin, tasting his sweat. “Oh. Oh, love.” He let his head fall back, offering more, a low moan sounding. “Feels good.” “It does. You feel good to me, cub. Needed. Want you. I ... you have to tell me you want that too, cub. I need to hear it.” “Seamus.” He took one huge hand, pressed it against his cock. “I want you. Want you to make me yours.” “You are, cub. So mine.” Seamus rubbed, fingers rolling his cock, turning it side to side gently, then working up and down. “Mine” “Oh.” His thighs parted, hips moving slowly. “Y ... yours.” Growling low, Seamus took his mouth in a kiss, deep and hard, rubbing his cock in time. Keith whimpered, lifting up on his toes, lips parting and giving Seamus everything. Anything. Hand moving around to cup his ass, Seamus lifted him, bearing his weight easily, carrying him into the bedroom. “Gonna have you now, cub. Claim you. Make you pack.” “Yes.” He bent his mouth to Seamus’ throat, sucking hard, leaving a mark. Snarling, Seamus pushed him down on the big bed, darting in to bite at his throat, marking him in return, rubbing. There was a hard ball of heat in his belly—a mixture of nerves and warmth and need and want all slammed together. 607

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“Want in you.” He could barely make out words, Seamus’ voice was so tight. So hot. Keith cried out, the sounds Seamus was making settling deep in his balls. “Make ... Make me pack.” “Yes. Mine.” Before he could blink, Seamus was pushing him back and pulling his legs apart, bringing him to Seamus’ mouth, lips and tongue moving against his most private place, against his ass. He howled, toes curling, eyes rolling back into his head. His nails scraped against the sheets, need filling him as Seamus ... Oh, God. As Seamus licked him, touched him, melted him. Seamus pushed his tongue inside, making Keith shudder and shake, growling against him, making him wet, one finger sliding inside him to push against the tender places. “Seamus! Love!” He jerked, that thick finger sinking deeper, pushing against something that made him scream, made him burn. “Mmmm.” Deep and rich, the sounds Seamus made were another kind of caress, marking him as clearly as Seamus’ lips and fingers. Another thick finger pushed in alongside the first, opening him. His hips began to move, rocking onto Seamus’ touch, the stretch pushing all through him, so hot, so right. “Want you. Want.” Seamus moved up, marking his hip, his belly and chest. Those fingers slipped from him, and Seamus’ cock pressed against him, opening him even further. Splitting him wide. 608

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“Love. Oh.” His eyes rolled, wanting to close, but he fought to keep them open, needing to watch. Needed to see. “Feel you.” “Cub. My cub.” Thick and hard and impossibly hot, Seamus moved in him, cock spreading him, sliding in him. He could feel Seamus’ heartbeat there. Whimpering, he panted, watching those amazing eyes, body clenching around Seamus, holding them together. Squeezing. Needing. They moved together hard and fast, no tenderness in this, just Seamus staking a claim, just the heat and need and the wild feel of it, the fear leaving him for the first time in so long. Only need left. He reached for his cock, fisting it, snarling with his need, aching with it, for it. Seamus slapped his hand away, growling, possessive, showing teeth. Then Seamus touched him, pulling, hand moving fast on him, rough and necessary. His world went white, the only real shape his Seamus, his Alpha, his lover. The only sounds in his ears were his heart beating and Seamus’ triumphant howl, ringing there as liquid heat shot into his body. Marking him on the inside. “Yours. Pack.” He whimpered, lips searching for a kiss, body jerking. “Mine.” Seamus gave him the kiss, surrounding him with that big body, keeping him safe and warm and protected. Pack. “Mate.” “Mate.” He rumbled, the sound low and soft, sated. Happy. 609

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Now if he could just get the pups to understand he was there to stay. And take their damned baths. **** Seamus was warm, happy. Sated. Keith was his. For good. The cub might need a little convincing when he came back to his senses, but Seamus knew it was a done deal. His cock twitched at the thought. Okay, maybe not so sated. God, the cub was amazing. So willing, so giving, so perfect for him. Oh, fuck yeah, there would be problems ahead. Of course there would, but he was ready. He was ready in other ways too, but Keith was snoring happily, and the cub was so tired that Seamus hated to wake him. Maybe he'd just poke Keith a bit. Just a bit. He leaned over, nudging, and Keith turned toward him, rumbling softly, pushing into his arms. He rumbled right back, low and steady and damned smug, he had to admit. Licking at Keith's skin gave him a jolt, because the cub tasted like him, their scents so mixed he couldn't tell who was who. Keith snuggled into him, a smile appearing, tongue sliding out to lick pink lips. “Mmm ... love...” “Yeah. Wake up, cub, and kiss me.” Those lips ... he had to have them. A soft chuckle sounded and then black eyes met his, soft and liquid and warm. “Bossy.” That tongue felt perfect as it pressed into his lips. 610

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“Mmm.” He growled low, let the ripples of it go from him to Keith and back again, resonating. “Oh ... Good...” Keith wrapped around him, almost purring. Thin arms and legs wrapped around him and Keith began to rub, to rock, moving slow and easy. “Yeah. Really good, lover.” Lover. Oh, fuck yeah. He nibbled at Keith's neck, loving on him, just tasting and teasing. “Uh-huh. Yours. Your cub.” One soft, warm hand cupped his ass. “And you're mine.” “Yeah. Yours. Your mate. Gonna take care of you, babe.” He rolled rubbed and pushed and loved, growling low and steady. “Yes. Going to take me again, Seamus? I feel empty, want to feel you.” “Mmm. God, cub. Don't want to hurt you.” It was too soon, way too soon, but he wanted to, so bad. “Don't. Love me. Just love me.” Keith rolled away from him, hips canted up in the air, offer blatant. Fuck. He had to. Just had to. But he would get something to use this time. Seamus rummaged in the bedside table, coming up with liquid gold in the form of lube. “If you got even a twinge, Keith, you tell me, yeah?” “I will. Love. Please. Touch me.” Keith's eyes were ringed with gold, bright and sweet. He gave in. Getting his fingers good and slick, Seamus slid two inside, forgetting the easy test he had planned, giving Keith what Keith was begging for. 611

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Keith moaned, cheek resting on folded hands, hips rocking so slowly back on his fingers. There was no hesitation, no flinching away, and Seamus moaned, spreading Keith wider, getting him ready. Keith was hot and tight, burning for him, taking him in deep and holding him tight. No holding back, not anymore. Seamus lined up, pushed in, getting inside the tightest, hottest place he'd ever been. A soft sigh sounded, Keith's body rippling underneath him. “Oh. Oh, love. Feel you. So deep.” “God. Babe. So tight and good.” Moving slow, easy, Seamus gave Keith his whole length, hips flush against that sweet, round ass. “Yours.” They rocked together and it was good enough to taste, like prey on his tongue, heavy and good like a full belly. “Mine. Mine. Mine.” The last word came out as a snarl, and Seamus bit down hard on the back of Keith's neck. “Yours!” Keith jerked, gave a short, sharp bark, hips moving faster, rubbing against him. “Mine.” Seamus growled, filling Keith deep, hips rocking, cock jerking. His cub rose up, pushing hard against him, meeting each stroke, demanding more. They rocked and moved and thrust together until it occurred to him to touch Keith, to reach beneath and grab Keith's sweet cock, pulling on it. “Love you.” “Oh! Oh, Seamus! Love you.” Keith climbed the headboard, driving back against him, howling with pleasure. 612

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Seamus howled as well, hips snapping, shooting hard into his lover, his mate. The cub slumped in his arms, panting and hot, soft and melting. “Love...” “Yes.” He panted, chest heaving, feeling like he'd well and truly staked his claim, knowing he'd want more all too soon. “Love.” “Yes.” Keith curled in his arms, almost purring, eyelids droopy. “Nap now?” “Mmm, yeah.” A nap sounded good. Then food. Lots of it

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Chapter 6 Itchy. He itched. He itched a lot and he couldn't quite scratch it. Keith paced the floor, periodically sticking his head in the refrigerator for another snack. Damn, this was irritating. Two months with Seamus, maybe longer now, and he was settled, happy. Loved the puppies and the sex and those green eyes and ... He realized he was staring out the window at some sunbathing teenagers, hunger eating at him, soft whimpers sounding. Goddamnit! “Hey, cub.” Seamus’ hands slid over his back, cool and soothing. “What's the matter?” He growled softly, muscles rippling. “I itch, Seamus. I itch.” “Yeah.” Seamus petted, nails scratching over his skin. “I know, cub. So do I. Let's go out tonight.” “Out? Out where?” He rumbled and stretched, wriggling with pleasure. Good. So good. Seamus leaned, scratching harder. “Out for a little fresh meat.” “Fresh meat?” His head fell forward and he panted, shoulders bunching. 614

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“Yeah. Something hot and sweet and just what you need to soothe that itch.” That voice took on the low growl he came to associate with comfort, and need. Hot and sweet. Yes. Oh, please. That growl made him ache and he dropped to his knees, nuzzling Seamus’ crotch, breathing in the sweet, heavy musk. His love. His. Moaning, snarling, Seamus sank long fingers into his hair, holding his face against the heavy bulge there, rubbing against his cheek, his lips. He answered each sound with one of his own, sniffing hard, needing that scent under his skin, in his bones. “Yeah, cub. Need you. Then we'll go play.” Seamus rolled those strong hips, moving hard against him. He managed to get the fabric open, off, get his mouth and face on Seamus’ cock and balls, licking happily. “Uhnn.” The sound was so good, vibrated right through Seamus’ cock and into his mouth. And the taste, oh yeah. Salty and wild and pure animal need. He whimpered, pulling hard. Needing his love. Seamus gave him just what he wanted. Strong touches and heavy moans and the scent of rutting. “Cub. So good.” Nodding and moaning, he agreed, hands running along the heavy muscles of Seamus’ legs. Faster and faster, Seamus moved against him, hands moving his head just where Seamus needed his mouth, thick prick sliding in and out. He throbbed, heat and need building in him. Finally that cock pushed into his throat and he swallowed, closing around the tip. A deep howl sounded, answered by the pups in their room as Seamus came, seed pulsing into his throat. He pushed 615

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Seamus down, licking and lapping the seed he missed, growling and keening. Seamus spread for him, offering something he rarely did, lifting his hips. “C'mon, cub. C'mon.” Keith whimpered, bending to lick, to ease the way, to open his lover. Opening for him easily, Seamus panted, sharp nails scraping along the floor. “Come on, cub. Need.” He snarled and leapt, finding the position they needed. He fastened his mouth on Seamus’ shoulder and pressed deep, growling low. “Fuck!” Seamus pushed up, meeting him more than halfway, bodies slapping together. Hot and needy and almost soothing that damned itch. He drove in harder, faster, more, looking to ease his need, his hunger. Looking for something. Those long legs wrapped around him, Seamus pulling him deep, deeper, heat closing around him so tight. Keith howled, hips slapping against Seamus, world coming into sharp focus. “Fuck, yeah, cub.” Seamus was breathless and hot, body fused to his. His orgasm slammed through him, shook him deep inside. “Yeah. Yeah, that's it.” Seamus let him come down, petted him, soothed him. “Now it's time to get a bite to eat.” “Eat ... ‘m so hungry, love.” “Yeah. We need a little something special. Trust me. We'll go out, it'll be good.” Seamus grinned at him, showing his teeth. “Good.” He nodded, nuzzling, trusting, growling low. “Yes.” 616

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“Yeah. Up, babe. Let's get you all prettied up. Then we gotta tell the pups what we're doing.” Seamus shoved, and he rolled, and Seamus yanked him to his feet. “Prettied up?” He followed easily, bouncing. “Yeah.” Ooh, Seamus’ ass looked pretty, swaying that way. “We need to get gussied up, babe. Do some hunting and gathering.” “Hunting where, love? We don't live in the country.” “Urban commando, babe. All of that hot, fresh meat just prime for the choosing.” “Urban...” He stopped short, frowning, shaking his head. “You don't mean what a think you mean, right?” Seamus stopped halfway through pulling on a shirt, blinking at him. “What do you think I mean, cub?” “People. You mean people. Like ... like the first night. You mean people.” Saying it out loud made him shaky. “Murder.” “No. I mean making sure we eat what we need. Babe, we're higher up on the food chain, okay?” The shirt got tossed aside, and Seamus rubbed against him, petting his back. He shuddered, relaxing into Seamus’ touch. “I can't. There's no way, love. I ... I can't.” Sighing, Seamus pulled him to the bed and sat him down. “You have to, babe. Or at least, I have to and you need to eat when I do.” “Why? I'm okay. You're okay.” He took Seamus’ hands. “I'll eat beef. Whatever. I can't eat people, though. I can't.” “You can, babe. You have to.” Playing with his fingers, Seamus nodded, like he'd made a decision. “Otherwise you'll 617

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be worse than the pups and as much as I like you fuzzy, I like you better smooth.” “Worse than ... What do you mean? You mean I'll be fuzzy more often?” Okay. Okay, he could handle that. “I mean you are what you eat. There's a long winded scientific explanation for it, I'm sure, but it boils down to if you don't, you could go feral on me and never get back to you.” Seamus held his hands, not letting him up. “But I've been ... me for months since he bit me. Since you found me.” He was whimpering, shaking, scared, really scared for the first time since Seamus had found him. “Babe.” That big body surrounded him, Seamus stroking and petting and giving him his scent. “I know. I know. But we only have to do it so often, you know? And I've been putting it off, knew it would upset you.” Keith curled into that comfort, letting Seamus ease his soul. “I can't. Oh, love.” He whimpered again and closed his eyes, nuzzling Seamus’ chest. “You will. You won't just have to, you'll want to. I know you don't believe me. But, babe. Let's hunt. You'll see. You need it, the blood and the heat and the chase. I know you do. Here, where you itch.” “What about the people though?” He was itching, he couldn't stop moving, stop growling. Maddening. It was maddening. “Don't think about it that way. Think about the pups. How would they survive without us? How would they get their food? How would I be without you? I got whole when you came along.” That sub vocal growl was there, behind the 618

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words, and the sharp scent of heavy emotion came from Seamus’ skin. He licked Seamus’ throat, nuzzling, responding to the meaning underneath the words. “We need to go now, Keith. Now.” The command was inescapable. He whimpered, something deep inside him responding to that command, something imprinted inside him. “Get dressed, babe. Something hot. We're going hunting.” **** Exit sign here Keith's first hunt. Now that was something he had to make fucking special. Also had to make sure he was careful, picking the spot, the time, and the prey. Because God knew the kid would probably bolt if they were interrupted or caught. Seamus finished dressing, stomping into his boots and checking his look. Not bad. Yeah, he was gonna have to be on the ball. Then he caught a glimpse of the cub. He'd be really careful. Really. If they ever got out of the fucking apartment. Black leather tight enough to be a second skin, laced up the thighs and at the crotch set off Keith's heavy black fringe of hair. The mesh shirt was deep red, the collar around the cub's throat complete with a tiny gold buckle. Those bright eyes were ringed with dark eyeliner, making them pop. “Goddamn, cub. You're looking good enough to eat.” A little tooth showing, there, just to back up the claim. 619

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Keith looked him over just as carefully, from the toes of his shitkickers to the shiny gold buttons up the front of his vinyl pants to the green mesh of his shirt. A soft hungry growl sounded, Keith licking his lips. “Mmm. Yes. Yes, love.” The cub took a step forward, inhaling, breathing him deep. Kid was a natural. Seamus grabbed the lock on that collar and pulled Keith in for a deep, biting kiss. “Let's go.” He got a worried look, eyes fastened onto his. “We're okay, right?” “Hell, yes. Hungry. Just like you.” The effort it took to calm his voice amazed him. “Trust me, cub. Okay? And damn, you look pretty.” Those pale cheeks turned pink. “I trust you. I do.” Then the cub started bouncing again, eyes flaring with hunger, need pouring from him. “C'mon, babe. Gonna show you off. Take you dancing and all but fuck you on the dance floor.” “Cool!” Keith bounced out the door, the movements sexy and wanton, loose and hungry all at once. Fuck, yeah. His cub was born to hunt. He could hardly wait to see the kid in action. If it was anything like the way it was when he mock stalked Seamus? The kid would be a joy to behold. They headed for the lower end of town, where the clubs teemed with just the sort of prey Seamus looked for. Single men on the prowl, or maybe a runaway no one would miss. Keith bounced ahead of him, turning heads, and he got to growl at the guys they passed. Fuck, he loved that.

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“You choose, babe.” Seamus waved a hand toward the other side of the street, where light and music spilled out of the clubs. “Something you can dance to.” The cub picked a club with booming music, driving and industrial, the only lights the rainbow colored neon. They paid their cover, Keith's body reacting to the heat and the music and the presence of prey so close. His own body reacted to Keith, cock growing hard in his pants, heat sitting low in his belly. They skipped the bar, because the minute they got inside he pulled Keith right to the dance floor, pulling him close and starting to move. He imagined Keith could dance before the change, but now? Now with the hunger and the heat riding him? That slim body was an addiction. One he would happily wallow in. Moving to the beat, he dragged Keith close, pulled their hips together and watched the whole fucking place watching them. Hard and hot, Keith rocked into him, hips pushing hard, ass a sweet temptation against his hand. Seamus rocked back, leaning to bite at Keith's ear. “Look around, babe. Look at them. Any of them look good?” Keith whimpered, leg sliding along his own, eyes glowing. “The one in the denim with the blonde hair. The tall one. He smells like food, Seamus. I can smell him.” Oh, fuck, yeah. Cub had good instincts. Wild, gamey, the guy he picked out was perfect. Fucking perfect. Seamus rewarded Keith with a nip to the throat and a low sound of approval. “Cool. Now, you get him to come to us.” Keith moaned, pressed close. “Bring him here, love?” 621

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“Yeah.” He grinned, knowing it was more predatory than happy. “Least we can do is show him a good time.” There was a moment of hesitation and then those eyes glowed. “I can do that.” Then Keith got back to dancing, putting a bit of space between them, catching their prey's eyes again and again, sparking interest. Seamus played along, advancing, pushing Keith back toward the guy, making with the jealous. Part of it wasn't so much playing either. Burned his gut to see the cub flirting with someone like that. Made him hard as a damned rock, too. It didn't take long for the guy to step forward, trying to puff himself up, lure Keith away. Keith's motions grew slinky, seductive, instinct overriding nerves. Tamping down on his original instinct, which was to tear the guy a new one right there, Seamus glared, no teeth showing, and put a hand to Keith's shoulder like he was trying to talk him back. “You got him hook, line, and sinker, babe. I'm gonna stomp off. Bring him out back to the alley. You can do that, all right? Bring him to me, babe.” “Yeah, love. I can do that.” The words were a soft growl, Keith still moving under his hand. Seamus growled, shaking his head like he was truly pissed. “Just remember, this part? This is an act.” Raising his voice, Seamus threw up his hands. “Fuck it,” he said, loud and clear, and whirled, stomping away, out of the club. Then 622

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he slipped quietly around the back, massaging his aching cock. Waiting. Two songs passed before Keith's soft laughter sounded, low and seductive, the cub keeping the blonde focused, distracted, rubbing and wanton in those arms. That was his boy. So damned good. Seamus knew if the kid stopped worrying, let the instinct move him, he'd be perfect. They made it to his little corner of the shadows, and Seamus stepped out, probably scaring the blonde half to death. “Oh, babe. You brought me a new toy.” Keith chuckled, wiggled in the blonde's arms. “Isn't he pretty? And so warm, too.” “Yeah?” Letting loose an almost subsonic growl soothed the new one without the kid even knowing, and Seamus moved in to press against the blonde's back. “Smells good.” “Mm-hmm.” Keith kept moving, stretching to nuzzle the blonde's throat, glowing eyes just meeting his over the guy's shoulder. “Makes me want, love.” “You okay with this, kid?” He whispered it in the blonde's ear. It was nice to give them the illusion of choice. Looking right in to Keith's eyes, he bit lightly on the blonde's earlobe. The blonde shivered, “I...” Keith leaned back, lower bodies rubbing together, eyes seductive and wanton. “Please. Come and play. I ... I've never done this before, not like this.” “Mmm. My babe, he's wanting.” Seamus rubbed against the crack of the blonde's ass, throbbing, panting with need. “Say yes.” 623

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“Oh. Oh, fuck. You ... you're for real?” Keith chuckled, nodded. “Oh, yeah. We're for real.” Shit, but he couldn't fucking wait until they showed the kid how real they were. The scent on the air was excitement, a little fear, and a healthy dose of male lust. Seamus pushed them further into the shadows, the driving music from the club echoing the pounding blood in his veins. The blonde groaned and snapped, grabbing Keith hard, lips smashing down on the cub's, hips humping between them. He growled, hands reaching for Keith's hips to pull them all together, keep them close. One of Keith's hands found his cheek, touching him, the other busy driving their prey mad. Hot and good, getting the prey's blood up, getting him all tender and needy. Keith was just driving him crazy as Hell, too, slinky and sexy and just altogether perfect. “Fuck. You always this hot for it? Shit...” The blond tugged Keith's hair, separating them. “Hungry little mouth.” That made him growl again, and lean past to pull Keith close for a kiss of his own, deep and wet, staking his claim in case Keith forgot. His cub opened to him, rumbling into the kiss, so hungry, all his. God, yeah. The kiss went on and on, with him fucking devouring that sweet mouth, trying to fuck the blond through their clothes. The blonde groaned, rubbing hard. “Oh, fuck! You two ... So fucking hot.” Keith was the hot one, not him, and when the kiss finally broke, his cub proved it by grabbing the guy's crotch and rubbing hard. Such a good kid. Seamus pulled the blonde's 624

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head back and kissed that mouth as well, finding Keith's flavor there and soaking it in. The cub bent and found the blonde's nipple with those wicked teeth, driving the stretched body into desperation. Soon, Seamus thought. Soon. He drove them harder and faster, pushing, pulling, hands working whatever skin he could find. The blond he stretched even further, pushing the kid's head back and nipping at the tender throat. The scent of come filled the air, hips slamming into Keith, the blonde gasping and shaking hard. “Now, cub. Now.” The command was plain, the words a snarl. Watching Keith move was the sexiest fucking thing he'd ever seen. Those eyes shone bright and a muzzle full of strong teeth closed over the blonde's throat, crushing it in two fierce bites, silencing the soft cries of passion that just started to climb into panic. Yes. So proud. So pleased. Seamus let the sounds and moves he made show it, letting Keith have that first taste, holding them all up as the blonde's struggles went weak and stopped. Keith's eyes flashed up to him, all humanity lost, then the cub stepped back, giving him his due as Alpha. He took it, his own instinct taking over, knowing only that he had to leave enough for Keith, and later, the pups. The cub paced, eyes glowing softly, panting as he fed. When he'd had his fill, Seamus backed away, letting Keith in. He paced as well, but with his back to the kill, protecting his cub from random passersby. 625

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Keith fed, muzzle tearing at the meat, little growls sounding. They slowed, then stopped. When the hunger eased, the cub stumbled back, panting, whimpering a bit. “Seamus. I...” Those too-human eyes fastened onto him, watching. “No.” Wiping at his face to rid it of some of the blood, Seamus growled at Keith and shook his head. “No doubts. We have to get this back to the pups. They need fresh.” Don't let the cub think, that was his policy. He thought the cub would argue, but Keith took a deep breath, nodded that white face. “The puppies. Right. I want to go home. How? How do we get ... it home for the pups?” “That's the easy part. We go underground. That's why we live in the old downtown. Air raid tunnels. C'mon.” Seamus led the way, dragging the meal with him, heading for the nearby tunnel entrance. Keith followed silently, the cub's heat just sliding along his spine. They got into the tunnel, several feet from the entrance, before Seamus stopped, dropping the food and grabbing Keith, kissing hard. “I can hear you thinking. No more of that. We feed the pups, as is our duty, and then I'm fucking you so hard you can't walk for a week.” Keith gasped, licking at his lips, growling. “Only a week?” “At least. We'd have to eat sometime.” Good. Kid was back in instinct mode. Damned good. “I'll call for pizza.” The cub nipped his lip. “Home. I want to go home, love.” “Yeah. Let's go home.” 626

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All things considered? Seamus couldn't have asked for a better first hunt. Keith really was a natural. **** He'd done it. He made it home, made it in. Brought the ... the ... Brought it in without freaking out. He helped Seamus get it down the hall, locked the doors. Then ... Then the pups attacked it and ate and it ... And its fingers wiggled. Fingers that had ... Oh, God. Keith tore through the house, body slamming into the bathroom door, just making it to the toilet before he lost it. When he was done, and his head rested against cool porcelain, Seamus crowded in to kneel behind him, one big hand holding his head while the other held a cup to his lips. “Here, babe. Rinse out.” He nodded, swishing the water in his mouth, starting to shake now, not sure if he was embarrassed or sick or scared or disgusted. “I'm sorry.” “Nah. S'okay.” His hair fell in his face, and Seamus stroked it, smoothing the sweaty strands. “Knew you'd start thinking sometime.” “I...” He looked up, blinking as his eyes started stinging. “I did my best. I just ... On purpose, Seamus. He didn't do anything to me and I ... Oh, God. I need a shower.” “Okay. Okay, babe.” Strong, capable, Seamus’ hands pulled him up and into the shower, turning the water on so hot he yelped, stripping them both with quick motions. A low, constant sound came from Seamus’ throat, soothing him. 627

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The water rinsed him, eased him, and he pushed into his lover's arms. Letting Seamus touch him, hide him. Seamus knew, he could tell. Knew how he felt even if Seamus didn't understand it. So gentle, those hands soaped him, rinsed him, made him clean. He closed his eyes, letting the spray wash his face. A thousand questions slammed into him, making him frown, making him worry. “What, babe?” Seamus smoothed the lines creased into his forehead with soft lips. “I...” He took a deep breath. “How often will I have to ... And why was it easy? And why did I want to? And was I any good at it?” His eyelids, nose and lips got the same light kisses. “Because half of you is different now, and it knows what to do. Not that the human species is all that evolved from cavemen anyway.” “But Seamus ... Love...” Keith took another hitching breath. “I wanted to. I did. I wanted to do it.” He was going straight to hell. Or jail. Or some Looney bin. Maybe a big kennel. “Of course you did.” The water went off, and Seamus lifted him like a child, stepping over their discarded clothes and grabbing a towel with one hand on the way by. They sat on the couch as Seamus dried him. “You gotta eat. You know that on some level, just like you know what you gotta eat.” “Did I ... did I do okay?” Part of him was stunned, recoiling, but most of him wanted to know he'd performed well. 628

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“Oh, babe.” Seamus smiled at him, eyes bright but serious. “You were fucking fantastic.” “Yeah?” He pushed close, nuzzling Seamus’ throat, draping himself over that solid heat. “Oh, yeah. Made me so hot, babe.” The proof of that was huge and hard against his thigh. Keith reached down, hand circling the stiff flesh, pumping gently. “You looked so angry when you left. You're a fine actor.” “Yeah, well it wasn't all acting. Don't like seeing you flirt with someone else.” The deep snarl gave him goose bumps. “It was easy. Like my brain turned off and all I could hear was us—you and me. I mean, it couldn't be, but it was.” He was nuzzling Seamus’ face, licking his chin and jaw. Seamus was just growling happily, hips moving that big cock up into his hand, hands smoothing over his body. “S'way it should be. We're a mated pair you and me.” “Yeah?” He was relaxing, mouth moving over Seamus’ neck and shoulders, body shifting under those strong hands. “Mmm.” Pulling at him, Seamus moved him until he straddled Seamus’ heavy thighs. “S'why we're so good together.” “We are.” He nodded, body rubbing his ... mate's. Those growls were filling him, making him need and melt all at once. “I want you, love. You promised me ... said you were going to fuck me.” “Oh, shit yeah.” Seamus surged, and he dangled for a moment before Seamus heaved him over one shoulder, heading for the bedroom. “Gonna do you so good, babe.” 629

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He yelped, reaching down to pinch that strong, fine ass. He went flying again as soon as they reached the bedroom, bouncing on the big bed until Seamus came down on top of him, trapping him. “Mine.” Keith shook his head, wiggling. “Nope. You're mine.” A laugh rang out, Seamus throwing his head back and letting loose. “Works both ways, babe. Spread for me.” He drew his legs up and back, spreading himself wide. “Mmm ... love. Need.” The only reply was another deep growl, and Seamus slid down, pushing him even wider. Then Seamus licked at his hole, pushing at him with lips and tongue, opening him. He growled, arching, body shaking and wanting. Needing. “Mmm.” Pure lust traveled up his thighs from Seamus’ low growls, that tongue pushing in again and again. Seamus held him hard enough to leave bruises, pushed him higher than he thought he could go. He couldn't catch his breath, couldn't stop his body from moving, begging for more. It was like hunting, riding this need, hot and fierce and wild and necessary. “Yeah.” A strong surge of muscles sent Seamus up and over him, blunt cock pushing at his hole. “In, now.” He nodded, pushing himself down, fucking himself on that sweet prick, head thrown back as he howled. Sharp teeth closed on his throat, Seamus marking him, hips driving Seamus’ cock into him over and over. Driving everything else out.

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Hunger and need swept through him like a fire, burning away the fear, the worry, the only thing strong enough to meet it was the animal that raged and lusted within him. “Mine, mine, mine.” Seamus’ chant was guttural, the words barely words, but they matched the rhythm of their thrusts, and they rang in his head. Keith nodded, jerking, hand pulling hard at his cock. “Yours. Yours.” Seamus looked at him, eyes wide and dark, before those hips snapped and Seamus just howled, filling his ass in deep pulses. The heat and need and scent and sound all coalesced into white-hot pleasure, pouring out of him, spraying over his skin. Still inside him, Seamus collapsed, full weight resting against him. That broad chest heaved with great, sobbing breaths. “Oh, babe...” “Yes. Love you.” He nuzzled, licking the salt from his mate's skin. “Mmmhmm. Love.” Nuzzling, licking, Seamus eased him down, pulling him toward sleep. “No more thinking today, cub. You let me worry about that.” “‘kay. Yeah.” He curled in close, eyelids so heavy, body sated of all hungers. Seamus’ low rumble followed him down into sleep. Seamus would take care of everything. His Seamus. His mate.

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Chapter 7 Seamus woke up so hard he hurt. Hurt. He's been dreaming about Keith's mouth, how hot and sweet it was, and he woke up and reached for the cub. And Keith wasn't there. Seamus could hear him, talking to the kids as he worked, clanging pots in the kitchen. Feeding time. Shit. Well, there was always his hand, even if it didn't feel as good, and Seamus started stroking himself, cock jumping in his hand. Which was what he was doing when Keith walked back into their room. “Oh...” Keith's eyes flashed. “Ooooh, so pretty.” “Mmm. Missed you, babe. Was thinking about you when I woke up like this, all hard and needing. Dreamed of your mouth.” Seamus spread wide, letting Keith see it all. Keith licked his lips, moaning low, slowly unfastening his shirt. “So sexy, love.” “Yeah? I think you're the sexy one, cub. So hot for it.” Hell, just the touch of Keith's look was better than his hand. “Make me hungry.” Keith shrugged off his shirt, crawled up between his legs, scenting his thighs. “Make me want.” “All yours, babe.” Oh, yeah. Keith just had to touch him now and everything would be fucking perfect. Keith's hands slid under his ass at the same time that hot tongue slid over cock and fingers. “All mine.” 632

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“Fuck! Yeah, cub. Yeah.” His hips came up, pushing into that sweet touch, hand falling away from his cock. “Mmm ... yeah.” Those sweet dark eyes were sparkling, that tongue lapping and wetting him, lips sinking over the tip and pulling hard. Moaning, Seamus grabbed a double handful of sheets, hips pumping up and up, the reality a Hell of a lot better than the dream. Keith took him deep and then deeper still, moaning around his prick, hands digging into his ass. “Gonna blow, babe, if you keep doing that.” He felt it in his balls, ready to fucking burst. His mate licked the tip of his cock, backing away, teasing. Oh, God. The cub was gonna kill him, but what a way to go. Seamus reached for Keith, a low growl sounding. Keith grinned, shifted away. “Come get me, love.” He was up and grabbing the cub before the kid even moved good, tearing at Keith's jeans. The air between them was wild, fierce, hot and biting and perfect, Keith smooth in his hands. So good. What the Hell did he ever do before his mate? It was like he couldn't even remember that time. They went down in a tangle of hot skin and long limbs, and Seamus rubbed against the cub, cock hard enough to pound nails. “Fuck me. Now, love. Now.” Keith turned, ass tilting up towards him. “Oh, cub. Yeah.” No way was he gonna resist that, and all it took was a little spit and some quick fingers and Keith was ready for him. He pushed in quick and hard, letting them both savor the burn. 633

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They rutted, all growls and whines and teeth and fuck, it was good. Seamus could taste it, like fresh blood in the back of his throat. Spicy and metallic and so hot it burned. Dreams had nothing on his cub's body, so tight and good, or his cub's lips under his. Claws scraped along his back, Keith arching. “Love! Please!” “Yeah.” Seamus pushed harder, slamming into his cub, putting all of his need into it, all of his want. “Love...” Keith screamed, body rippling around him, heat sprayed between them, scent heady and strong. “Fuck! Keith...” How he held out as long as he did, Seamus had no fucking clue, but it was a fucking explosion when he came, filling Keith with his spunk, howling his pleasure to the air. Keith panted, nuzzling and licking his throat, hands petting. “Love. So hot.” “Mmmm.” He did some nuzzling of his own, holding the cub close. “Needed you. You.” “Yours.” Keith smiled against his skin. “Love you.” “Love you, babe.” He wasn't hurting anymore, and he didn't have to use his hand. His cub was all snuggled up to him and the kids were fed, so they could nap some. Dreams were nice, but he'd take his real life any day. **** He'd been feeding the puppies some stew when Jade turned and bit him. Bit him hard. Hard enough to break the skin. 634

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Keith went and washed his hand, cleaned it out with alcohol and—ow! Oh, fuck, ow!—stuck a bandage on. He was headed to grab his book when something struck him and he went hunting his lover. “Seamus! Seamus! There's no weird, fucked up reaction from the pups biting, yeah? No excessive fuzzies? No weird diseases?” “Hnuh?” Seamus was napping, butt naked, spread out in the middle of their bed. Seamus had freckles on his butt. How had he never noticed that before? Oh, too fucking cute. He leaned down and nibbled, tasting the salt on Seamus’ skin. “Mmmm. Hey, cub. Was that you just now, or was I dreaming?” “Was me. Got bit by the pups. You taste good.” Seamus wiggled for him, ass muscles flexing. “Feels good, too. Uh, yeah, there, babe.” “Mmm...” He kept nuzzling and licking, hands sliding up along Seamus’ side, down over strong thigh muscles. Those hips rolled under his mouth and hands, pushing more of Seamus’ skin at him, filling his nose with the hot scent of need. He parted Seamus’ legs, settling between. Oh, it was warm and scented with his mate and so good. Keith whimpered as he licked, tongue slowly sliding over the top of Seamus’ crease, thumbs drawing circles on the soft skin. “God. Babe.” That growl wasn't sleep induced any more. Now it was all about heat, and warning him not to tease. “So good.” 635

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“Mm-hmm. Good.” Good and sexy and he wasn't going to rush, so Seamus could just be patient. He held Seamus open, licking and humming as he moved down, slowly heading closer to the tight ring of muscles waiting for him. Moaning, Seamus scrabbled against the sheets, finally rising up on hands and knees, giving him more skin, more scent. More. “Oh ... Oh, love.” He grabbed Seamus’ hips, tongue sliding over that hot hole before pushing in, fucking his lover slow and easy. A low growl shook the whole bed, Seamus rising up into the touch, pushing for it. So needy, his Seamus, always ready for him, always hot for him. He was burning inside, so hard he ached, balls tight and throbbing in his shorts. He managed to fish his cock out, one hand wrapping around it as he kept pushing and tasting and licking his lover. “Babe! Cub, Oh, Keith. I can smell you.” Seamus’ voice wasn't quite human anymore, all growl and yip. The body begged as much as the voice, every muscle beneath him pushing and pushing, demanding more. His own sounds were darker now, husky, the scents and tastes sharper, hotter. All Seamus. All good. All for him. “In, babe. Need you in me. Please.” Oh. Seamus didn't ask for that often. “Yes.” He moved up over Seamus’ back, slicking the tip and rubbing it against the wet heat of his lover. He let Seamus’ motions swallow him up, yelping and groaning out 636

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his pleasure. Low noises joined his, Seamus opening for him easily, taking him in. Hot and tight and damn. “Fuck, love.” He leaned over, fastening his lips on Seamus’ shoulder as he started to thrust, pushing hard. “Yeah, cub. Hard. Need it. Need you.” “Got me.” They slammed together, skin slapping, the scent of need making his nostrils flare, making him growl. A sharp bark was his response, Seamus rocking beneath him, panting and moaning. So tight. Seamus held him like a vise, inner muscles gripping hard. One hand slid around Seamus’ belly, palm stroking across the tip of Seamus’ prick. He cried out as those muscles rippled around him in response. “Oh! Cub!” Jerking hard, Seamus pushed forward, then back, their skin smacking together. “Yes! Love! Fuck!” He bit down against Seamus’ back, teeth scraping as he came, shuddering violently. “Cub!” Seamus just roared, hips moving, snapping, as hot spunk filled his hand. Oh. Oh, yeah. He slumped down onto Seamus’ back, breathing hard. Damn, his Seamus was strong. They went down gently, Seamus lowering them to the bed. “God, babe. That was a nice way to wake up.” “Mmm ... yeah. Was good.” He kissed Seamus’ shoulder. “You have freckles on your butt. Very cute.” “Do not.” Seamus didn't sound very concerned, though, like the protest was just because it should be there. “So what was it you wanted, babe?” 637

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“Hmmm?” He nuzzled softly. “Oh! Yeah. Jade bit me. I was asking if I needed to worry.” “Oh, man. You're gonna die any minute.” He bit Seamus again, hard. “Well, I never know. I mean, shit, I might have just found the fuzz-antidote.” Seamus wiggled until he slid away, then turned and grabbed him, holding him tight. “Oh, cub. Wish I could say there was one. But there's not. As for Jade, you'll be fine, but you should have bopped her nose. That's bad manners.” He nudged Seamus’ jaw, licked the warm lips. “Not looking for an antidote, love. ‘m where I belong. And Miss Jade got a harsh talking to.” He got a kiss, long and sweet and warm. “Mine.” Keith nodded, cuddling in. “Yours.” Seamus chuckled. “Just like I'm yours. Freckles and all.”

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Chapter 8 Bruiser and the twins were tearing all over, barking their fool heads off, making a fucking mess and jumping all over him. Keith didn't seem to notice, sitting serenely in one corner, reading and bopping along to the music on his headphones. Seamus was going to eat them all. Finally he threw down the carving he was working on and stood, staring down at all three of them, Liz, who had Jade's tail in her mouth, Jade who was growling at his shoes, and Bruiser, who tried to hump Liz. “Enough!” They all jumped and Jade yelped, and Seamus grumbled very loudly and went and got their leashes, walking over and dropping them in Keith's lap. Hard. The cub blinked up, eyes owlish and surprised. “Ow. What's up?” A low snarl escaped him. “We. Are. Going. Out.” One dark eyebrow raised and Keith blinked again. “Okay. Now? Where?” “I don't care. To the park. To the slums. To the city pound. Anywhere to get them to shut up.” Indicating the pups, Seamus crossed his arms and waited. “Oh.” Keith looked over at the pups, and they shifted, Bruiser rumbling. “I think the park. The pound wouldn't know what to do with them.”

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“Well, there's always the Thai place down the street.” He glowered at Bruiser, who put his head down and crawled over. “Oh, that's mean.” Keith chuckled and grabbed the leashes, standing up and separating them. “Which ones do you want, love?” Oh, no. “Me. I'm walking me. You get the rest. I've been dealing with them all morning.” That was mean as Hell, too. But he just had to see this. “You're not serious! Seamus! Bruiser weighs damned near what I do.” They were all headed out the door, the girls eager to get moving and Bruiser desperate to just not be in trouble anymore. He chuckled and trailed behind. “They like you, though. Shouldn't be any trouble at all.” “They like me. They're scared of you.” Keith was hauled down the steps and onto the street, just managing to make it look like he was controlling the reins. Hell, yes. The fucking day just got better and better. “Right. And we want them to have a fun outing. Work off some energy, right?” Despite his glee at the way they dragged Keith along, Seamus gave a short, growling yip, and the kids slowed down. “You're being grumpy. Can we have i-c-e-c-r-e-a-m?” Keith nudged Liz away from exploring the squished frog on the street. “Gross, Lizzie. Leave it be.” “I? I am not grumpy. I am just sick of being cooped up and so are they and every time I even thought about getting 640

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laid today one of them started chewing one of my shoes. And yes. After we run them silly.” There. Let the cub know what was what. “What do your shoes have to do with ... Bruiser, I swear to god I'm going to let Mildred have you muzzled if you eat one more of her daffodils. With fucking?” Jade and Liz were tugging now, the park in sight. “It's like they know, babe. They're all against me.” Seamus shook his head sorrowfully, watching the movement of Keith's ass as it worked to keep his legs pumping. “Teenagers.” “Liz! Jade! Slow down!” Keith turned toward him, Bruiser's leash wrapping around those skinny legs. “But if they're teenagers, shouldn't we uh ... you know ... not let them share a room and stuff?” God. He didn't want to have to separate them, but ... “Yeah. I mean, no. I mean, Bruise there was at it today. He's trying to figure it all out, even if the girls aren't interested.” Shit. “Well, they shouldn't have ... I mean, they can't do the puppy thing yet, right?” Keith was spinning in circles, trying to get untangled. Laughing, Seamus waded into the fray. Before too long the pups were off and running again, only this time Bruiser was with him. “No. The girls won't be ready for a good bit. But that doesn't mean it can't get uncomfortable.” “Yeah. I guess. Poor Bruiser. He's going to be devastated without them.” Keith was moving easier now. One thing about the girls, they knew where they wanted to walk. Yep. Right into the duck pond to chase the ducks. 641

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And they were off, dragging Keith behind. Bruiser wanted to go too, but Seamus hauled back on him, holding him off. No way was the kid going to get wet and shake all over him. Poor Bruise. Keith was right. It was gonna hurt to make him move. Shit. Fuck a doodle do. The kid would probably want to sleep with them for a while. Keith managed to slow the girls by wrapping the leashes around the handle of the merry-go-round, letting them start the thing going in circles before they knew what was up. Then Keith sat to catch his breath. Once the duck realized its mortal peril and skedaddled, Seamus let Bruiser off his leash, flinging the tennis ball he'd brought with him. “I think we've been neglecting them.” “Yeah? I'm sorry, love. I know you weren't expecting a ... a me when they sent you out with the babies.” Seamus stopped mid-toss and looked at Keith, growling low. “I wouldn't still be here without you. Would have called it a failure and left.” Keith gave him a look and then nodded. “We're a pack. A really odd little pack.” He trailed off as Jade started chewing through her leash. “Yeah.” Seamus snapped at Jade and she whined, dropping the leash. “We are. Need you, cub. And the kids knew. You notice they didn't start getting rambunctious ‘til this week, yeah?” “Yeah. They're good pups. Aren't you, you sweet beast?” Keith giggled as Liz tackled him, sitting on his chest and licking the cub's face. 642

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They were. They really were. But he still thanked the gods for Keith. “Yeah. I'll miss them when they go.” “Go?” Keith looked over, head following as the merry-goround spun. “Go where? When?” Oh, Hell. Another conversation he kinda dreaded. “When they get old enough they'll go back to the pack to finish their education. Then if our little experiment works, they'll go somewhere else and start a new pack.” “But...” Keith sat up, stopping the merry-go-round, arms wrapping around Jade's fluffy neck. “Seamus? Somewhere else? Where? Can we visit? How long?” “Yeah. We can visit.” Liz and Bruiser did the same thing Jade did. Whined and huddled up to he and Keith, knowing something was wrong. Seamus clipped Bruise to the leash and went to sit by Keith. “And I don't know how long. Until their first change, whenever that is.” Keith held the girls, petting and easing them, growling and vocalizing low for them. “Oh, that's going to be so hard, love. They ... they're our family.” With one hand Seamus petted Bruiser. The other he used to pet Keith. “I know, babe. I know.” They sat together for a while, then Liz started gnawing on Jade's ear and Jade started teasing Bruiser. “Okay. Ice cream. They've been good. You beasties want ice cream? Tell Seamus you want some!” Oh, Keith was an evil thing. Because wasn't he wanting to escape that very noise? Shit. “I'll get you for that. C'mon you rampaging lot of fur.” 643

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Keith grabbed the girls, chuckling low as they headed for the ice cream stand. “Our rampaging lot.” For the time being, yeah. And Seamus wouldn't have it any other way.

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Chapter 9 He was cooking stew for the pups. It was a nice, thick, rich stew. Full of meat. Perfectly spiced. Tasty. And just because it was going to be ready at 3 in the morning took nothing away from it. Keith was *not* going to let this ... this ... *itch* take over his life. Not. Not even if he couldn't sleep and was always hungry and itchy and bouncy. It was bad enough that his whole life was disrupted—well, not even bad, not really. He had Seamus, after all and that was good. Real good. Fabulous, even. And he loved Seamus and everything and ... Where was he going with this again? Oh, stew. Right. The stew looked good. Speak of the devil. Long, familiar arms wrapped around him, and Seamus nuzzled the back of his neck. “Smells good, babe.” He moaned, wriggling back into Seamus’ warmth. “Yeah. I was hungry. Sounded good.” A gusty sigh landed on his skin. “I'll bet it is. Still not gonna make the hunger go away.” 645

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“Something's got to, love. I can't. Not again. I did it once, proved I could. Now I have to beat this.” It hadn't been the killing that was the worst. No, it was the fact he liked it. Wanted it. Was hungry for it. The next sound was a frustrated growl and Seamus nipped him. Hard. “It's not like fucking cigarettes, babe. Doesn't work that way.” He yelped, ass pressing back against Seamus as he arched. “Ow! Shit, love. That stings.” “Good.” The growl got louder, Seamus pressing hard against him, lips and tongue working his nape. He panted, rubbing against his lover, soft, hungry whimpers escaping him. “You gotta hunt, cub. Don't want to lose you.” Seamus panted, pushing against his ass, hard and needy. “Won't lose me, love. I need you.” He widened his stance, tilting his hips and begging for more. “Will if you don't, babe. I will. And I want you here with me.” Seamus pulled him away from the stove, shoving him against a counter, kicking his legs apart. “I can't. I want to too much. I'm afraid if I do it again, I'll never stop.” The words were gasped, his entire body trembling with need, with so much hunger. A low whine sounded, then Seamus was lifting him, spreading him, draping him over the countertop, ripping at his sweats. “Please. Love. Hurry. I need.” His nails were scrabbling at the counter, fire ripping through him. 646

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Seamus needed too. Keith felt it in the heat of Seamus’ body, the hardness of those rough hands. The room spun as he went up, ass going back, and then Seamus nudged at him, huge and hot and stretching him wide. The sound that tore from his body was one of pure need as he pushed down, fucking himself hard on that thick heat. “Fuck! Cub.” There it was, that edge that made Seamus’ voice something less than human, the deep, throaty growl. Seamus pushed in deep, deeper than anything before, ramming him hard. Oh, yes. Just what he needed. Just. There. Oh. His thoughts shattered, leaving only pure, raw lust behind. Seamus pounded him, holding him easily in the curve of one arm, the other hand coming around to squeeze and pull his cock. He slammed down onto his lover's cock, then howled as he came, spurting over Seamus’ hand. Several grunts, thrusts and praising nips hit his skin before Seamus came as well, filling his guts with heat. Keith panted, sensation and pleasure tickling his skin. “Love you. So good.” “Mmmm. Love you.” Seamus rested against him, damp and hot and pressing heavily against him. “What am I gonna do with you, cub?” “Keep me forever and fuck me blind.” A sound almost like a sob was his answer, along with a soft press of lips to his head. “If you last that long, cub. I promise.” “I love you, Seamus. I won't leave you. I won't.” He wrapped himself in his lover's arms, holding on tight. 647

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“I hope not, cub.” Seamus nuzzled and licked and made the itch go away for just a little while. “I hope not.” **** Fucking cub had to hunt. Had to. Seamus could tell he was gonna go any day. Kid never stopped itching, never stopped pacing, and when they weren't fucking they were fighting. It was gonna kill him. No way was he going to lose this one. No fucking way. He would fucking hold Keith down and force feed him if he had to. The kid hardly spoke, just growled and whined, and even the pups were feeling the sting of Keith's need manifesting itself in bad temper and bared teeth. Seamus was going out. He was going to go out and get a kill and bring it back and Keith was going to eat it if it hare lipped everyone. Keith eyes hadn't been dark in days. Seamus could see them as the cub paced from kitchen to front room, glowing, bright. Damn it all. “M'going out, babe. Come with me? You need to eat.” A sharp, unhappy bark was Keith's answer, the sound miserable, hurting. Lost. “Oh, babe. Please?” He hurt. And if he did, the poor kid must be burning up. Keith pushed against him, whimpering softly, panting and shivering in his arms. “I know, cub. I know. I know what you need. Please. You promised you wouldn't go.” God, he hated the whine in his own voice. Some pack leader he was, but he needed Keith, so badly. 648

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“Help me. Please.” The words were harsh, more growl and bark than anything, whispered against his throat. Heavy and dense, hands curled into claws, tongue stumbling over toolong teeth, his Keith was fading. “Love.” “Yes. I promise. We'll make you all better. All good. I swear. You just have to hunt.” He stroked and nuzzled and licked, feeling the unnatural coat the cub sported, tasting his own tears. “Come on. Yeah. We'll go.” Keith nuzzled his throat, head bobbing in a nod. The tremors eased, the cub hearing him, listening. Trusting. They'd take the tunnels. They go and hunt and Keith could eat his fill. Fuck. Seamus had hunted twice since Keith had that once. God. He slid away, a sharp bark commanding Keith to follow. Every nerve in his body commanded that they go now. Keith padded behind him, quiet, sure, deadly. The hunger on the air was strong enough that the rats and pigeons fled before them, the stray dogs cowering. Yes. The cub knew what to do on instinct, and even if Keith hated Seamus for it after, he would do his best to let that instinct keep them together. Keep them a pack. When they moved closer to the end of a tunnel branch, Keith sniffed, growled low. Seamus could sense the cub's hackles rising. Perfect. Someone was there, just beyond. Someone scented with alcohol and desperation, someone who would run and fight and not be missed. Seamus faded back, letting Keith take the lead, letting his mate get the bloodlust up. 649

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Keith did not seduce or tempt; there was no thought in this hunt. The cub ran on pure instinct, taking up the chase with a low growl, body black and sleek in the streetlights. His own eyesight sharpened, sense of hearing and smell becoming acute, and Seamus let it go, let himself go as he had not since he found Keith all those weeks ago, running the prey with a savage joy. He could feel his mate's pleasure in the air, hear it in the sharp sounds. See it in the way Keith moved with him, willing, hungry. Free. Yes. That was what he needed. What Keith needed. He nipped at Keith's heels, slowing them, drawing it out a tiny bit, but in the end it was a matter of seconds before their prey went down under Keith's sharp jaws. The cub fed deep, tearing into their prey with a single-minded need, snarling and snapping. The need almost overwhelmed him, but Seamus held back, letting Keith have his fill. There would be another this night if need be, one for him as well as the cubs. Keith needed to feed. Needed to be his cub again. Finally, Keith slowed, bright eyes flashing at him. The look was sultry, sated. Wicked. “Another, love? Younger? Fresher? Not so...” Keith licked his lips, chuckling low, “beer-soaked?” He growled, nodding, moving away. He needed. Then he was gonna fuck the cub silly. Keith moved with him, hunger sated, but hunting beside him. With him. Just where he belonged. **** Better. 650

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Oh. Yes. Better. He felt ... Good. Awake. Alive. He could see everything, smell the motions of prey, the scent of the city. Better than all of that—better than the blood and the flesh and the life? Seamus. His Seamus. They moved together, quiet, quick, searching together for something to ease his lover's hunger, to feed their pack. Seamus was on the edge of desperation. It showed in every line of that big form, in every tightly leashed movement. So good to him, letting him have it all, holding back the natural urge of the Alpha. But now Seamus needed. The scent of fear was up ahead, of anger. Of lust. A young girl burst out of an alleyway, tears streaming. An older man, healthy, strong, threw a beer bottle after her, screaming obscenities. He looked over at Seamus, eyebrow raised. A single nod and Seamus was moving like smoke, fading into the shadows, only the glow of those gold-green eyes giving him away. Hunting. He kept in the shadows, head down, moving just enough to distract, to intrigue Seamus’ prey. Seamus circled as the man moved toward him, cursing and waving his arms. It was too easy, but Seamus didn't draw it out, just attacked from behind, taking the man down by the legs. He moved in, ripping out the man's throat, snarling at the splash of sweet, hot blood on his tongue. A sharp bite fell on his neck, Seamus warning him to back off, nothing left of his 651

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man in this Seamus. The tender belly was Seamus’ by right. He growled, but stepped back, tongue lapping the blood off his lips. Quick as anything, Seamus moved in and tore into the meal, snarling over it, more heat and metallic scent spilling into the night. Then Seamus slowed, licking the elongated muzzle, and bent, clasping something and offering it to him delicately. The choicest parts. His own right as Alpha's mate. He licked Seamus’ muzzle in thanks, then bent, eating quickly, feeling the strength and power and pleasure fill him, ease aches that had tortured him. The feast was too soon over, and Seamus nudged him away from the carcass, a short, sharp bark urging him to follow. By the time they reached the end of the alley, Seamus walked upright. “We didn't leave enough for the pups.” He nodded, focused. So clear, so alive*. He could feel Seamus’ desire, smell the hunt on the air. “Where to? Closer to the tunnel or do we clean up and find someone to follow us home?” “Close to home. I'm not dealing with the dance, babe. Want you.” That sent a shiver through him, made him growl something. “Good. Hurry.” “Yes.” It took them all of five minutes to find a good meal to take home, took less to procure it. Seamus was on a roll.

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They worked quickly, not talking, just moving with a quiet desperation to get the pups fed and settled, get things safe. Waiting until they could finally break. Touch. Jade and Liz and Bruiser met them with licks and whines and low heads, tails up. The meal seemed to reassure them, make them happy, and as soon as the pups were digging in, Seamus dragged him off. He went easily, eagerly. He had days to make up for. Weeks. The door to the bathroom shut behind them and Seamus growled, pushing him back, mouth closing roughly over his. Need and passion sparked between them and he pushed into Seamus’ body, meeting that hard kiss head-on, hands burying in that thick red hair. Hard, hot, desperate for him, Seamus took his mouth, hands moving over his body like they were searching him, making sure he was there. He moved into the touches, thighs parted, one leg hooking around Seamus’ hip. Fuck, yes. His. Good. So fucking good. Nothing that urgent could last, and Seamus spread him wide, using spit and fingers to loosen him before pushing inside him, burning him up. The thrusts were sharp, fast, fierce. He used his strength to meet that hard, hot body again and again. Between kisses Seamus growled at him, begging him not to leave, never leave. The sounds tore at him, and he was glad when Seamus bit down on his shoulder, stifling a howl as Seamus came hard inside him. He wrapped around his mate, rubbing, rocking, his spunk hot and wet as it spread between them. Holding on tight, 653

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Keith pet and promised, holding Seamus close, mouth moving over whatever skin he could find. “Love you, cub. So much.” “Yes. Love you, Seamus. Mate. Love.” He took a soft kiss, then another. “I'm sorry.” “Just promise me you won't ever do it again.” Seamus stroked his back, their breath slowing. “That you know what you are.” “I am your mate. Pack.” He growled softly. “Not one of them. Not anymore.” “Exactly.” A soft nuzzle showed Seamus’ approval, and then it was into the tub. They stank.

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Chapter 10 Seamus rolled off the bed, stretching hugely, muscles pulling and joints popping. Good nap. The bed was still full of arms and legs and Keith's mop of hair and the kids’ furry tails. He grinned, pulling back the blanket and popping Keith hard on the ass. “Hey, cub. What's for dinner?” Keith startled, snapping at him and pushing further under the blanket, ass disappearing behind Bruiser. Oh ho. Someone was feeling a little bruised and snarly. Maybe he'd been a little too rough with the kid the night before. But damn it was good. “Come on, cub. M'hungry.” Bruiser's eyes opened, the puppy yawning, tail wagging at the idea of food. Keith frowned at the pup as the heavy tail whacked him. “Traitor. Want cereal?” Jade barked sharply with a firm no. “There. See?” His stomach rumbled, and Seamus grabbed a foot, tickling. “Want meat.” “‘m going to bite your ass.” Keith growled, although there was laughter underlying it, a flash of playful dark eyes. “Promise? I'll wag my tail just for you, babe. Don't you want some hot, sweet, fresh stuff?” Oh, yeah. He was hungry. Just the thought made him hard. A low rumble sounded and the pups scrambled as Keith pounced, leaping right at him. They went down in a flurry, wrestling back and forth hard enough to rock the bed when they hit it, the pups barking 655

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excitedly. He laughed, panting hard. “That the best you can do, cub?” “Taking it easy on the old-timer is all.” Keith head butted him, teeth threatening his throat, daring him. That made him snarl, made him turn the kid beneath him and slam those thin shoulders to the floor, teeth closing over the cord of Keith's throat. “Mine.” The pups had gone still, three pair of eyes watching, waiting. Keith gave a soft rumble, head falling back, soft belly offered without hesitation, and the babies relaxed. “Yours.” “Mmmhmm.” He nuzzled and licked, rubbing hard. God, the kidgot to him in every way. Knew when to push and when to give in. And he was hot. Hands tangled in his hair, thin legs wrapped around his hips and held on. Keith was hard against him, full and hot and eager. Eager for him. Growling, Seamus barked the pups right out of the room, then pulled back and lifted Keith's hips in his hands. Those legs slid up over his shoulders, just like he'd planned, and Seamus bent to lick at Keith's tight little hole. Needy whimpers and wild little howls filled the air, Keith shaking in his hands, muscles taut. Fuck, yeah. Seamus got that hot space ready for him, fucking it with his tongue like he wanted to fuck it with his cock. So good, watching the cub go crazy. For him. The sounds grew more and more desperate, Keith's nails scraping along the floor. He could smell the strong musk of his cub's need, rich and heady. When his cub was wet and ready, Seamus bent those long legs double, pushing Keith's 656

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knees to his shoulders and pushing in hard. His cock slid right in, hot and tight and fuck he was just howling with it. Each thrust was met by a grasp of needy fingers or a cry or a ripple of that fierce grip of a body. He fucked that ass as hard as he could, growling, biting, feeling skin break beneath his teeth. Keith cried out, sharp and sweet, ass clenching around his cock as the cub sprayed hot seed between them. A long howl escaped him, and Seamus filled that sweet ass with spunk, hips pumping hard. “Yours.” The whisper was soft, accompanied by a long soft lick to his throat. “Love you.” “Mmm.” The skin beneath his lips tasted of salt and sated need. “Love you, cub.” Seamus’ stomach rumbled. “But that still doesn't get you out of bringing in some take out.” **** He was vibrating, walking with his hair hanging into his face to conceal his glowing eyes, the way his nose twitched. The way his tongue kept sliding over his lips, hunting for the taste of blood. They were never going to get to the house fast enough. Definitely not, the way Seamus kept scenting him, low growls coming from deep in that wide chest. Finally it was like the tiny thread holding Seamus together snapped, and he was pulled into an alley so fast he couldn't even blink. Keith snarled, the instinct to fight or fuck undeniable, the scent of his Seamus rich and strong. Seamus shoved, pushing him hard against a wall, taking a kiss that drew blood. He 657

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growled, claws raking across Seamus’ shoulders, lips parting wide. Bloodlust was singing through him, between them. “Gonna fuck you good.” The voice was low, guttural, Seamus lifting him with strong hands and pulling him close. “Hard. Want to feel you.” He scented Seamus, panting as he inhaled. “Yeah. Fuck yeah, babe.” Seamus knew his mood, knew he didn't need tender preparation, just shifted their clothes out of the way and pushed in, hard and fast. His howl echoed against the building, wild and sharp, claws digging into the brick. His own sounds blended with Seamus’ deep growls, a hair-raising harmony as Seamus pounded him. Better than the hunt, better than the splash of blood on his tongue—Keith needed Seamus deeper even than the beast. His Seamus was wild with need, biting, scratching, pulling him up, spreading him wide. Slamming him. He met each thrust, body tight, taking his lover in deep and deeper, head tilting as he offered Seamus the curve of his throat. Seamus took, teeth sinking into his throat, the vibrations of a howl moving against his skin as Seamus filled him with hot spunk. The bright heat of the bite sent him over, come pouring from his cock as blood spilled into his Alpha's mouth. Panting, chest heaving, Seamus lapped at his blood, low sounds of approval coming out. His head lolled, his hungers eased for the moment, muscles loose and fluid with pleasure. No more solid than he was, Seamus leaned, plastering him to the wall. “Oh, babe.” 658

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“Yeah. Yeah, love.” He grinned, feeling so good, strong, fucking flying. “Love this, with you.” A toothy grin and a hot kiss were his reward. “Love you, babe. Now we should go feed the pups, yeah?” “Mm-hmm. Feed the babies and then it'll be time to play some more, yes?” He butted Seamus’ jaw gently, chuffing, rumbling. “Play hard?” “Real hard babe.” Seamus’ tongue caught his cheek, rough and firm. “Good. Let's go home.” They headed out, moving as one, just like before. This time though, Keith was searching for his lover's scent upon the air.

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Chapter 11 Seamus hung up the phone and stared blankly at it for a few minutes. Well, maybe it was more than a few minutes, because Bruiser whined and started licking his hand. Well, fuck. He needed Keith. Like now. Needed to wrap around him and just hold on. What if the Elders thought Keith was a danger to the pack? What if they told Seamus Keith had to go? What if they decided the experiment wasn't working and they had to go back? Keith was a city boy, born and bred. He might like to visit the pack lands, but Seamus doubted Keith would flourish there. Fuck, fuck, fuck. There he was, in the living room, with Jade stretched out on his feet and Liz curled up on one side. Seamus went to Keith and shifted Liz to one side, crawling onto the couch and glomping. Keith looked up at him with those almost-black eyes, snuggling close, a concerned little whine sounding. “Bad phone call?” “Elder's coming this week to check our progress.” Better. Seamus snuggled, nuzzling, taking in the scent of his mate. Hands pushed through his hair, petting him, comforting him. “Okay. Is that bad?” A growl escaped. “Well, he says he's going to evaluate us too.” 660

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“Us?” Keith leaned back, frowning. “What do you mean? Do you mean they may not want me helping with the pups?” “I mean they don't know you, know you weren't born this way. They'll want to make sure.” He trailed off, inhaling deeply. No way. No way were they taking Keith from him. “Make sure what?” Keith pushed close, scenting him, tongue sliding along his jaw. “You're worried, love. I can smell it on you.” “Make sure you'll be strong enough, I suppose is the easiest way to put it.” Why the Hell was he pussyfooting around? If Keith was going to lose it he would have a few months back. They were hunting together seamlessly now. “It's just that most of the ones who are turned ... well, they go bad, love.” “Go bad? Seamus?” One dark eyebrow arched, Keith's look almost funny in its mixture of aggravation and confusion. “Go bad how, love?” “There's lots of ways.” The clothes keeping him from skin made him impatient, and he tugged at them, pulling them away. “A lot go crazy the first couple of weeks because they don't know about the hunt, you know?” “Okay. Yeah. I can get that.” Keith worked at getting him naked too, the thin hands sliding over his skin, soothing him, loving him. “Keep going. I need to know.” “Right.” Oh. He arched as Keith scratched that spot at the small of his back. So good. “Then there's the ones who go a little nuts on the opposite side, go feral, sorta. Like they go too far with the new side of them. They're like ... rabid. Have to be put down.” 661

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“I'm not letting you put me down, Seamus.” Keith nipped him, kept touching. “Okay, so that's so not me. Horny? Hungry? Yeah. Feral? No.” “I know. But see, we have this additional thing with the pups. He'll be watching you close, seeing if you have the right instincts and all that shit.” That skin. God, it tasted good. “I know you do. But I'm worried that they won't see.” “We'll have to make them see. I'm not leaving you, not leaving our pack.” Heat trailed along his neck, nails scratched his flanks. “I belong here.” “Yes. Yeah, babe. There.” Searching out the spot on Keith's throat that bore his mark, Seamus licked and sucked, making it dark again. Soft little growls sounded as the cub exposed the vulnerable throat. Keith rubbed against him, the scent of arousal strong, male, undeniable. His own arousal grew on leaps and bounds, and Seamus snarled, rolling them to the floor, scattering the pups. Keith's belly was flat and smooth and he rubbed his cheek there, getting more of that amazing fucking scent. Keith's hands found his hair again, holding on, little cries sounding. The muscles in that belly rippled and jumped, shifting under his touch. Another growl came out of him, this one approval and lust, and Seamus licked down to Keith's sharp hipbones, chin just grazing that sweet cock. The scent of his mate was stronger here, rich and sweet, clinging to the pale, fine skin. The need made him dizzy. God, how did he ever live without this? Seamus nuzzled, sliding beneath and between 662

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to lick at Keith's heavy balls, loving the feel of them, the wild taste. Thin legs parted for him, those hips moving in slow, easy waves. Keith's moans came low and constant now, a familiar song of need and want. The moans vibrated through him, into him, driving him crazy. He needed. Oh, he needed, those thighs spread wide as he leaned to lick at Keith's hole. A sharp cry sounded, Keith's legs drawing up and back, opening wide to his touch, his tongue. “Love. Seamus. Please. More.” His. Keith was his and no one, not an Elder, not the pups, no one would take that away. He pushed into Keith with his tongue, making his mate ready for him, loving the sounds he got in return. Each thrust was met by those hips, Keith moving and growling and needing—fucking dancing for him. For him. “God.” He surged up, covering Keith with his body, unable to wait. His cock slid in, tight heat fucking squeezing him, and he panted, biting and growling. “Love you.” “Yes.” Keith arched and pushed down on him, hips grinding. “Not going to let you go, Seamus. Need you.” “Mine. MINE.” The cub reduced him to single syllables, for God's sake. Those skinny hips fit his palms perfectly as Seamus lifted and pulled and got them together just right, and he cupped one ass cheek in each hand. Keith lifted onto his elbows, pushing harder, panting for it. “Yes. Yes. Yours.” Biting down on Keith's throat, Seamus pounded the cub, hips snapping, losing any kind of rhythm. Claiming, that's 663

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what he was doing. A howl sounded, his mate's body clenching and rippling around his as the scent of Keith grew heady, intense. Harder, faster, he drove them both relentlessly, lifting Keith's hips high, pushing all the way in. A low snarl was all he could manage as he shot so hard his ears rang. When the debris settled and he could hear something beyond the pounding of his own heart, Keith was holding him, lips sliding over his face. “Love you. Not going to let you go, Seamus. I won't.” “No. Not letting anything take you away.” They'd find a way. Hell, he was probably worried over nothing. But he knew the Elders. And they were always a pain in the ass. **** The cub was hungry. Not for the hunt, necessarily. Or for a steak dinner. No, Keith needed a good hard fuck, and Seamus was teasing him mercilessly. The apartment was hot, the air not working quite right, and Seamus stripped down to nothing and proceeded to be domestic and clean up after the pups. Which he never did. But bending over to pick up chewed up socks gave Keith quite a view, and he could hear the kid panting behind him. Made him hard. He heard a low growl, felt the brush of hands and breath against his ass. “Seamus...”

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“Hmmm?” He kept the chuckle out of his voice and played dumb, spreading his legs and giving his ass a wiggle. God, he loved being stalked. Thumbs slid over his inner thighs, tickling him. “Want...” The growl was lower, harsh, Keith's tongue against the small of his back. “What? What do you want, cub?” He let Keith push him down on his hands and knees, arching his back to give the kid more skin. Teeth scraped over one ass cheek, making him jerk. “You...” “All yours, babe.” Fuck that felt good. Made his muscles bunch, made him sweat harder. Another bite marked him, Keith whining. That hot tongue slid over his skin, tasting him, wanting him. A soft growl rose in his chest. Fuck, yes. “Want your mouth, babe. Use it to get me ready and you can have me.” Thumbs spread him wide and hot, wet touch slid over his hole, tickling and teasing. “Yeah. Just like that.” Hell, yes. That was just what he needed. Just what the cub needed, too, to be the one in control for just a bit. Keith offered him long, needy sounds, tongue pushing inside him. Seamus just put his head down and his ass up and let the kid go, spreading wide and panting for it. No more teasing. Just the feel of Keith's mouth against him and the scent of pure lust. 665

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Nails trailed over his side as Keith pushed inside him, tongue sliding deep. All but howling, Seamus pushed back, riding it for all he was worth. So good and hot and right. “Mine.” Keith raised up, covering his back with the hot belly. “Now. Need.” “Yeah. In me, babe. Now.” Seamus relaxed, asking for it with his whole body. His mate took what they needed, gave what they needed. The thrusts were hard, firm, sudden and fierce and wild and perfect. They rocked together, Seamus letting Keith set the pace, giving it up as he rarely did. “Love...” “Love you.” Keith's cries filled the bedroom, sharp teeth sinking into his shoulder. He growled, trying to get his balance to reach for his cock, not able to as Keith pounded his ass. “Babe. Please. Close.” Those teeth tightened, hot fingers closing around his cock and pulling hard. “Fuck!” He rocked once, twice, and then he was snarling as he bucked back against Keith, shaking with the force of his orgasm. “Hell, yes.” Heat pressed inside him, filling him, Keith's hand moving constantly, sliding on his prick. Oh, fuck. The kid just kept going, making him crazy. Hungry didn't begin to describe the cub tonight. Keith lifted his head, whispering. “Mine. Mine, love.” “Yours.” His skin burned, and his cock throbbed, and Seamus all but screamed when the kid scraped his hot spot. 666

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“Oh. There. Just there, love.” Keith started nailing him, one hard push after another. God. He was gonna melt. He was gonna babble. Hell, he was about to get real fuzzy. The cub was pushing his control that bad. That good. Keith howled, driving them both higher, harder, faster. He never went limp, never even got a little soft, just kept on with the hard and the need and Keith was making him crazy, that howl ringing through his bones, and he answered with a snarl of his own, tightening his body deliberately, squeezing hard. “Seamus! Love!” Keith's teeth sank into his shoulder, sharp and bright, heat filling him. Heat that shot right up his spine, pulling another ripping spasm out of him, making him howl, making him check to make sure he was still in his human skin. “Damn, cub. Just damn.” Keith rumbled, nuzzling his shoulder blades, lapping at his skin. “Good.” “Beyond good.” Damn. If that was what he got for teasing his hungry mate he'd have to do it more often. And remember with it that Keith wasn't pack born and raised and didn't have any fucking issues with fucking the Alpha ‘til he screamed. Which was why he loved the cub so much. Damn. That was good.

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Chapter 12 Shit. Shitshitshit. He had to get to the train station. Time to stop dragging his feet and go. Seamus looked around the apartment one more time. Right. Neat as a pin. “Keith? Babe?” Keith popped his head around the door, looking fine all in black, dark hair shining. “Yeah, love?” “I'm off. Be back in a while.” God, he sounded like a nervous wreck, which was dumb. They were going to do fine. They were. “Wait a second!” Keith hurried over, pushed into his arms and gave him a long, sweet kiss. “We'll be waiting.” Oh. That was good. He nuzzled, drinking in scent. “Yeah. It'll be good. It will.” “Yeah.” Keith rumbled and licked, eyes warm and happy. “They'll love me, they'll love the pups.” “Yeah.” God, he hoped so. He needed his mate. He gave Keith one more kiss and a sharp nod. “Right. Back soon.” “We'll be here, sacrificing a goat for good luck.” Keith gave him a wink. “Just don't make a bloody mess.” He grinned, kissed, and left before he got more into the fucking kissing than the going to get the Elder. The Elder who was evaluating his pack. Seamus’ hackles rose, and he growled, making a man on the bus look at him in surprise. His pack. Damn it, it was his 668

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pack, his family. What right did they have to come and look at it and poke it and see if they approved? He would have worked himself into a state, but forced himself to calm instead. The Elders had held their people together for centuries, protected them from the modern world, made sure they thrived. It was only right. Too damned soon he was at the train station, and he was actually early, by about five minutes. Which was just enough time to buy a pack of cigarettes and smoke four or five. Keith would frown at him, and whoever they sent to do the evaluation would frown, but it made him feel better. There it was. Seamus ground out his last butt and went to see who they'd sent. Which crusty old hard ass was going to judge his mate and his pups? Waiting was agony. Seemed like everyone in the whole fucking world was on that train except the Elder, because Seamus knew them all and so far there was not a familiar face. Until there. The slight figure in the heavy coat, shrieking red hair falling in waves over the dark fabric, a single bag held in deceptively delicate looking hands. “Hello, Seamus.” The voice was dear, and familiar, and so unexpected that his heart knocked against his ribs so fucking hard he thought he might fall down. They'd fucking sent him one of the oldest of them all. The fucking oracle herself. Grania. **** The last two hours had been the longest of Keith's life. Nervous? No, he was a good guy, the pups were healthy. 669

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Scared? Nope. Wigged out? Hungry? About to go fuzzy? Nope. Nope. Nope. But those damned pups were doing their best to assure that Seamus’ clean house was ... not. “Bruiser! Put that sock down! Jade, off the sofa! Liz! Quit gnawing on the end table!” He managed, by the skin of his teeth to keep running behind the little beasts, picking up as he went. Which, of course, was exactly the wrong thing to think, as it jinxed him. Just as the door opened, announcing the presence of Seamus and their visitor, Bruiser managed to crash into Jade, knocking her into the stand Seamus kept all his CDs on and sending it crashing to the floor. Bruiser fled, Jade yelped and ran to him for pets and Liz barked her fool head off. And into that walked Seamus and a small woman with a kind, freckled face and bright red hair. Seamus looked resigned. “Hey, babe.” He grinned up, hands automatically burying in Jade's fur, easing her. “Hey, love, ma'am. Liz! That's enough. Hush.” Liz barked once more, then hushed long enough to throw herself at Seamus. Seamus laughed and caught her easily, looking at the woman beside him with a wry twist to his mouth. “They're as keyed up as I am. Sorry. Gran, this is Keith, my mate. Keith, this is Grania. Pack Elder.” Keith stood, so proud to hear Seamus introduce him as mate that he knew he was all grins. He held out his hand. 670

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“Nice to meet you, Grania. Sorry about the crashing. Can I take your bags into the guest room?” She smiled right back and took his hand, and he had the distinct feeling it was all gonna be okay. If they could just get Seamus to relax. “There's just this one. But that would be lovely.” “Okay. Would you like something to drink?” He took the bag, nudging Seamus towards the couch. Liz kept herself plastered to Seamus’ leg, giving him a long glare. “Oh, don't pout, Lizzie. Go get Bruiser and have him say hello.” “Oh, have you any tea?” She sounded normal enough. Which was good. Made it easier. Liz did as he asked dragging Bruiser back out by the tail, Liz growling and Bruiser whining. “Get your ass over here, Bruiser.” Seamus snapped it out, and Bruiser went. Oh, man. His Seamus was grumpy. He put the bag away and then headed back in, the pups all whiny and worried. “Tea? We do. Seamus? You want a beer?” Or a fifth of whisky or some valium or a nice juicy blonde? “Yeah. That would be ... would you sit down or something, Gran? You're making me nervous.” Grania took that completely in stride, slipping out of her coat and handing it to Seamus, or rather, shoving it at him, before perching on the couch and calling the pups over. Keith watched the pups for a second, but they didn't jump and scratch, just gathered around with wagging tails. Oh, good. Good puppies. He dug out the kettle and filled it up, climbing up onto the cabinet for the box of tea. Before he could climb back down, 671

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Seamus was there, pinning him to the cabinet, nuzzling his neck. “Mmm ... hey, love.” He relaxed into Seamus’ chest, inhaling the rich, male scent that was his lover. “Hey. God. Can we just leave?” His mate rubbed against him, sharing scent, marking him. “Okay. The pups sure like her. Maybe she'll baby sit and we can go play.” His love sighed. “Nah. We need to stay. But yeah, they like her. She's that way.” The tension just vibrated through Seamus into him. “Is it bad, then?” He whispered the words, suddenly nervous. “Have I messed up?” “No! No. You're good. It's all good. It's just ... she's important, babe. Really really.” “Oh.” He held Seamus’ hand for a minute, just holding on until the kettle whistled. Important. Really, really. Wow. And quite possibly, damn. “Don't, babe. Not you, too. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said ... she's. Well, Hell.” Seamus pulled the kettle off and let him make the tea while grabbing some beers. Then Seamus grabbed him and kissed him silly. “You'll like her.” He blinked, gasping a little and giving him a nod. “Like who?” Before Seamus could growl, he'd turned and grabbed the teacup, pouring the hot water, grinning wide. A low growl sounded and Seamus’ teeth grazed his neck. “You're cruising for a bruising, cub.” 672

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“Promises, promises, love.” Oh, this was much better than worrying. A soft chuff stirred his hair. “Love you.” “I love you.” He picked up the teacup and took a deep breath. “Let's go rescue her from the hooligans.” “Yeah.” They headed back out to find Grania on the floor surrounded by pups, laughing as Liz chewed on her shirttail. He chuckled, handing Grania the cup of tea before grabbing Liz's pig ear and rescuing the clothes. “Sorry. Lizzie's teething in the back. She likes to gnaw.” “She's a dear. And Bruiser takes after his mentor, hmm?” Bright green eyes, so like Seamus', cut to give his mate a sly glance. “Pouting horribly, and yet obviously the one in charge.” She accepted the cup from him and waved toward Bruiser, who was nipping Jade's tail. Keith sat down by the CD stand and started organizing. He'd be pissed if his seduce-the-Alpha music got nibbled on. Jade came over and settled in his lap, tail wagging and slamming Bruiser in the face. He wasn't going to touch that pouting comment with a thirty-foot pole. No way. “Gee, thanks, Gran.” Seamus wasn't going to either, from the looks of it. “You want the twenty five cent tour?” They got up and Seamus gave Grania the tour and he listened to the murmur of their voices and petted the pups, who were all trying to crawl on his lap. Keith managed to get them sort of settled, Jade on one leg, Liz on the other—drooling on her pig ear, and Bruiser 673

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putting his feet to sleep. Goofy things. He'd be frustrated if they didn't make him laugh so much. “Oh. Now there's a picture.” They were back, and Grania was smiling at him. “They really love you.” “They're good pups. Mostly.” He scritched Jade's ears. “Except for B-A-T-H-T-I-M-E.” Bruiser lifted his head and growled and Seamus laughed. “Yeah, or unless it's time for a walk and I-C-E-C-R-E-A-M.” Keith nodded, covering Liz's ears, which where starting to perk. “They like that.” He grinned at Grania. “A lot.” “I'm sure they do.” It all seemed so normal, so easy. Okay, maybe she was important, but she wasn't scary. Keith just let himself relax, let himself love on the pups and watch his lover and chill out before the hectic thing that was feeding and walking and bedtime. Somehow or another that came quickly, their guest rising and petting the pups and kissing Seamus’ cheek then his before announcing that it had been a long trip and retiring to bed. Leaving he and Seamus to their nightly ritual. It went smoothly, though, and they got the little beasts fed and walked and put down with very little growling and only a few threats. They shut the door and Keith looked up at Seamus. “Thank God it wasn't bath night.” **** Seamus woke the next morning with a stiffie that wouldn't quit and the niggling feeling that there was something he should remember, but couldn't. But since he couldn't 674

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remember what it was, he said fuck it and started rubbing against Keith. Keith moaned and turned, nuzzling against him, lips soft against his jaw. “Mmm. Morning, cub.” He couldn't wait too long, he was so hard. So hot. Seamus turned Keith onto his back and pushed those thin legs apart. “Yeah. Love.” Keith rubbed up against him, eyes halfclosed, hands tangled in his hair. “Yeah. God. Need you.” He did. Something was driving him this morning, something desperate and needy and hurting, and he greased Keith up quick and pushed inside. Too fast, but he couldn't wait. Keith didn't seem too upset though, eyes rolling, hips snapping up toward him. Fingernails raked up along his back, pulling him close. “Love!” “Uhn.” Fuck yeah, that was when it was the best. When the man started to slip away and the real Seamus came to the fore, snarling, biting, hips slamming against Keith's ass. Keith growled, head falling back, offering him that long, pale neck. Growling low, Seamus took what Keith offered, teeth closing with great delicacy, marking Keith as his. His. A low howl sounded, Keith's spunk spraying between him, those glowing eyes rolling. One thrust, two, and he was doing some howling himself, hearing the pups answer from their room. Crap. That's what he was supposed to remember. Grania. He snorted. “Good thing we put in that sound-proofing.” 675

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“Mmm...” Keith nuzzled and grinned. “Yeah. Morning, love. Was good.” “Better than good, babe. Just what I needed. I think I can even face making a real breakfast.” He was feeling much better than the day before. Relaxed even. Fucking A. “Ooooh! Breakfast?” He got another kiss and another, Keith bright-eyed and bushy tailed. “Yeah. Eggs and sausage. Something breakfast-y burrito for the kids. Maybe some bread type things.” “Cool! I'll take them for their morning walk and get a gallon of juice, if you want?” “That would be great. And some lemon honey tea. She likes that.” He grinned. Damn it. It would be okay if it killed him. “Lemon honey tea. Cool.” Keith wiggled out from under him, little ass waggling for him as the cub danced toward the bathroom. His chest vibrated with his growl. “Shake it one more time and I'll be in it again, cub and we'll never get moving.” Keith's laugh was happy and bright, that sweet tail shaking furiously before the bathroom door shut. Rolling out of bed, he made the bed haphazardly before sliding into sweats and heading out to the kitchen. He let the pups out on the way, knowing Keith would want to let them tear around before walking them. About the time he got the pans out, the scent of clean, wet Keith filled his nose and a kiss brushed his jaw. “Mmmm. Oh, and pick up some syrup, yeah? Bruiser ate the last bottle, remember?” He turned, taking a kiss. 676

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“Oh, shit, how could I forget? The sugar high was ... memorable.” Keith grabbed the leashes, stealing one more kiss before bouncing out with three barking pups, leaving the house quiet. Leaving him to deal with Grania. **** The day was moving along better than yesterday. Well, at least it was more normal than yesterday. They'd taken two trips to the store because Jade had bitten clean through the orange juice. And Bruiser had eaten the neighbor's new daffodils. And Liz wouldn't walk on the grass because she decided she was scared of it. And Seamus was more than ready to eat by the time he'd gotten everybody in and unleashed and settled. But there was coffee and pancakes and bacon and laughing and all-in-all? Yeah. Better. Even if Seamus was still growly and snarly and the kids were keyed up by it. Seamus was trying. That was the important thing. It was just that Seamus hated to be questioned by anyone as it was, and having his whole life evaluated had to rankle. Grania spent the better part of the meal looking at Seamus with fond exasperation, which seemed to make Seamus ready to boil over. So when everyone was done eating, and he was wiping syrup off of Bruiser's tail, Grania winked at him, and turned to Seamus. “Seamus, my love. Take the pups out and run them. Work off some of that nervous energy.” 677

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Oh, that set off a frenzy, Liz leaping up into Seamus’ lap and Jade bouncing over to where the hooks were and barking—just in case they'd forgotten where the damned leashes were kept, and Bruiser's happy wagging smeared syrup all over his arm. “Good. I'll do dishes while you're out.” He offered Seamus a smile, almost sympathetic as Bruiser's tail sent Grania's teacup over. “And make more tea.” Seamus looked like he wanted to protest, but the pups were so excited and Grania looked so implacable that Seamus finally shrugged, and kissed him, hard. “I'll be back. Don't let her twist you up.” And with that, Seamus was gathering up the pups and herding them out the door, the only difficulty coming when the tip of Bruiser's tail got stuck in it. Then there was silence. He took a deep breath, just sort of enjoying it a second. Then he smiled over at Grania. “More tea?” “Yes, please. But only if you let me help with the dishes. Oh, that's lovely. How do you stand the pandemonium in such a small space?” “Stand? Oh, the puppies? Well ... they're just babies, they're trying to be good.” He grinned over. “And they're excited about our company.” “They're wonderful.” She smiled back, moving easily around him, gathering up dishes. It was sort of like working with Seamus. “They adore you. It's heartening to see.” “Yeah? Good. I ... I love them. Love Seamus too, you know.” He met her eyes. “I'm not going to let anybody hurt them. They're my family.” 678

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“Yes, I can see that.” He could see her weigh her words, something Seamus rarely took the time to do. The thought made him smile. The last dish was put away dry and the tea was ready before she went on. “Let's sit down and chat.” He nodded, grabbing a soda, a little nervous, but not enough to make his breakfast rumble around. “First off, I think you should know I've made my evaluation already. I knew the minute I walked through the door that this was a good place for the pups, despite being far different than what I envisioned. I suppose one cannot truly understand the city without being here.” Grania sipped her tea, eyes going far off and cloudy. “Oh.” Oh, thank God. Thank God. Nothing else mattered, not really. Not now. They were okay. “I am sorry if you were worried. I know that Seamus has been. But I had to meet you to know, Keith. Only then could I See.” She smiled again, but it was a sad smile. “I was the one to insist upon trying something like this, so it was only right I be the one to come. And frankly, almost any other Elder would look at this place and immediately try to drag Seamus and the pups back to packlands.” “It's a good place, clean, safe. Why, Grania? Why?” “Because it is different, and all things different are frightening to ones as old as they. Indeed, to one such as I. Had I not Seen how our way of life was coming to an end, and Seen that Seamus was the one who was strong enough to leave us ... well. You would no doubt be dead, and the tribe would go on the way they were until we became extinct.” 679

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He shook his head, even as he knew she was right. Seamus saved him, taught him, loved him. “What ... What do you want us to do?” Earnest and serious, Grania leaned forward, putting a hand to his knee. “I want you to love him. I want him to make the pups strong, and help them grow up smart and brave, as they will need it when they return to the pack. And I want you to prepare yourself. For someday soon you will come to us, and they will be harder on you than you can imagine. I am easy, for I see the necessity.” A low sound, much like the ones Seamus used to soothe him, came from her chest. “Do you understand?” He rumbled, but nodded, sure. “I am his mate. Nothing will change that. Nothing, Grania.” “Good.” For a moment, he felt sure he saw the true face of her, her age showing in her eyes. “He is stubborn and hot headed, but he will make a good pack leader.” She laughed. “He takes after his father.” “Yeah? Was his dad cool?” He grinned, folding his legs up under him. “And Seamus isn't hot-headed, he's ... passionate.” The word made him blush dark. “His father was indeed a wonderful young pup. And yes, I can imagine you appreciate his enthusiasm. He tells me you had some difficulty to begin with, accepting your new life.” The change of subject made him blink. “Yeah. I was scared and it was so hard, to change, to look at a person and smell food. But Seamus helped me, showed 680

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me.” He tried not to worry that Seamus had talked to someone about him, told someone he'd fought so hard. “He's very proud of you. So many that are not born into it are lost.” There was that hint of sadness again, and the pat to his leg. “I am glad he has you.” “I'm okay now. I wasn't going to leave him alone. I won't.” He couldn't stop his soft whine, though, his need to find Seamus and press close. As if his need conjured Seamus out of the thin air, the door burst open and Seamus was dragged in by the pups, their tails wagging and tongues lolling. “I swear to God, Bruiser, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week.” Seamus got everyone untangled and looked at him sharply before glaring at Grania. “You through grilling him?” Keith hopped up and took the leashes, using the act as an excuse to smell, to touch, to ease himself with Seamus. “Quite through, yes,” Grania answered. “And I'll thank you to keep a civil tongue, Seamus. I am still your Elder, and family besides. Now, I think the pups and I will watch one of those movies on tape. You both look a little worse for wear. Why don't you go and get cleaned up?” Seamus had time for a snort and a, “Yes, Gran,” before Grania swept off to the living room, a low bark bringing the pups to heel behind her. “How does she do that...” He watched for a second, just a little stunned, then turned and pushed into Seamus’ arms. “Kiss me.” 681

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“Okay.” Seamus pulled him close, hands hard on his back and ass, and kissed him breathless. Oh. Okay. Yeah. Better. He moaned, fingers petting through the thick, heavy hair. He wasn't giving this up. Not ever. No matter what. Seamus was his. A low groan answered his unspoken thought. “Yours.” “Uh-huh. Mine.” He whimpered. “Need you, love. Shower? I'll be quiet. Promise.” “Yeah. Now.” They stumbled and staggered, and finally Seamus just carried him, dragging him into the bath. He managed to get Seamus’ t-shirt up and off, get those blue jeans unfastened and his fingers tangled in those heavy red curls crowning his mate's cock. “God. Babe.” That low voice became a deep growl, approval and need and love all in one sound. Seamus ripped at his clothes, snarling when they caught and dragged, finally getting to his skin. Keith nodded, climbing up until his legs were wrapped around Seamus’ waist, cocks moving together, with a fierce need—steady, strong, growls and whimpers shared between them. “Oh, cub.” Hard and fast, Seamus moved against him, biting at his bared throat. “Yours. Never ... never fucking letting you go.” He growled low, hips humping furiously, need riding him. “No. Mine. Not letting anyone take you.” Seamus pulled him even closer, trying to crawl into his skin. 682

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He nodded, their mouths crashing together, the contact soothing deep inside even as he body seemed to catch fire. Hand, tongue, cock, they all pushed him higher and higher, making him crazed. His nails scratched all the way up Seamus’ back, his howl ringing through the bathroom as he came, seed spraying over Seamus’ belly. So much for quiet. Seamus was no better, snarling and growling loud enough for a full pack with empty bellies, Seamus rocked against him, heat spilling over him, into him. He slumped in Seamus’ arms, panting. “Oh. Oh, needed that. So needed that.” “Yeah. Oh, babe.” They rested together, their scent strong and mingled and good. “You all right?” “Yeah. She says we're good, the puppies and everything.” He nuzzled into Seamus’ throat. “She just sorta worried me.” “She talks in fucking riddles. Wait until you see her have a fucking vision.” Seamus laughed, forehead resting against his. “I love you.” “Oh. Good.” He held on tight. “I love you.” He closed his eyes, drifting, then opened them again. “Visions? Like as in visions?” “Yeah. She's a Seer.” “Creepy.” He shook his head. “She said you were like your dad.” “Yeah? She ought to know I guess. She raised him.” They got his feet on the floor and the rest of the shreds of their clothes off, and Seamus pulled them into the shower proper, turning the water on, hot and good. 683

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He grabbed the soap, started washing Seamus with long slow strokes. “Yeah? Did you like growing up there?” “I didn't know there was anywhere but there.” Arching into his touch, Seamus rubbed, loving on him. “But yeah, it was good.” “You miss it?” He scratched and petted, fingers knowing just where to touch. “I did. When it was just me and the pups. Still do, sometimes, when I really want to just run. But I'd give it all up forever for you, babe.” Wasn't often Seamus got so blunt, or said those kinds of things. It warmed him. He leaned up and took a kiss, rubbing them together, heart just pounding. “Mate...” “Mine.”

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Chapter 13 She was gone. Thank all the Gods and little fishes, Grania was gone, and taking a favorable report back with her. The pups were asleep, fed and happy and snoring away in a pile of snouts and tails. The apartment was fairly clean, the trash was disposed of, and the blinds were drawn. Time to fuck his mate into the floor. If he could find him, that was. Where the Hell was Keith anyway? “Babe? Did you change your mind and run away?” A happy laugh came out of the extra bedroom. “Nope. Just making sure there wasn't any trash left in here. You sorry she's gone?” “Hell no. Get that skinny ass of yours out here, babe. Want you.” God, he was reduced to growls already. It would be a wonder if Keith even understood him. A soft series of rumbles answered him, his mate slinking into the room, eyes glowing. “Not skinny.” “Are too. But still the sweetest ass I've ever had.” He couldn't wait to be naked. The shirt might have to have some buttons replaced, in fact. Keith stripped off his shirt, leaving the cub in nothing but blue jeans. Blue jeans with a big rip at the knee and the upper thigh. Oh, damn. So much for getting naked. He wanted Keith naked first. One long step was all it took to close the space between them, and Seamus dropped to his knees, nuzzling Keith's prick through the thin denim. 685

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“Oh...” The sound was more growl than speech, Keith's hands hard in his hair. Yeah. That whole cloth thing wasn't working for him, though, and Seamus grabbed that very convenient hole and ripped, the jeans coming away in two pieces. Skin. Fuck, yeah. That hard cock bobbed as Keith growled, rubbing his cheek, the scent of his mate strong in his nose. Maddening, that scent. Arousing as Hell. Seamus licked at Keith's cock, the taste exploding in his mouth, making him need, making him growl and squirm. Keith stretched, thighs parting, the velvety sacs swaying and heavy against his chin and jaw. “Mmmm.” So good. Seamus licked all the way up, base to tip, and sucked Keith in, pulling hard with his lips. “Love!” That sweet skinny ass started pushing, cock sliding on his tongue, Keith's hands hard as fuck on his shoulders. Fucking A. He wanted the cub to come for him, wanted that sweet ass relaxed and open for him when he took it. Seamus played Keith's balls, rolling them easily in their soft sac before sliding behind to tease that tight hole. Low, needy whines filled the air, Keith's knees bending, hips rocking furiously between tongue and finger. Sliding that single finger in was easy, so hot and good and Seamus moaned around Keith's cock, his own prick hard enough to pound nails. Keith gave a sharp yelp, hips jerking as his cub came, spunk filling his mouth. Wild and needy and hot with male musk, Keith's seed went down easy, so good he almost came himself. But Seamus had other things in mind, and he let 686

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Keith sag to the floor. He wanted. Needed. Spreading Keith's legs wide, Seamus bent to lick at Keith's crease. Keith moaned, hips jerking back into his hands, against his tongue. Before long he was fucking Keith's ass with his tongue like he wanted to do with his cock, getting it good and ready for him. The taste there was dark and rich, his Keith, only doubled or tripled, and he was growling, hips drawing circles in the air. “Love! Mate! I need!” Keith's nails scraped against the floor. “Yeah.” The wait was over. His self control could only last so long, yeah? Seamus pushed up, covering Keith's body with his, hips pushing Keith even wider. He set himself at the entrance of Keith's body and slammed in, just needing so bad. Keith growled, body gripping him, pulling him deep, squeezing so tight. “Cub! Fuck. So tight. God ... needed you so bad.” He was fucking babbling, but he didn't care. It was just right, just what he needed, and he kept his hips moving, in and out. “Yeah. More.” Keith arched, keening, hand working that pretty cock, hard again, wanting. “Mmmhmmm.” Harder and harder he pushed, leaning down to trap that sweet prick between them, sucking and licking at Keith's neck. Keith held his head close, chin lifting. “Yours. Yours.” Sinking his teeth in, Seamus held his cub in place as they rutted, soft noises growing sharp and hard. Together they were wild, growling and snarling, his mate's body rippling 687

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around him. Nothing that hot could last and Seamus howled, back bowing as he shot into Keith's body, giving his mate everything he had. The cub held him in warm arms, soft rumbles sounding as they rocked, Keith's seed warm and sticky between them. “Oh. Babe.” He nuzzled, licking at Keith's sweat. “Mmm ... yes. Good. Yes.” Keith was loose and heated, liquid beneath him. “We can have our life back, babe. Go hunting soon.” That sounded so good. So hot. That got him a low growling moan. “‘s been a while yeah, love?” “Yeah. Soon.” But first they needed a little nap. It was damned hard to sleep with an Elder in the house.

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Chapter 14 Seamus was itching. Itching led to pacing, which led to growling, and he was fucking vibrating in place by dinnertime, just pissed and hungry and wanting to rip something to shreds. Keith looked over, scenting the air, head tilting. “Love?” “What?” It came out as a snarl, but when he lifted his head to taste the air himself, he could smell Keith, hot and musky, and it eased him. He saw Keith's eyes flare, saw the look go from concerned to hungry in a heartbeat. “You want to hunt.” “Yes.” Seamus bared his teeth, stomach twisting hard with hunger. “Get dressed. We're going out.” Keith stalked around the table and licked at his lips, tasting, teasing. “Mmm ... Yes. I need, love. ‘S been too long.” Then that tight little ass headed down the hall, almost slinking. A low growl escaped him, and he stopped himself from jumping that ass with a major act of will. It would be better to wait. Clothes. He needed to get dressed. By the time he headed down the hall, Keith had shut himself away in the bathroom, something hard and driving playing on the little radio they kept in there. He could just imagine those skinny hips swaying to the beat, that round little ass pushing back and forth. Made it hard to get his 689

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damned pants on, but he did. Seamus went with leather button flies and a mesh shirt so green it was black. “Mmm ... you look good, love.” Keith's voice growled from the door, those dark eyes fastened on him, all lined in black. The cub had poured himself into royal blue vinyl—skin-tight pants and little muscle shirt clinging to every line in the tight little body. On Keith's neck there was a matching collar, a little silver lock at the buckle. “Oh fuck, cub. You ... I could eat you up.” Seamus took two long strides and dropped to his knees, rubbing his cheek against Keith's hidden cock. Keith pushed against him, panting, eyes glowing. “You'll make me forget the hunt.” His teeth scraped over the vinyl. “No. We hunt, then we fuck.” “Yes. Yes, love. Hungry.” Those eyes flashed, glowing, teeth just hinting. “Need to play.” Nodding, he slithered up Keith's body to take a kiss, teeth pricking Keith's lower lip. “Let's go.” He knew his cub would follow as he hit the door. Keith walked beside him, all sex and hunger and need, fucking dancing as they moved together. Deja vu struck him, making him think of Keith's first hunt, how he thought then the cub was a natural. He'd been right. His cub was fucking sex on two legs, drawing glances as they passed. Just like that first hunt, he told Keith, “You choose, babe. Take us where the prey is.” 690

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He saw Keith's nostrils flare, eyes flicking from one club to another, settling on a crowded nightspot filled with heavily made up children who liked to pretend they were living dangerously. “There.” “Yes.” It smelled right to him as well, and the fast, birdlike heartbeat of the music suited his mood. Keith snapped a little leash onto the collar and handed him the end, grinning wide, almost panting. “Remember, love. I bite. Let's go play.” His cock tried to burst right through his pants. The leash fit his hand, warm from being tucked into Keith's pocket. God. Seamus led the way, feeling the stares like hands touching him, driving him higher. The cub was sheer melted sex behind him, pheromones just pouring off into the air, drawing the attention of one hungry gaze after the other. They skipped the bar and went right out to dance, Seamus turning and using the leash to pull Keith against him, grinding hard. They were made to hunt together, to dance and tempt and cull the weak from the herd. He could feel Keith's need, hard and hot against his thigh, feel the roll and twist of that flat belly. He wanted to mark that long, slender neck, right above the collar, wanted to push Keith down right there on the floor and spread the cub wide, fuck him raw. But they needed to feed first. Needed the heat and wet and the sudden violence of it. A heavy hand fell on his back, and he met muddy blue eyes set in a heavy-jawed face. The smell of leather was rich, 691

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strong, almost overcoming the scent of lust. “You rent your boy out? He looks like he needs more than one strong hand.” His first instinct was to snarl, to snap, warn the man off with a show of teeth and flashing gold eyes. Then he looked more closely. Too old for this place, too heavy through the chest and shoulders. A predator in his own right, and just the kind of asshole Seamus was in the mood for. “He does like to play.” Keith danced between them, breath quick and light against his jaw, the softest growl vibrating as the ham hands stroked over that vinyl covered ass. “He's got a great little bod. Pale, too. Bet he shows marks well.” “Yeah. He's everything you want in a pet, trust me.” The words came out from between clenched teeth, but he managed to be civil, rubbing against Keith. “What's his price? I'm single at the mo, but I can buy your booze or let you watch or both.” The bastard had no idea the trouble he was in, none at all. And Seamus was out of patience for the game. “Let's go someplace more private and discuss it, yeah?” Seamus pulled Keith against him, letting the guy get a good look at the front as well as the back, rubbing hard. Keith played it to the hilt, parting and stretching for it, the picture of wanting. Their prey swallowed hard, nodded. “Shit, yeah. We'll find terms.” Seamus jerked his head toward the back. “Outside.” Jerking the leash, he whirled toward the door. “Let's go, cub.” 692

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He heard Keith's soft growl, felt the heat at his ass and shoulder. The man followed closer, daring to touch and pinch and tease as they left. The asshole kept it up, Keith would bite those fingers right off at the hand. He couldn't wait. His cub was earning this one, and Seamus was gonna let him make the kill. They got far enough into the shadows to suit him, and Seamus turned, dropping the leash and circling behind the man to cut off escape. “He's all yours.” “Just like that, thanks bud.” The man chuckled, moved in towards Keith. “Come here, little bit, let me show you a thing or two...” Keith's chuckle was rich, rolling. “Afraid you're too much of a man for me. I need more.” The man reached out for Keith and his cub struck, moving with that speed and need that made his balls ache, taking the man's hand at the wrist. Goddamn that was a joy to behold. He kept watch, not intruding on this kill, letting Keith have it, watching it hungrily. Poetry in motion. Fucking A. It happened so quickly that the fool still kept moving towards Keith, still trying to grab him with a hand that wasn't there. Keith growled and struck again and again, the first bite spilling guts, the second crushing the windpipe. Sure and deadly and all his. His mate. He waited another half a beat before Keith gave him the signal, and he moved in, tearing into his meal, praising Keith 693

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with low sounds. Keith waited, watching, licking his chops and rumbling with pleasure, those eyes lit up and glowing. He backed off after he'd had his fill, leaving the sweetest parts for Keith, as was his due. He ached, his cock and balls throbbing, his belly on fire. Feeding quickly, Keith snapped and pulled, leaving a hank untouched for the puppies. Perfect. They would get the feed home to the pups, that was their job. But then the cub's ass was his. They worked together, covering the mess and heading into the tunnels in no time, Keith panting and growling beside him. “Want you.” “I know, cub.” Was that his voice? Low and deep and husky, he sounded as desperate as he felt. “The pups first.” “Yes. After though. I need.” The last word was a bark, fierce and insistent. He hurried. Damn. The pups were eager and they attacked the kill as soon as Seamus and Keith dropped it, so Seamus figured it was safe to drag Keith to their room and slam the door behind them. The leash hung loose from Keith's collar, those eyes bright, growl ringing. “Yours. You don't share. Ever.” “Hell no. Mine.” He lunged, grabbing that leash and spinning Keith around, tearing at the vinyl. Keith arched and growled, ass pushing into his hands, randy as a bitch in heat. He leaned down as he got that pale skin bared, licking at Keith's crease, sucking up a mark just above one cheek. Soft keening filled the room, Keith's thighs parting. 694

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He mouthed those swinging balls, licked that sweet hole, pushing his tongue in before pressing Keith to the floor and spreading him wide, and shoving in. Fuck yes. Keith's body gripped him, tight and fierce, fucking milking him before he even started moving. No way could he hold still, much as he wanted to savor it. Seamus sank his teeth into Keith's shoulder and shoved his hips forward hard, fucking his cub. Claiming him. Keith's flavor, rich and sweet and wild, drowned out the taste of food, of the hunt, filling him with something deeper, stronger. His mate. His. He threw back his head and howled, filling Keith with his spunk, staking his claim inside and out. The sharp barks that answered him heralded the scent of Keith as the thin hips shook in his hands. Gasping, panting, his chest heaving, Seamus fell forward, squashing Keith on his way down. “Oh, cub. Love.” “Uh-huh. Love you. Better?” “You wouldn't believe.” Then again, maybe his cub would understand perfectly. They were a matched set. Mated for life.

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Chapter 15 Keith slammed the pot into the sink with a growl, hissing as the hot stew splashed and steamed and burned the shit out of one of his fingers. “Goddamnit!” He was fucking done. Jade was sick and snappish, Liz wouldn't fucking stop biting and Bruiser? He shook his head and glared at the big pup. If Bruiser didn't stop trying to mount the girls, Keith was going to get the horny little beast fixed. And, after the whole nasty, growly, wet and gloomy day where everything smelled like mold and nothing went right? Seamus fucking comes home and bitches about having leftovers again. He wasn't the one who made a pot of stew big enough to feed the Chinese army twice. *He* wasn't the one who could have brought home fresh meat. He had been stuck at home. All. Damned. Day. He threw a cup into the sink beside the pot, listening to the shattering glass with righteous pleasure. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Seamus was right there, the low growl in that voice meant to bring him in line. “Don't you rumble at me like I'm a goddamned pup, Seamus.” He turned, just itching for a fight. “You didn't like the fucking food? I got rid of it.” 696

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“Right. So what the fuck are we supposed to eat, huh?” Red brows lowered over snapping green eyes, Seamus crossed those big arms and glared at him. “You're a big boy. You know what a refrigerator is. Find something.” He snarled the words out, his entire body trying to shake. No way was he backing down. He was not a cub. Not. Not at all. “I've had about all I can handle, cub.” That growl was making the hair stand up on the back of his neck. “Don't start that shit. You're hungry? Eat. I fucking dealt with dinner, with Jade and Liz and the boy and I am done!” Oh, fuck, that felt good—to slam and snap and holler. Felt damned good. Those eyes flashed gold, and Seamus snarled. “And who the fuck was out there covering our tracks, making sure no one thinks anything of us living here and eating the fucking neighbors! You think it's so fucking easy?” “I never fucking said anything was easy!” His breath was coming faster and he could smell Seamus, right there, warm and real and goddamnit! Keith was going to handle this like a man. He was not going to lose it. He was NOT going to go fuzzy! Not. Not notnotnotnot! Maybe he wasn't, but Seamus was. “The fuck you didn't. All I wanted was some fucking food.” The words were guttural; they were hardly words at all. “There was food!” He bared his teeth, fucking furious. “You didn't want it? Fucking starve!” 697

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Seamus quivered, lips pulling back from his teeth, deep growls coming from his chest. Advancing on him, Seamus reached for him, hands like claws. Keith backed toward the door, nostrils flaring, snapping at his mate, warning. Low and fast, Seamus came after him, going for his legs. He scrambled, scratching hard along the edge of the counter as he ran, heading for the open living room, the windows, the door. Out. The takedown happened before he could even blink, Seamus cutting him off at the knees, rolling with him, snarling, teeth snapping. The whole world was red and hot and he growled, refusing to back down, to back away. Seamus pinned him, or as near as did, with him struggling like he was. Sharp, sharp teeth closed on his throat, but did not sink in enough to break the skin. He fought for a few more heartbeats, then found himself stilling, stiff and panting, chin lifted to offer the Alpha his throat. Very lightly, delicately, Seamus broke the tender skin on his throat and took his due. Lapping at the blood, Seamus thrust against him, prick hard against his leg. Keith whimpered, adrenaline leaving him shaking, heart pounding wildly. “Mmm.” It was a deep, rich sound, not anger. Lust. Love. Need. He pulled his arms free, pushing them up along Seamus’ body to wrap around the thick neck, hold on, hold tight, fingers tangling in his mate's hair. The kiss Seamus gave him curled his toes, made his belly hurt, split his lips. It was hard and urgent and so hot it burned. His entire body jerked, 698

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pushing up against Seamus, rubbing, needing, soft little yelps filling the air. “Keith.” So deep. Seamus’ voice vibrated through him, against his lips. “Need you.” “Yes. Love. Please.” His anger shifted and slid and ended as a hard ball of need, deep in his belly, eating him alive. Cloth ripped as his shirt and jeans were torn from him, Seamus nuzzling his chest, the skin under his arms, his belly. All the while Seamus pushed against his leg, each thrust rubbing that heavy bulge against him. Seamus’ t-shirt was pulled free and he pushed up, curling around his lover, touching and scratching and nipping whatever skin he could find. “Yeah. Babe.” Seamus pushed away for a moment, yanking off the remaining cloth that separated them. Then his mate was on him, heavy and hard and so hot, spreading his legs. “Fuck! Love!” He drew his legs up, eyes rolling as his body begged, aching for that deep, stretching touch. “Now.” The deep growl was all the warning he got before Seamus surged into him, thick, pushing so deep. Yes. Oh, yes. Just there. Just what he needed and oh ... Oh, please. Seamus. Love. More. His entire world was spinning, the only constant the heat of their bodies together and that burn inside his belly. Seamus thrust into him so hard that they slid across the floor. Deep sounds came with each thrust, growls and moans mixing, Seamus’ breath hot against his cheek. His hands 699

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pulled at the heavy hair, holding on, refusing to let go. He turned his head, licking at Seamus’ face. “Soon, babe. Soon.” Harder, faster, Seamus ground into him, pressing his cock between them. A howl split the air, pushed from him like the seed from his balls, hot and burning and ... “Seamus!” “Yeah! Babe. Fuck!” Seamus shoved into him one last time, hips pumping, cock pulsing in him, filling him. He whimpered, trying to catch his breath, fingers gentling in his mate's hair. Seamus nuzzled, so gentle now, so good and right. “Love you.” “Yes. Love you.” Keith slid their cheeks together. “‘m sorry.” “Yeah.” That low sound, the one that soothed something deep inside him, pushed into his lips as Seamus kissed him. “Sorry, babe.” Oh. Oh, that was better. Even good. Keith cuddled in, rumbling softly. Curling around him, protecting him from the whole world, Seamus nuzzled and licked the sweat from his skin. Sooner or later they'd have to feed the pups. For now they'd let the argument fade, and the making up sink in. And nap a little.

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Chapter 16 Well, the twins were safely back with the pack. Only Bruiser was left, and the pack Elders wanted him to stay with Seamus and learn some old fashioned Alpha behavior. Lovely. He just hoped Bruiser was still alive and kicking when he got home. The damned pup was showing some serious growly tendencies now that they had taken Jade away, and Seamus figured Keith was just going to bean the kid with a frying pan. Keith. God he missed his mate. Was gonna explode, that was how much he fucking missed him. He ached, not just in his balls, but in his belly too, a dull, constant need. Logically, he knew why they had to split the pups up, especially when they traveled like that, but logic had nothing to do with this need. He got in early in the morning, long before sunrise, slipping through the door like smoke, not sure if he'd find peace or carnage. What he found was a little of both—the house was trashed, cushions and shit all over the place. Right in the middle was Bruiser sound asleep, with a worse for wear Keith laying right on top of him, one hand petting even in sleep. He couldn't decide if it was sad or cute. Maybe both. He knew just how Bruiser felt, though, because he had no doubt in his mind that boy and Jade would end up mates. Err. 701

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Or possibly Bruiser and both of the twins. You just never knew. Seamus dropped his duffel and went over, squatting down and stroking the sweet spot at the base of Keith's back. Keith moaned, whining softly as his nostrils flared. “Seamus? Love?” “Yeah. M'here babe. You okay?” Oh, God, that skin felt good under his hand. “Uh-huh. Little gnawed on, Bruiser is not a happy pup.” Keith pushed up into his arms, warm and close and wanting. “How're my girls?” “Sad. But they were glad to be back with the pack, too, so it worked. They miss you and Bruise, though. Kept looking for you.” Damned near broke his heart, too. He hauled Keith close, pressing them together. “Fuck, I missed you, cub.” “Missed you.” Keith buried that warm face into his neck. “Was scared they'd keep you, that they'd decide to not let you come home.” He chuckled, stroking Keith's hair. “Nah. If that was the way they were gonna play it, Bruiser would have come with me.” He pushed Keith away a bit, looking at him, serious as Hell. “You're pack now, love. Mine.” Keith nodded. “I know. I do. It just ... With Bruiser panicking, my imagination got away from me.” He got a grin, a soft kiss. “God, it's good to see you.” “Yeah. Let's take the pup to his room and I'll show you how much I missed you.” He couldn't help it, had to rub up against Keith, let the cub feel it. 702

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A whimper sounded, Keith's eyes flashing as his bottom lip was nipped. “Love...” “Soon.” Seamus pulled Keith to one side and hoisted Bruiser into his arms, the poor pup just making an exhausted whimpering sound and licking his hand. They got Bruiser settled, and Seamus turned on Keith, scooping his cub up just as easily and heading for their bed. Keith wrapped right around him, mouth fastening on his neck and pulling, raising a mark. Thin legs were tight around his waist, hips rocking against him in time with the suction on his throat. Fuck! Yeah. He was just gonna come in his pants. “Keith, need the clothes off, babe. Need to feel you.” “Mmm ... yeah. Need skin...” The words were more growl than anything else, pure need and want and sex. Still, Keith started working on buttons and snaps and zippers. The rip of cloth was loud in the dark, quiet room, louder than their harsh breath. Seamus got the scraps of Keith's clothes off at the same time, then lifted the cub again, rubbing his cock against that sweet ass. Fuck, yeah. Keith's fingers tangled in his hair, tugging their mouths together. “Mine. Oh, love. Need you.” “Now.” He tossed Keith on the bed, watching the cub bounce before scrambling to get the lube. He needed the lube, because this was gonna be hard and fast. Keith grabbed those thin legs, pulling them back and up, exposing that hungry little hole to him, spreading for him. He wanted to lunge right in, but he took the few moments he knew he should to prepare Keith, slick fingers pushing 703

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inside hurriedly. He needed. Fuck, he was fucking frenzied, growling and snarling. “Now. Love. Now.” Keith was panting, dancing on his fingers, wild for it. “Please.” “Yes. Now.” Keith was so open, so ready for him, that he didn't need to wait anymore, and Seamus pressed the tip of his cock against that tight hole, feeling need shudder through him as he pushed in, bit by bit. So fucking hot. The cub arched, growling low, throat stretched and exposed for him. That long, pale throat had haunted his dreams, and Seamus went right for it, lips and teeth fastening hard, bringing up dark blood. He slammed into his cub, over and over, making them both feel it, drinking in Keith's soft sounds. His mate wrapped around him, hands hard on his shoulders, legs wrapped around his waist. “God...” his own voice was shocking loud, the need almost pain, his cock throbbing. Seamus pounded Keith harder, hand going between them for that red prick. “Yes. Mate. Love.” Keith keened, hips jerking harder and harder, seed spraying between them at the first touch of his hand. He came with a sharp bark, hips smacking against Keith's ass, his entire body jerking out a good week's worth of need. “Oh. Love.” His lips were taken in a long, sweet kiss, Keith cuddling into his arms. “Love you. Oh, fuck. Missed you.” 704

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“Yeah. Too hard, babe. Next time I have to go see the pack you come with me. End of story.” Keith nodded. “Bruiser, too. He needs the girls, he cried and cried.” That hit like a punch to the gut. “Yeah. So did they. I hate it, but the Elders had a point. They're too young.” Keith's skin was damp and smooth, and Seamus licked at the sweat. Keith nodded, gave a little moan. “Hard stuff, raising teenagers. He'll understand when he's grown.” “He will.” The scent of them, the taste of Keith, they were making him rise again, making his skin prickle. He wanted to howl. “Love you.” Keith's growl was sweet, needy. “Yeah. Love you. I can feel you in me, love. Feels so good.” “Yeah. My hand just wasn't the same, babe. And they kept trying to give me some female or other, but I couldn't.” That was the way it was, when you went back to the pack they wanted you to mate, if you were an Alpha, but all he could see was Keith. The sound that filled the air was angry, possessive, Keith's body clenching around his. “Mine. They should know you are mine.” Oh, fuck that was good. His cub, all growly over him. He chuckled. “Hope springs eternal, babe.” This was Keith's show now, and Seamus let the cub set the pace. Those pretty eyes flashed and Keith snarled, hips moving against him. “My mate. I won't share.” “Yours.” Eyes rolling, Seamus started thrusting again, needing so bad. Answering Keith's need. 705

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“Yes.” Those teeth were sharp on his throat as Keith latched on. “Mine.” He growled, allowing the claim, encouraging it with hands and hips. They shifted and rolled, Keith settling in his lap, arms tight around his neck. “Cub.” He moaned, reaching down to grab Keith's ass. “So good.” “Yes. Love you.” Keith took one sharp-toothed kiss after another, his cub so hungry for him, bruising his lips. All he had, everything he could give, Seamus let go, hips rising and falling, soft growls coming up from his chest. Too long. He'd been away too long. They found a rhythm as familiar as hunting, slow and steady and real. Keith's eyes were focused on his and he could see himself reflected back. Mate. A closed circle of love and need. Seamus cried out, hips jerking hard as Keith bit once more into his neck, hands squeezing, holding Keith to him. Keith whispered out his love as he came, just close in his arms. “Mmm.” Oh. Better. He smelled right again, felt easy in his bones for the first time in what seemed an age. His mate cuddled close, just rocking gently, soft sounds filling the air. “Love you, babe.” They'd rest, nap until morning. And then they'd figure out how to make Bruiser clean up his damned mess.

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Chapter 17 Keith woke up and stumbled for the hallway. Something had woken him up—maybe he had to pee, maybe the newspaper hit the front door. Hell, maybe Seamus had farted. Didn't matter. He was awake now and needed coffee in the worst possible way. The beans were ground, the water measured and Keith found himself standing in front of the fridge, staring at eggs and sausages and bacon and ... It was a damned good thing the Pack subsidized them, because Bruiser ate like a horse. A really big, meat-eating, shaggy horse that howled. And liked bad kung-fu movies. Keith shivered. Oh, it was just too-fucking early to be thinking. He pulled out some bacon and a dozen eggs, setting them on the counter and bending to grab the electric skillet when he heard ... something. A sob? He frowned, heading down the hall, nostrils flaring. There. There it was again. It sounded like Bruiser, but not. He bristled, growling low. God help anyone in there bothering their pup. Keith pulled Bruiser's bedroom door open, set to battle and protect and ... Oh. 707

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Oh, God. A naked kid was curled on the floor, blue eyes wide and scared, blond hair mussed. The look on that unfamiliar face broke his heart and Keith dropped to his knees, one hand carefully reaching out. “Oh, Bruiser...” Bruiser, or the kid who used to be a pup, just snapped at him, the strangest sound coming out of him. Like he didn't know how to growl with human vocal chords. “Hey, pretty boy. Don't be scared. You'll be okay. You're just fine.” Keith leaned his head out the door. “Seamus! I need you!” Bruiser whimpered, scrambling back away from him so awkward and floppy. Seamus though, was there in seconds, considering that he was so rudely awakened. “What is it, cub ... oh. Oh, Lord.” “Yeah. He won't let me touch him. Does it hurt?” He was so utterly out of his league. “Kinda. Get a blanket, yeah? Softest one we have.” Seamus’ voice went low and soft, soothing, just like it had for him when they first met, deep and rough. “‘kay, love.” He stood up, heading for the linen cabinet and pulling out a big fuzzy comforter, hands shaking. Poor Bruiser—the pup looked so scared. When he got back Seamus had backed the pup into the corner by the door and was talking to him, low, nonsense words. Those green eyes cut to his, the expression rueful. “Gonna need help. We need to get him wrapped up, get some food in him, maybe get him to sleep.” 708

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“Okay. What do you want me to do?” Keith looked at Bruiser, clicking his tongue, heart just breaking. “Sweet, pretty boy. Are you cold? You want to come curl up with me?” Teeth bared, Bruiser barked, the sound so full of fear that it tore his heart. “He's not sure about anything right now, babe. Everything looks different, smells different, sounds different. I just need you to cut him off if he tries to run.” “Seamus? I love you. He was bigger than me before he changed.” He stood by the door, trying not to feel like bait. “I know, babe. But he doesn't know how to use those arms and legs yet, and he'll hurt himself before he hurts you.” Unfolding the blanket, Seamus moved in slowly, reaching for Bruiser, who shook, panicked whimpers coming from him. Keith wanted nothing more than to go over and tackle the pup, hold him tight and pet him and assure him everything would be fine. Just fine. Honest. There was a blur of motion from Seamus, so fast, and a yelp from Bruiser that sounded like a very human shriek and then Seamus was holding a struggling, flailing set of limbs, grunting with the effort. “Okay, babe. I got him. Time to work your magic voice. Get over here and talk to him ‘til he calms.’ He hurried over, hands stroking whatever bit of Bruise he could reach. “Come on, Bruise. You need to relax. We got you, yeah? You're right here at home and it's all okay. We're right here. Right here, pretty boy.” 709

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He kept talking, kept petting, kept offering Bruiser his warmth, his scent, voice rumbling in his chest. He had no idea how long they went on, but suddenly Bruiser went limp, panting and nuzzling his hand, not fighting them anymore. “Oh man.” Seamus gathered the pup, kid, whatever, into his lap and gave him a grateful look. “How about some food?” “Bacon and eggs or something simpler?” He stroked Bruiser's hair, just petting, touching, soothing both of them. “Bacon and eggs. It'll be easy for him to eat. I'll haul him out to the kitchen with us.” So they went, a motley procession of trailing comforter and whimpering pup, Seamus carrying Bruiser easily beside him. Keith got into the kitchen and started cooking, pouring Seamus a cup of coffee once the bacon started. “Can he understand us? Can he talk?” “He can understand us. Or he will when he stops freaking out. Talking he can do in theory, but the practice will take a few days.” Settling, Seamus held Bruiser in one arm and took the coffee carefully. And gratefully if that look was anything to go by. “It's been a long time, you know? But I remember I was freezing, with no fur. And everything felt close, without the fur too. Like it was gonna get right in and hurt me.” “Can he switch back and forth—you know, go fuzzy?” Weird. He still tended to fuzz out when he got scared or hurt; he couldn't understand how Bruiser could be so ... Not fuzzy? “He's kinda disoriented. And for the first few weeks? It'll be like, yes, no, fuzzy, not. He'll have no control over it.” 710

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Seamus sighed, petting Bruiser gently. “I was hoping we'd have more time.” “It's that hard?” Keith whimpered, turning the bacon and cracking eggs. “It's just ... it's like a growth spurt.” Bruiser was growling all of a sudden and wiggling, trying to get loose. When he looked at the kid he saw Bruiser was drooling, trying to get to the stove, and his bacon. Keith chuckled, grinning over at Seamus. “Some stuff never changes though. You keep hold of him. He'll get hurt.” “I've got him. He's gonna be ravenous.” Seamus was laughing as well, and holding the kid with both hands again. “Good thing I have lots of bacon.” He started scrambling eggs, listening to the growls and whines and rustles that sounded almost normal, almost right. Almost, but not quite. Seamus’ growls and rumbles sounded just right, though, soothing all of them. When the first batch of bacon was cool enough to eat, Seamus told him to bring it on over and get the kid started. He put bacon and some eggs in a plastic dish, grinning as Bruiser's nostrils flared. “You want me to put it on the floor or give it to you or...” He crashed to the ground as Bruiser tackled him, going right for the food. “Shit!” Seamus scrambled, extracting him from Bruiser's path and letting the pup lick his food from the floor. “You okay, babe?” He got plopped on a chair as Seamus swung around to keep Bruiser from lunging at the stove. 711

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“Yeah. I think so.” Keith shook his head, a little dazed, a little winded. “He's really heavy.” “Yeah.” The rest of the eggs and bacon got cooked, and thrown to Bruiser and before he blinked, it seemed like Bruiser was asleep in the middle of the kitchen floor, pale skin mottled with his namesakes. He looked over at Seamus, more than a touch stunned. “Are we going to live through this?” “Yeah.” Face grim, Seamus came over and pulled him up for a kiss. “But it will get worse before it gets better.” “You're not being very comforting, love.” He wrapped his arms around Seamus, humming. “He's just gonna test us, is all. Especially you. Gotta find his place in the whole fucked up order of things.” Low, soothing rumbles landed on his cheek and neck. “Oh, grand.” He let his fingers tangle into Seamus’ hair, stroking. “Poor thing.” “Yeah. It's a really rough thing, and in a way he's got it worse, because he hasn't seen his agemates going through it, you know?” They stood there, cuddling, until Bruiser's snores got so loud they couldn't stand it anymore. “I'll haul him back to his room and then come help you with this mess. Okay?” He nodded and grinned. “His stuffed bear's in the front room. That'll help.” At least until Bruiser decided that stuffed bears weren't cool and wanted a Nintendo and a Playboy instead. Oh, God. He was in so much trouble. 712

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**** Damn. Seamus had hoped they would have so much more time before Bruiser went on them. The kid was still asleep, had been for almost a week, except to eat, and Seamus swore every time he looked in the kid was in a different form. There would be no control for weeks, and it was a very delicate dance he and Keith would have to do. They had to make sure Bruiser didn't hurt himself while teaching him to be human. Seamus sighed, and went to get the vacuum to clean the hall. While the kid was fuzzy he was shedding like crazy. Keith backed in the door when he was about half done, hands full of grocery bags. “Just me. I got steaks and stew meat and chicken and those little crackers Bruise likes.” “You're a life saver.” He stopped, going to help Keith with the stuff. Lord knew they needed to put the fucking stuff away before Bruiser got up. Just like he'd heard his name, Bruiser came barreling towards Keith, all legs and arms and growls and tousled hair. Keith eeped a little, but held his ground, refusing to back up. “Bruiser! Stop!” Which, of course, Bruiser didn't do. So Seamus stepped in front of Keith at the last minute and took the hit. “You're a menace, kid.” “Thanks, love. Silly beast.” Keith sounded more than a little ruffled; the thin body was covered in bruises and marks from dealing with the pup. “You want a cookie? You'd better be good.” 713

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An odd yip came from Bruiser, that sounded almost like yes, and Seamus wrestled the kid into a kitchen chair. Damn, he was sick of fighting it. “I got you something else while I was out Bruise.” Keith dug out a shirt, soft and fuzzy and warm, along with a pair of pants. “Wanna feel them? They're soft.” Those dark eyes twinkled up at him. “Cheap, too. I bought lots.” Bruiser grabbed the cookie first and snarfed it down, and Seamus grinned at Keith. He loved this man. After the cookies were gone, Bruiser reached for the clothes, patting them clumsily. Damn, he remembered all too well what it felt like to be so out of control of his body. It sucked. Keith grinned, rubbed the inside of the shirt against Bruiser's arm. “See? Soft and warm and snuggly.” A soft, inquisitive noise came from Bruiser, almost a word, but not quite. “Yeah, Bruiser. Clothes. Good clothes, not scratchy.” Poor kid leaned to sniff the cloth against his arm and pretty much fell right over. Keith caught Bruiser's forehead before it hit the table, helping the pup back upright. “You want to put it on, pup? Want to get warm?” A sharp whine was the answer, and Seamus couldn't help but root for the kid's vocal structure. Just like a baby human felt the severe frustration of pre verbal communication, a cub at first turn couldn't get those sounds right, couldn't make themselves understood. It was annoying as hell. 714

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“Come on, Bruise. Let's try the shirt and then another cookie, yeah?” Keith pulled the neck wide, the last two or three shirts had caused more than a little panic. Seamus knew he couldn't hold the kid down, which was his first impulse. He had to let Bruiser do this on his own, and while he could smell the apprehension, he was proud as anything when Bruiser and Keith worked together to get the shirt on over the kid's head. “Atta boy!” Keith got Bruiser half dressed and then handed over a cookie, grinning over at him. “Taa-daa. Shirt. I deserve a kiss.” “You do. C'mere.” He pulled Keith close, careful not to smoosh Bruiser, who munched noisily on a cookie. Oh, damn. That was nice. Keith nuzzled and hummed, one hand petting his belly, loving on him. So good to him, his cub. Made this whole thing so much easier. Seamus tried to deepen the kiss, hands coming up to cradle Keith's head, but Bruiser nosed between them, barking. “Oh, you jealous thing.” Keith kissed Bruiser's forehead, then shook his head. “No serious kisses for you, Bruise. Jade and Liz would bite my ass.” “Not to mention that it would feel like incest.” Seamus rolled his eyes and pushed Bruiser away from slobbering on him. Jeez. Get a grip, kid. “Okay, Bruise, let's try for the majorly important human male principle of protecting the dangly bits.

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Keith started giggling, shaking his head and backing away. “We're not practicing on mine, thanks. I'll put the groceries away.” “Oh, sure, leave me with the wiggling cub and the sweatpants.” Wiggling was too mild a word. Bruiser decided it was playtime, and the sweatpants were a toy, and in the end they were both mussed and bumped and Bruiser had both legs in one leg of the sweatpants and was playing his new favorite game, which looked to be “worm” or “snake". Keith whistled and Bruiser looked up. Two cookies were in Keith's fingers. “Put your pants on right, Bruise, and you can have another cookie...” Damn, but that was smart, even if Bruiser was gonna look like a fucking butterball turkey if the cookies kept being bait for good behavior. Seamus grinned as Bruiser scrambled into the pants, inside out but on his legs right, and crawled over for his treat. “There you go.” Keith patted Bruiser and handed the treats over, Bruiser chomping them down, then tackling Keith to the floor and panting, backend wagging. “Get up, you big turkey!” Keith pushed, laughing and trying to get out from under the pup's weight. “Get off, ya big menace.” Seamus found out the advantages of clothes when he grabbed the collar of Bruiser's shirt and hauled. The cub came away neatly, but turned and wrapped around him, clinging like a limpet, making him stagger. “You need some cuddle time, Bruise? Huh?” 716

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Keith got up and walked over, fingers scratching Bruiser's back nice and easy, making the pup go limp. “Poor sweet baby. I wish we could go for a w-a-l-k. You think maybe soon?” “Yeah. I think so. He's already getting control of his arms. Legs will come along soon enough. And sooner or later, most likely sooner, he'll change back. Close to nightfall.” The young ones had no control over the change at all their first few weeks. Which was why they would walk after dark, just in case they suddenly had a naked teenager instead of a dog. “Cool.” Keith kept scratching, eyes watching him, loving on him. “How're you holding up, love? Been a hell of a few days.” “M'okay. How're you?” Hell, Keith was probably the worse for wear. “Bruised.” Keith winked. “A little worried. Way out of my league.” “Yeah. I think anyone'd feel that way with this one, though. He's a tough bugger. Ew, Bruiser. That slipper has spit on it.” Seamus tried not to laugh. It was Bruiser's spit, but something about the human Bruiser chewing it was gross. Keith's eyes were dancing. “So, when do we talk to him about personal hygiene?” “We? Who's we, paleface? You have much better hygiene than I do. You're the civilized one.” He wrested the slipper from Bruiser. “Oh, no. No, no, no. I'm not qualified or trained or anything...” Keith shook his head, backing towards the living room with a grin. 717

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“Oh, you're begging for it, cub.” Seamus got up and advanced, hunting his mate. Keith's eyes flared gold, the scent of arousal just noticeable. “I don't beg, love.” “Yeah? I bet I could get you to, babe. Bet I could make you scream.” God, his cub got to him hard and deep, a sucker punch to the gut. A soft growl sounded, Keith licking his lips. “I don't know, Seamus. You'd have to catch me first...” A crash accompanied by a pathetic yelp made him whirl, only to see Bruiser curled up on the floor, the remains of a bowl Seamus hadn't even seen strewn all over the floor, fruit splattered everywhere. Peaches, in fact. Fuck. They would have to wait. “Don't move, Bruiser. You might cut yourself.” Keith sighed and shook his head, heading for the broom. “Good thing I hated that bowl, huh Bruise? Love, why don't you get him in tub and I'll clean in here? I'll bring some clean towels and another sweatsuit when I'm done.” “Okay.” He couldn't even be mad. The poor kid was shaking, the noise and the vulnerable feeling of skin not fur making everything bright and sharp and scary. Seamus picked Bruiser up carefully, dusting off crockery, and headed for the bathroom, crooning away. Bruiser wrapped around him, whining and whimpering, so unhappy and miserable and ... heavy. Really pretty damned heavy. Solid little bugger. Well, okay, not little. Fuck, the kid would probably take him on someday. He got Bruiser into the 718

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bathtub and started stripping off clothes, careful to catch anything sharp. Bruiser started growling, fighting him a little. The pups weren't fans of the bath at the best of times and this? Not the best. Not even close. “Aw, man, come on, Bruiser, I don't like this any better than you.” They fought over the clothes and the tub and the water and Seamus finally lost it, snarling right into Bruiser's face and pushing him flat. “Don't hurt the big lug, love. He's just fretting. You want bubbles, Bruise?” Keith's hand was in his hair, petting and warm. “I vote we spend some quality time together when the boy goes to bed, Seamus. Some adult time.” Growling, Seamus backed off, kissing Keith's hand as he slid by, and let his lover handle bath time. He did it so well. Bruiser settled enough to be washed, and by the time the warm bath was done, the kid was drooping. “You want clothes, Bruiser? Or just bed?” Keith managed to get Bruiser dried off just about the time Bruiser went fuzzy and limp in Keith's arms. “Oh. Just bed I think. Help?” “Yeah. Right here, babe.” He was, watching close, just to make sure both of them were okay. He shouldered Keith aside gently and hoisted a just as dense but easier to carry Bruiser, hauling him off to his nest of pillows and blankets. The water started up again, in their bathroom this time, low music floating in the air. The lights were off, but he could smell the steam and the scent of his mate. It drew him, and Seamus followed the draw, needing. 719

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Keith was already naked, thin and fine under the spray, hands running over those lean muscles. “Mmm ... Love.” Zero to a hundred in no time. Seamus stripped off his soiled clothes and threw them in the corner. Stepping in, he reached for his Keith. Keith moved right into his arms, face lifting for a kiss, eyes glowing gold. “Need you.” “Love you, babe. So much.” That was just what he needed, just what he wanted. The first touch eased something that was clenched deep inside, the fear that he would fuck up, that he would do wrong by his pack. His mate knew right where to touch, just where to ease him, make him fly. Soft little growls and rumbles pushed into his lips. “Yeah. Oh, cub.” God, he was hard as a fucking rock, rubbing and pushing, bending Keith back over his arm to kiss him hard and deep. Keith moaned, fingers tangled in his hair, lips open wide and taking all he had to give. Seamus took. Aggressive, needing, he crowded his mate into the corner, lifting him off the slick floor of the tub, up against the tiled wall. “Want you.” “Yes. Please. Love.” Legs wrapped around his waist, holding on tight, a sharp nip bright on his bottom lip. “Need you.” “Fuck yes.” He couldn't wait. Luckily, he didn't have to. His cub was no fragile flower. Seamus pushed in, dragging Keith close, hands digging into his mate's hips. 720

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They rubbed together, snarls and yelps filling the air. Keith growled for him, squeezing tight and hot around him. Biting deep into the skin of Keith's neck and shoulder, Seamus drove home, losing himself in the best place he'd ever been. “Love. Need.” “Yes. Please. Love you.” Keith took him in deep, shaking in his arms, lips hot and open as they panted together. Nothing that good could last, and soon he was roaring toward a finish, growling, licking Keith's skin. He got one hand under Keith's ass to hold him, and the other went to Keith's cock, pulling as he thrust so deep. A low howl echoed against the tiles, Keith jerking as he came with desperate, harsh jerks. Seamus growled low, teeth closing an inch from Keith's throat as he shot hard, pumping into Keith's body. “Love you. Oh, Love. Good.” Keith was shaking in his arms, tongue sliding over his skin. “My cub. Love you.” Damn. He was shaking too, and they were sliding, so Seamus reluctantly let Keith slide to his feet so they could get under the water and rinse off. They stumbled out of the shower and through the drying process and into their bed in a tangle of limbs. Keith was plastered against him, licking and nuzzling at his skin. He couldn't let go. Tomorrow they'd have to deal with Bruiser again. Tonight was for them. Together.

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Chapter 18 The sound of that low, challenging growl was becoming increasingly familiar, Bruiser unhappy with the food or the temperature of the house or what was on TV or one of any number of things. It was getting old, and between Alpha Male Senior and the Alpha in Training? Keith was about to bite someone's balls off and serve them in a stew. “Eat your breakfast, Bruiser. I don't have anymore bacon. I'll get some this evening when I go out.” “Bacon.” Oh, Bruiser had perfected that tone of growly command. Well, except when it cracked a bit in the middle. But he was definitely learning from the master, who appeared in the door. “Shut the fuck up, Bruiser. He said later.” He gave Seamus a tired half-smile. They were all getting their asses kicked by this whole teenager thing. Eventually, somebody was going to break. “Coffee?” “Yeah. Thanks, babe.” Seamus lifted a lip at Bruiser as he passed and came to give Keith a kiss. Oh, that made things better. Always. He pressed close for half a second, enjoying Seamus’ warmth before Bruiser made his distaste with sausage and their affection clear. The plate hit Seamus square on the back and his lover whirled, leaping for the cub, a hair raising snarl ringing loud. 722

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His hackles rose as they fought, his low growls lost beneath the darker barks and sounds of flesh hitting the ground. Maybe this was the best thing, though. If Seamus could put Bruiser firmly in his place, at least for a while. The fight was short, but vicious, both Seamus and Bruiser serious in intent. He considered getting the spray hose from the kitchen sink for about two shakes, then decided on the wisest of all possible courses. Coffee. Sugar. Cream. Two mugs. He was right. It was the best thing to do. When they were done, Seamus was the one still standing, and Bruiser was the one on the floor, throat and belly bared. Seamus stood, shook, and stepped back. “You got that coffee, babe?” “Yep.” Keith stepped over the thrown plate and handed it over, voice calm and steady. He was getting lots of practice at calm and steady. Okay, okay. He was getting lots of practice at pretending to be calm and steady. “Bruiser, pick up your mess, please. You want some eggs, love?” “Yeah. Want me to make them while you sit a bit?” There was a bruise popping up on Seamus’ cheek, and those strong hands were scratched. “I got it.” He growled low, snapping at Bruiser to move. Damnit, he was tired of the fighting and the hurting and the growling and ... Calm. 723

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Ca-a-a-a-a-a-a-alm. Bruiser actually did, slowly, obviously sore. But the kid did what he was told, cleaning up the broken plate and wasted food. Keith would not feel sorry for him. Not. He made eggs enough for Seamus, and if there was enough for Bruiser to have some ... Well, that wasn't so bad, right? Wasn't feeling sorry for the pup. Nope. Not even when the kid sat in the corner, shivering and whimpering rather than growling. Seamus took the plate and gave him a soft kiss. “Thanks, babe.” “No problem. I love you.” He fixed another plate and sat it on the table, then went over to the pup. “You wanna try again?” “No.” The command was sharp, backed up by a full Alpha growl. “He has to prove to me he deserves it. You sit and eat.” He sighed, giving Seamus a long, quiet look before moving to the table and picking at his eggs. “I hate this, love. All the fighting. Is it always like this?” “Only when the kid is as strong as Bruiser.” Seamus flashed him a tired smile, followed by a wince. “I was much worse.” “Yeah?” He reached over, cupped Seamus’ cheek. “Did you rumble with your Alpha? I remember arguing with my Uncle Richard—he's the one who raised me after my folks died. We used to have terrible yelling matches.” “Oh, man. Yeah. And see, I was raised in packlands, in the territory of the biggest, meanest red there was. I tied it up 724

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with him but good. He kicked my ass.” Seamus leaned into his hand, those bright eyes closing for an instant. His heart beat hard for this man. Keith leaned over and took a kiss, free hand brushing through Bruiser's thick hair as the pup came, whimpering and sorry, looking for forgiveness. Seamus took the kiss, relaxed and loving, tasting him long and deep. Then his mate pulled back and touched the deep spot of color on Bruiser's throat. “You ready to behave for your breakfast, kid?” Bruiser whined, nuzzling Seamus’ hand and nodding. Poor pup—all tied up in hormones and just wanting to go back to normal. Keith could remember that. “C'mere.” Seamus pulled the pup up between them, across those strong thighs, cradling the kid close and handing over his fork. “Here. Have at. It's all we've got until we can go out.” “I vote we go eat at the steakhouse and then do the grocery shopping.” Bruiser gave him a grateful look. The kid loved the ice cream sundaes there and the art and the smell of leather booths. “Yeah. I think that sounds good. But only if someone lets us have some alone time tonight.” Seamus winked at him over Bruiser's head. He grinned, feeling warmth bloom in his belly. “We'll rent him a movie or two.” “Lassie.” Seamus cracked up as Bruiser growled, ruffling the kid's hair. “Yeah. Sounds like a plan.” 725

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“Cool.” He gave Seamus a sidelong look. “We could use a shower...” “So we could. Bruise, go get cleaned up while we clean up the rest of the kitchen.” Seamus deliberately did not look at him until the pup was gone, moving on Seamus’ word like he hadn't since the change. He moved over, replacing Bruiser on those strong thighs, fingers stroking Seamus’ face. “Hey.” “Hey.” Oh, his love looked worn. “He's gonna be the death of me, babe.” “He'll be the pride of your life, love.” He petted and hummed. “He'll have a pack of his own and he'll tell his puppies about his Alpha, the biggest bad ass in the whole world.” “Yeah.” Nuzzling, licking, Seamus laughed, air puffing across his chin. “I love you. Couldn't do it without you.” “No. You couldn't.” He leaned in, took a long, soft kiss. “We'll get massage oil at the store, yeah? Spend the evening touching each other?” “Oh. Oh, yeah.” There was the growl he wanted, full of sex and need. “Cool.” He held his mate for a minute, then stood. “Come on. Let's get things put together and take the pup out and exhaust him again.” Maybe then they'd survive another day.

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Chapter 19 “What happens if you get a tattoo, a body piercing? Hell, a cast?” Keith wandered out of the kitchen, licking a popsicle, popping Bruiser's fingers when the brat tried to steal it. “Go get your own, Bruise.” He bounced down on the sofa next to Seamus, grinning. “So? When we change, what happens then?” Seamus stared at him. “What? Are you feeling okay?” “Fine. Just curious. Well, I mean, Bruiser and I saw this guy today at the grocers—all tattooed and pierced and shit. Bruise was asking questions and I didn't know some of the answers.” Not only that, but he'd had two coffees at the store and one on the way home, so BOING. Seamus was still staring at him. Like, really staring. “Fuck if I know, babe. I don't have any. I was always afraid to get pierced. Can you imagine me all fuzzy with this thing sticking out?” He giggled—hard, tickled down deep. “Oh! Oh, love, that would be ... weird as fuck. What about the cast? What happens if we get hurt?” “We heal. Usually if we get hurt that bad we go feral, babe. We heal faster in that state.” Grinning, all teeth, Seamus leaned over and tickled him. He squeaked and arched, almost losing his popsicle as he twisted, giggling and happy. Keith snapped the popsicle up, laplaplapsnapgobble, and then pounced, nipping Seamus’ jaw before bounding away. 727

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Playtime. “Oh. Gonna get you, cub. Gonna eat you all up.” Seamus bounced along behind him, growling, feet slapping on the floor. Oh, yes. He shivered, giving a bright, happy bark, spinning to nip his mate again and avoid being cornered. They romped, Seamus moving him inexorably toward the bedroom, pushing and pushing until he was good an trapped, only the bed between him and getting caught. Seamus was laughing, growling. Happy. He leapt up onto the bed, ass wiggling, teasing. He was more just happy than needy, but always wanting. Always. Leaping after him, Seamus bounced on the bed, tackling him down under that big heavy body. “We should tattoo your butt, cub, see what happens when you change.” Keith laughed, wriggling until he could breath easy. “Oh no. You first. You're the big stud Alpha male. You go first.” “Hey, if I'm the big Alpha male I should tattoo your ass with my mark, yeah.” Bending, Seamus bit his ass. He yelped, jerking hard, cock throbbing (not to mention the spot on his ass). “Toothy bastard!” “You know it. Love your ass, cub.” Licking, nuzzling, Seamus proved the point, pulling at his pants to get them off. “You mean this skinny old thing?” He wiggled again, teasing. “It's taken. Big, red-headed Alpha claimed it.” “Mmmmhmmm. He's damned happy with it, too. Fuck, cub. Gimme lube.” Seamus traced his crease, pushing at him. “Pushy, pushy ... Oh ... That's good. There.” He scrabbled for the tube, passing it back as his thighs parted. 728

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The pants went away, completely ripped free by Seamus’ big hands, and Seamus licked and nipped at him, tongue pushing between his cheeks as Seamus grabbed the lube. Keith arched, eyes rolling, want going from zero to sixty in no time. “Seamus! Love!” “Fuck yeah.” Tongue pushing in again and again, Seamus drove him crazy, hands sliding under him to play with his cock and balls. Low growls sounded, vibrating against him. He whimpered and moved, body and voice begging for it, shameless and wanton. Loved his Seamus. His mate. Loved. “Now, cub. Now. Gonna do you.” Seamus moved up close behind him, hands spreading him wide, heavy cock nudging him. Pushing in. “Yes. Mate. Now.” He pushed back, crying out with the heat and pleasure of it. The snarl breathed against his neck made his skin pebble up, and Seamus surged into him, pushing hard. Toes curling, Keith bent his head forward, offering Seamus his nape, the action instinctive. A sharp bark and the feeling of teeth closing hard on the back of his neck answered his motion, Seamus lunging into him. Hard. He cried out, body rippling, lightning flashing along his spine. “Seamus! Mate!” “Mate. Mine. Love you, cub.” Hard, sharp thrusts rocked him as Seamus took him, claimed him, over and over. The scent was pure, rutting male. “Yours. Love you.” He reached down, grabbed his cock, started pumping, body clenching around that hard prick. 729

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They rutted. Grunting and pushing and killing him with pleasure, Seamus gave and took and swelled even larger in him. Those sharp teeth closed on him again, hard enough that he felt his skin open up, Seamus howling as the pleasure took over, that thick cock throbbing deep in him. He sobbed, literally sobbed as he came, room spinning wildly, spunk shooting over his fingers, his belly, the mattress. “Oh, cub.” They went down, Seamus falling half atop him, half off. “Love.” “Uh-huh. Love. Oh.” He shivered, gasping for breath, pushing into Seamus’ arms. “I don't need a tattoo to know who you belong to, babe.” Seamus licked him, tongue rasping on his skin. Then Seamus laughed. “But it would be cool to see what it does when you changed.” Keith chuckled and snuggled. “Beautiful bastard. Would be, wouldn't it?” “Yeah. It would.” Laughing aloud, Seamus hugged him tight. “We'll get Bruiser to get one.” “Property of Liz and Jade.” “Yeah. Whipped hound.” They laughed and snuggled and the coffee wore off enough for him to start to doze off. But the image of a pierced, fuzzy Seamus chased him into his dreams. **** They were walking. Outside. At dusk. 730

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Seamus was impressed. The kid wasn't even fuzzy, not a bit. Bruiser was walking upright, and not stopping to sniff everything, though the occasional pretty girl made that beaky nose twitch. The kid had a nose that wouldn't quit, even as a human. But man, did the teenage girls have a thing for him. If they had tails? They'd be squirming and wagging. The kid was sex on two legs, really. Bristling with hormones, and throwing out pheromones like there was no tomorrow. Had been for the last week. It was like as Bruiser got better at being a human, walking and talking almost normally, the worse he got with the horny. Seamus and Keith were running him until he collapsed at night and then fucking like bunnies from just breathing the air. Bruiser half turned as they passed a burger place, licking his chops, and Seamus pulled him back with little trouble, Bruiser growling but acquiescent. Seamus was damned proud. “It'll soon be time to take him home, babe.” Keith looked over, eyebrow arched. “Yeah? He's being good, love. I promised him we'd stop at the arcade if he behaved himself.” “Oh, yeah. That's fine. And not what I meant.” Seamus shook his head. “I mean for good.” “You mean...” Keith stumbled over his own feet, frowning deep. “No. Not yet. It can't be time already, can it?” Oh, man. He knew this was gonna be hard. He shoulda kept his mouth shut until they got home. Seamus grabbed Bruiser to keep him from running off after a sweet little 731

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brunette, and righted Keith with his other hand. “Yeah. He's learned a lot. But he's gonna bust at the seams soon, and we can't help him with that.” “You think they'll let him ... uh ... you know. With Jade and Lizzie? So soon?” At the mention of the girls’ names, Bruiser whined, nostrils flaring. “No. He's got a bit more educating to be done. With, oh ... shall we say an older woman?” He grinned, remembering his own “education". Keith rolled those big black eyes, giving him a look. “And my poor innocent girls? Who's educating them?” “No one, right now. See, they won't be at the stage Bruise here is at for a bit. So he gets trained so that when they are? They can go right to him. Pack, yeah?” Sometimes he forgot how little of their structure Keith knew, and felt guilty as hell for not being a better teacher to his own pack. “So you're telling me that Wonder Slut here gets some hot old lady wolfie loving and the girls get ... raw enthusiasm?” Keith sighed and shook his head, a grin almost hidden. “Man, where is feminism when you need it?” Bruiser growled a bit, and Seamus laughed. “Babe. They get a nicely mannered mate, by the time the feminists of the pack are done with him. You get me?” Clapping Bruiser on the back, Seamus steered the kid into the arcade. “Here's ten bucks, Bruise. Go get tokens.” Keith leaned up, eyes dancing. “Man, those lady wolves must be vicious, if you believe they'll teach that boy manners. I've been trying almost a year.” The laughter tickled his ear, his jaw. 732

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Shit. He was hard as anything, just like that. Fucking kid and his fucking pheromones. Seamus slid behind Keith, hiding his sudden bulge. “Well. They'll teach him to be a gentleman to those two sweet ladies, anyway. Under certain circumstances, you know?” Thin hips pressed back against him, just barely rubbing. Just trying to make him insane. “You're not going to make me stay behind this time, are you? You'll let me come?” He wanted to let Keith come more than anything. Fuck that. He wanted to come. Bad. Seamus grabbed those hips and rubbed hard. “Yeah. Want you to see. You need to go there.” “Want to see, Seamus.” Keith leaned into him and moaned. “Really want.” “You need to know the history. Meet the Elders.” Fuck, he was hard. So hard he hurt. So hard he'd lost track of Bruiser. “Shit. Where's the kid?” “In the middle of that group of painted up whores people call teenage girls.” Keith pointed at the gaggle of curls and earrings and eyeliner and lipstick surrounding the pup. “Good lord.” That would never do. “Go get him, yeah? I can't walk right.” One warm hand reached back and cupped his cock. “Mmmm ... feels so good.” He bucked, a sharp growl trying to force up out of his chest. “I swear, cub. I'm gonna take you home and fuck you ‘til you can't walk.” “Promises, promises.” Oh, the little tease, thumb sliding up along his shaft, the scent need just pouring over them. 733

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“Babe.” The warning was clear. Damn it. If it wasn't for Bruiser ... He got a growl and then Keith slinked off, all raw need and sex, snarling and scattering the girls. For about half a second he thought Bruiser would challenge Keith, but his mate didn't allow it, drawing the pup over to a few games to lose some of their money. He would get control of himself. He would. As soon as Keith stopped bending over to make those air hockey shots. If the cub wasn't careful they were gonna have a hell of a scene and what kind of example would that be? Keith knew exactly what he was doing too—he had to. No one's ass wiggled like that on accident. If Bruiser wasn't laughing and happy, looking free and so not stressed ... Seamus sighed. No way was he going to ruin the kid's night. He wanted to, though. Wanted to throw Keith down on the floor and fucking pound that skinny ass. Halfway through the third game, a tall guy came over, eyes traveling over Keith, admiring, flirting. The look on Bruiser's face was glorious—part outrage, part confusion, part sheer ‘ew'. The amusement on Bruiser's behalf was the only thing keeping him from ripping the asshole's throat out. Time to go. Definitely time to go when Keith smiled at the guy and the prick started looking like food. Seamus went to them, stalking like the predator he was, putting his chest and legs into his swagger.

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Keith turned towards him, dark hair falling into that smiling face, sure, unafraid. Wanting. “Time to go home, love?” “Yes.” He'd better keep it at that if he wanted his voice to stay normal. Seamus jerked his head at Bruiser, who faded back to cover his ass. “Cool.” Keith shook the stranger's hand, smiled. “Good to meet you ... Tom, was it? Thanks for the tips. I appreciate it.” Biting back another growl, Seamus cupped a hand under Keith's elbow, the signal clear. Mine. “Let's go, babe.” Keith nodded, moving right into his space and following without another look to anyone else. Yes. His. Bruiser was right behind them, and it made him proud, made him give the kid a low sound of approval, but it also made him twitch. Time to switch, let Keith and Bruiser go ahead. It was his job to protect their vulnerable rear. Keith looked like a shadow next to Bruiser, dark and smaller, sensual where Bruiser was all hormones and hunger. God. His pack. They were fucking magnificent. Seamus wanted to howl his triumph, but managed not to. Still, he stalked Keith with a single-minded determination to get them home before he pounced. They made it through the streets, moving silent, even Bruiser sensitive to the tension in the air, the heat. Poor kid. Seamus knew it had to be hard on him, with the signals he and Keith were throwing out. He had to be careful, keep them going before the whole thing turned into one big hunt. He breathed a sigh of relief when they were up the stairs and in their place. 735

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Bruiser nuzzled Keith, then Seamus, getting their love before disappearing down the hall to his room, escaping the mounting heat between them. As soon as the door clicked shut behind the kid, Seamus was turning on Keith, snarling, pushing his mate up against the door and marking that long neck with a dark bruise. Keith whimpered, shook, head falling back with a low cry. “Marking me, love?” “Fuck yes.” He rubbed hard against Keith, so fucking needy, wanting so bad. “Shit. Do it again. Fucking need you.” Keith's hands clawed into his hair, pulled him closer. “Love.” That throat called to him, and he bent again, lips and teeth worrying his mark. His. “Always. Yours.” Keith's growl was sweet, hungry. “Yes.” The clothes had to go. Now. Seamus ripped at them, shredding the cloth. Those low cries got louder, sharp and needy, the scent of Keith's passion making him ache. In. He wanted in, and he turned Keith to face the door, dropping to his knees to lick the bared ass he'd admired all damned night. Keith spread for him, hips rocking back as those thighs parted, offering him anything, everything. Fuck the teasing. Seamus went right for Keith's hole, opening it with his tongue, holding those lean cheeks wide with his hands. He wanted his mate wet and open.

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“Seamus! Love!” The cry rang through the room, Keith's nails clawing at the door, little hole twitching under his tongue. So ready for him, his Keith. So hot. Seamus gave that sweet spot one last lick and surged to his feet. His prick fit just right against it, inside it, scraping as he went deep, pushing in. Keith arched against him, hips grinding back onto him, hungry body pulling him right in. Growling, he started moving, slamming his hips against Keith's ass. In, out, the door creaking under the pressure of it, and that was what he needed. What he fucking wanted. Their fingers twined, Seamus stretching Keith against the door, beneath him, around him. He just fucking howled, shoving in over and over, feeling his mate with him every step of the way. Tight around him, hands tight under his, Keith just gave it up to him, so perfect. “Mate! Love you!” The growls vibrated down his spine to settle deep in his balls. “Yes!” They were safe, in their place, and Seamus could let the cry out now, deep and fierce and full of pride as he spent, hips snapping hard. It didn't take long before Keith tumbled after him, growling and moaning out half-words of pleasure and love and need. They sank to their knees together, still holding hands, and only then did he detach his teeth from Keith's neck. “Love you.” “Oh, I love you. Seamus. Mate.” Keith wrapped their arms around that thin waist, holding them together. 737

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“Yes. Mine.” He nuzzled, savoring the moment. The last one they would have for a little while. It was time. He couldn't avoid it, as much as he wanted to. Fucking coward. It was time to take Bruiser to the pack. It was time for the pack to meet his mate.

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Chapter 20 There were things in life that were hideous and painful. Hangnails. Dental surgery. ABBA records. Mange. But traveling with a nervous, hormonal, excited teenager pouring off ‘o fuck me now’ hormones? That was hell. “Bruiser, if you don't sit still, I'm not going to let you sit near the window anymore.” Bruiser whined lightly, but settled, and Seamus sighed, stretching restlessly next to him. “I don't blame him. This has got to be one of the worst torture devices man has ever invented.” “You two are just too big to be comfortable.” He dug in his pack for another occupy Bruiser thing. “Here's a new game for your gameboy, kiddo. Enjoy. How much longer do we have?” The kid gave him a grateful look and fired up the mini video game. “Maybe another hour. Then we're on our own. It's maybe another day's travel on foot before we hit packlands and you can bet after that we'll have a greeting committee.” “On foot. Wow.” He shook his head, shivering a little. “Where will we sleep?” 739

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“Tonight, you mean? We can sleep at the campground just outside town.” Seamus grinned at him. He'd already heard about the “town” that was the most remote stop on the bus route. Gas station, post office, grocery and feed. Bus station. That was it. “Woohoo.” He grinned over, shook his head. It was kind of cool, almost an adventure. Well, except for the Bruiser, worrisome, uncomfortable, sleeping on the ground, possibly getting his ass kicked by a bunch of packmembers part. “No worries, babe. Bruiser will be sleeping with us so we can hold him down, so we'll all be warm.” The grin was purely wicked, Seamus teasing him like crazy, one hand casually resting on his thigh. Keith snorted and pinched his mate. “I'm not worried. Excited, really. I want to see my girls, see Grania. See where you grew up.” Bruiser twitched and shifted at talk of the twins. Horny little brat. To be fair, though, they were Bruiser's best friends as well, and badly missed. Seamus just nodded and petted him. “I want you to see, too, before it's gone. It's still wild enough now. but some day...” Eyes sad, Seamus shrugged. “Well. It will be gone, yeah?” “Yeah. I'm sorry, love. Don't you all own the land? Can't you keep people off it?” God, he couldn't decide whether to feel guilty or sad or what. 740

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“We don't have ownership legally. That was never our way.” He got a grin. “Stop feeling all guilty. I can see it on your face. Grania is working on it. Maybe we could get a preserve or something.” “Guilty? Me? I'm not ... Well, not really. It's just ... I hate to see you sad.” “I'll live. If we never had to expand I would never have met you.” Oh. That look made him wish they had a room to lock Bruiser in tonight. “I...” He grinned and squeezed Seamus’ knee. “I can't imagine that. Not at all.” “Exactly. Bruiser, if you put that game in your mouth I will beat you to death with it.” The bus had to stop soon, because Seamus was growly, eyes flashing gold. Bruiser was panting, whining, and Keith turned to him. “Chill out, pup. You think the girls will be excited to see us?” “Yeah. I think so. And by now? They should be excited to see fuzzface here, too.” Wresting the gameboy away from Bruiser, Seamus stuffed it in their duffel bag, grimacing at him. Bruiser growled and Keith rolled his eyes, patting the pup. “Come on. We're almost were you can get off. I mean, run around. I mean, Bruise. Be good.” That made Seamus laugh out loud and Bruiser blush painfully and smile at him. Poor kid needed to get off in the worst way, he could smell it. He imagined everyone could. Seamus did some patting too. “I can see the lights from town, kid. Ten more minutes. Tops.” 741

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“Cool.” Keith nodded, color high. Yeah, he could stand a bit of running around himself, a few hours out of the stiff vinyl seat. “So, we'll stop in town, pick up some supplies, head out and camp tonight. Then tomorrow we run wild.” That grin was Seamus’ hunting grin. Feral. “We'll give you an hour Bruise, and you give us one, and then it's safety in numbers. We sleep together.” He shivered, nostrils flaring and ducked his head, knowing his eyes were shining. Oh, running wild. Out in the open. Oh. Oh, the thought was fascinating. Leaning closer, Seamus brushed against him, and he could feel his mate's heat. “You like that, huh, cub?” “Yeah.” He gave a soft, little whimper, looked into Seamus’ green eyes. “Yeah, love. I do.” “Me too.” Seamus’ voice was a low growl, raising the hair on the back of his neck. “Can't wait to get out on the land with you, cub.” Poor Bruiser was just as affected as he was, whining and shifting. He wanted to lean up for a kiss, a lick, a taste, but he figured Bruiser would bite him on the ass. Twice. Hard. By the time the bus pulled into the tiny station, they were all three of them vibrating, breathing hard, and drawing a few looks.

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They were the only ones who got out here, the rest heading northward. The air was drier here, cooler, new and fascinating scents everywhere. As soon as the bus was gone, Seamus pulled him into the shadows next to the station and kissed him. Hard. He stretched up along his mate's body, rubbing, pushing needy sounds into that hungry mouth. Yes. Please. Need. Love. “God, I needed that, cub.” Seamus panted, hand moving over him. “But we need to get our shit before the store closes. Damn it.” He growled and nipped, wanting, but he backed off. “Let's do it then. I ... I'm not going to be fit to take around for too much longer and Bruiser needs to run.” “I hear that.” They went into the tiny store, Bruiser hanging back, holding a bag in front of him, and picked up enough supplies to hold them two days, as well as a few camping supplies for that night. The wait was excruciating while the old fart behind the counter totaled them up, and then they had to make sure they were well and truly out of town before they could let Bruiser go. Finally they left the lights of town behind, nothing but brush and grass and dirt and sky all around them. “We got to let him run now, Seamus, yeah? Let him free?” “Yeah. He'll find us.” Seamus grabbed Bruiser, looking right into the pup's eyes. “You come back. You've got an hour. You get in trouble, you let out a howl so loud the pack will hear you, you got it?” 743

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Bruiser nodded, whining, offering up a low, rough bark in agreement. Keith grinned, watching Bruiser dance. Their boy of very little words. “Be careful, Bruise, yeah?” Seamus let Bruiser go and the kid was off like a shot, leaving them everything he'd been carrying. “Gotta love youth, eh?” White teeth flashed in the dusk and Seamus led the way to the campsite. “But that gives us some time alone, cub.” “I could handle a little while alone with you.” He kept sniffing the air, eyes watching each and every bird and bug and bat that flew by. “It's so different out here.” “Yeah. Makes all of the things you try to keep dead come alive yeah?” Seamus knew, so well. Probably better than he did. In the city the sounds and smells could overwhelm. Out here, he wanted to experience them. “Yeah.” He was bouncing a little, chewing on his bottom lip, rubbing against Seamus every chance he got. “Soon, cub. Soon.” They got to the campsite, finally, and Seamus marked it as their territory, making the rounds and checking it carefully before coming back to him and pushing him down, just like that, coming down on top of him. “Hi.” Keith wrapped around that big, beautiful body, growling low. “Hi, cub. Need you.” Sharp teeth closed on his neck, marking him. 744

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The grass was soft and tickled his nape, made him arch up and offer Seamus more skin. Above him, Seamus was hot and hard and abrasive, nipping and rubbing. He could see stars over Seamus’ shoulder, brighter than he'd ever seen in his life. “Oh, love! I need!” He wrapped around Seamus, rumbling into the air, nails dragging down Seamus’ spine. “Yeah, babe. Yeah. Too much cloth.” Big hands. Seamus had such big hands, and they were tearing at his clothes, Seamus growling and licking and just driving him crazy. They were wild, sounds dark and sharp barks that filled the air, Seamus’ eyes bright in the darkness. Soon they were naked, Seamus sliding between his legs, lifting him and spreading him, pushing against him. Rutting on him. The kisses were sharp, toothy, as their bodies slammed together, his hands almost claws on Seamus’ shoulders. Big and hot in him, Seamus moved and thrust and grunted, snarling at him, begging him. “Love you, cub.” “Yes. Seamus. Mate. Love you.” He arched, belly and throat bared for his Alpha, his lover. “Love you.” Seamus all but howled, pressing him down into the ground, sharp twigs poking at his back as Seamus pushed into him so hard. So hard it hurt, but the pain was good and right, and Seamus shot into him, hard and fast and so hot it burned. It filled him, pushing his own seed out to splash against his belly as he cried out in pleasure. 745

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Bending, moving quickly, Seamus licked him clean, taking him in before moving to kiss him. “Needed that, cub. So bad.” “Yes. Needed you.” He licked his own flavor out of Seamus’ lips. “Am I ... Are we going to be able to be together there?” “Anyone who looks at us is gonna know we're a mated pair. And the pack isn't weird about it, if you get me.” Seamus settled atop him, warm and heavy. “We should get the blankets and shit.” “They're going to know? Really?” He grinned, nuzzling. That was cool, knowing that anyone who saw them would know Seamus was his mate. “Hell, yes. They'll be able to smell it on us, see it in the way we talk and touch. We're mated for life, cub. Count on it.” “I do.” Keith nodded. “More than I knew I could.” **** Sometime before the hour was up, Bruiser came into camp, nude and shivering, and Keith set about taking care of him while Seamus set up camp. It was so cute, the way his cub clucked and fussed, bundling Bruiser into about five layers and berating him. Still, Bruiser looked a lot less tense, and Seamus was feeling almost mellow himself, so it was all good. It was particularly good being out in the open. Seamus didn't realize he missed it quite so much until he stepped off the bus, and he could smell grass and leaves and ... Well, he wouldn't give up his cub for anything, and he understood the necessity of what they were doing, but it was nice to be home. 746

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“Babe? You two ready to eat dinner? Cold sandwiches tonight?” “Yeah, love. Mister Bruiser is warm and his belly's rumbling like he's starving.” Keith grinned over, winking at him. “Cool. That way we don't have to have a fire.” Seamus was never sure if it was ancestral memory, or just inbred caution of drawing attention, but they were still too close to people for him to be entirely comfortable starting a fire. “You know that means we're going to have to snuggle tonight...” Keith sashayed over and settled in his lap, eyes bright and dancing, laughing. “Let's start now.” He laughed out loud, petting and nuzzling. “You're full of piss and vinegar, cub. Bruise? You think you can make ham sandwiches?” Thank God Bruiser had gotten out his wild oats, because the kid grinned and nodded and set to making them dinner and he and Keith were able to, well, snuggle. Keith cuddled in, joking and laughing with Bruiser, teasing gently, encouraging Bruiser's wit, the pup's humor. Damned if the kid wasn't taking on a personality finally, and he was a good looking one too, with his blonde hair and blue eyes, stocky frame speaking of strength. Seamus was damned proud of him, and proud of himself and Keith, too, for doing a damned good job. The sandwiches were huge, sloppy, but they tasted fine— fine enough that he and Bruiser had seconds. Keith laughed and teased, eyes gleaming as they followed the bugs and moths fluttering in the night air. 747

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His cub was a little high on nature, maybe. It was hilarious, and also gratifying. He was getting to introduce Keith to a whole new side of himself, of his nature. It was damned good. And also hot, which he tried to ignore, because, you know, the kid. Keith leaned up and nuzzled his jaw, rumbling softly. “So many smells out here. So different from home.” “Yeah. It's still got that wild edge. You can feel it calling to you, can't you?” God, his cub was beautiful. Just vibrating with it. “Yeah. Want to get fuzzy. Want to run with you. Want to play.” The look in those gold eyes was happy, sultry, feral. “Tomorrow, babe. Tomorrow we'll leave the people behind and run. I promise.” He grinned, kissing Keith hard and deep, vocalizing a low growl to emphasize his promise. Keith opened to him, taking the kiss and feeding him with happy little rumbles and growls. They moved together eagerly, Seamus pushing his tongue deep into the heat of Keith's mouth, hands coming down to hold Keith's hips and rub them together. Keith's fingers were hot against his scalp, tangling in his hair, one leg wrapping around his thighs. Oh, damn. Yeah. Just like that. Seamus grabbed the cub's ass, pushing up against him, hard and hot and ready. Their scent hung in the air, sharp and deep and needy, spurring him on. He could feel the low growl building in Keith's belly, vibrating against his own, steady and wanton, need thick as blood between them. 748

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He pressed up as Keith pressed down, his cock thick and needy, and Seamus bit down on Keith's neck, the taste of copper and earth flooding his mouth. The scent of Keith's seed filled his nose, warring with the blood on his tongue and the cry in his ears. “Fuck!” Seamus bit back a howl, rubbing furiously until he spent, shooting hard and fast. Relaxed and sated, Keith nuzzled into him, eyelashes tickling, breath slowing. His own blood stopped rushing in his ears, and he relaxed, which was about the time he heard Bruiser whimpering. Damn. The kid was looking at them, shaking, nose quivering. Fuck. They were like fucking teenagers themselves. “Oh. Oops.” Keith's cheek heated against him. “Fuck, that was sort of crap timing, huh?” “Uh. Yeah. Bruise? Kiddo? You okay? You need some time alone. Or, uh. Some help, or something?” God, he felt like an idiot. “Cold shower maybe?” Keith leaned back, giving Bruiser a wry grin. “Sorry, Bruiser. It's just so ... much out there, yeah?” Bruiser nodded. “S'okay. I just need to.. I'll be right back.” The kid slipped away into the dark and Seamus grimaced. “Let's get cleaned up, yeah? Get to bed early.” “Yeah. Okay. I'm sorry.” Keith backed up off him, dug out some paper towels from their supplies and handed him a handful. “Oh, cub, no. We're cool.” He grinned, leaning down to sniff at Keith's crotch. Damn. He backed off too, not wanting 749

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Bruiser to come back and see him licking Keith clean, but damn, it was tempting. They wiped off and got the blankets all set up and by the time Bruise crept back looking flushed and dazed, they were all set to go to bed. They curled together, Bruiser going fuzzy and nuzzling in between them, nose cold on his elbow, tail brushing his thighs. Keith chuckled, petting and loving on Bruiser. “Gotta take my pets while I can, yeah?” “Yeah.” Seamus laughed. “Wait until tomorrow night. You'll have more puppies that you can stand.” They cuddled together against the cold, and he got some petting of his own in. “Glad you're here with me, cub.” “Yeah. Me too. Need to see it, you know? Where you're from? Where our puppies are going?” “Yeah. And I'm glad I don't have to do it alone.” Taking Liz and Jade back on his own had been bad. If he'd had to let go of Bruiser and had no Keith? He would never be able to follow the plan. Tomorrow might bring all sorts of things, but if he had Keith to share it with, he was content.

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Chapter 21 It was cold when he woke up, cold enough to see his breath and he cuddled closer, watching the sunrise, warming the flat-lands to a warm gold. Bruiser was draped over the two of them, entire body covered by blankets, while Seamus was hot and solid behind him. They were going to the packlands today. Grania had warned him it would be hard, and he wasn't sure why yet— whether he was not enough or too much, too weak, too needy, too human. Still, he could feel something right beneath his skin. An itch, close to the need to feed, but less painful, less raw. It felt ... like wanting something he almost had. Or finding something he needed, that he'd forgotten about. The best part was that Seamus could feel it too. Keith could smell it on Seamus’ skin, hear it in the lower than normal snores. Seamus was different here and he was different here and ... He shook his head, rumbling. This was so not the time to get fuzzy. “Mmmm. I can hear you, cub. Smell you. Yummy.” Seamus was a bit muffled by their combined weight, but the low rumble was right there, raising the hair on his neck. “Was watching the sun. Thinking.” He laughed, the sound wild and strange. “Well, maybe I wasn't thinking so much as feeling.” Seamus always warned him against thinking. 751

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“Yeah. It's easy to just feel out here.” He got a light whap on his rump as Seamus got a hand free, then Bruiser yelped as he got the same treatment. “Lemme up.” “Pushy bastard.” He scooted, snuggling with Bruiser before the silly beast jumped up, romping and yipping in the early morning light. Grinning widely, Seamus grabbed him for a kiss before standing and stretching, joints popping. Keith admired the view—long legs, wide chest, hair gone pure copper in the sun. Oh. Yummy. “Like the view, cub?” Pure animal, that grin, wide and white and feral. “Bruiser! Get your ass back here and pack your shit.” “Love the view, mate.” He grinned at Bruiser's hang-dog expression, then laughed at the expression hang-dog. God, he was in a fine mood. “Cool.” That earned him a tiny butt wiggle before Seamus moved to help Bruiser, who was suddenly a lot less fuzzy and a lot more cold. It didn't take long for Seamus to tear down the camp and fix them all some sandwiches, much neater than Bruiser's the night before, and meatier too. He bundled up, then helped Bruiser dress and eat and settle, the pup's excitement wild on the air. “Going to see them today. Jade and Lizzie.” Bruiser grinned, the look feral and fierce. “My pack. Mine.” The last word was a rumbling growl filled with pride and want. 752

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“Yup. Yours. But you got a ways to learn how to take care of them, yeah?” Seamus ruffled Bruiser's hair, flipping Keith a saucy wink. “And you'll always be part of our pack, kid.” Bruiser chuffed and nodded, then suddenly grinned wide. “Yes. Have to have Keith's stew when we come home.” He chuckled, shook his head. “I guess I'll be proud my stew won out over ice cream.” “Your stew is a masterpiece, babe.” Their bedrolls were the last thing to get packed, and Seamus checked the campsite over carefully before nodding and pointing north and west. “Let's go.” He nodded and followed along, quiet and watching and listening and sniffing and well, okay, watching to make sure they could get home, too. They traveled for what seemed forever. The air was cold and clear, the sun high. The terrain gave way from flat and grass, to trees and uphill slopes, though it was such a gradual thing that he didn't even notice to begin with. Bruiser was all growl and sniff, whining at Seamus every so often and receiving a warning growl in return. They didn't talk—hell, he was fighting the instinct to look, to explore, to follow that trail of scent and this fluttering shape and that dark corner. Still, he was being good, controlling himself, being a good example. Seamus seemed to be looking for something, scenting the air every so often, closely watching landmarks and every so often touching this tree trunk or that.

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They stopped midday for a bite to eat, Seamus pulling Bruiser down and petting and holding, feeding the distressed pup small bites of meat. “Soon, kiddo. I promise.” He sympathized with Bruiser. He felt ... itchy. Really. Like sincerely, most definitely itchy. He looked at Seamus, moving close enough to touch, rumbling softly. Seamus petted him as well, growling low, reassuring sounds that soothed the itch. “Soon, babe. Soon. We just have to get close enough that we can drop all of our shit and not worry about it.” Keith nodded. “I know. I know. I just ... It's unsettling. I feel odd.” “That's because it's trying to get out, even though there's no hunt, and no danger.” Nuzzling first him, then Bruiser, Seamus rumbled, voice low and deep. “It's instinct, yeah? Wanting. We're so close. So close.” “Yeah.” He reached out, stroked Seamus’ arm, joining their scents together. “Close to the others.” “Mmmm.” Rough beard stubble scraped his cheek as Seamus rubbed against him, and Bruiser grumbled, pushing against them, making Seamus chuckle. ‘C'mon you two. Let's move. An hour, maybe two.” “Pushy, pushy.” He scrambled up before Seamus could nip him, laughing as Bruiser chased him. They played games, he and Bruiser running relays while Seamus kept score. Stopping at a stream, they skipped rocks, with Seamus the obvious winner on that, getting nine skips 754

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out of a single stone. The time passed much more quickly with Seamus coming up with endless amusements. The itch was there, but banked, held down by Seamus’ will. They were laughing, happy, at peace with each other. It would have been perfect if the girls had been there to join in. Sometime in the late afternoon, when the sun reached the perfect spot to give the whole world a bright shine, Seamus stopped, tipping his head back to scent the wind. Bruiser stopped as well, looking at Seamus eagerly. As if triggered by some hidden signal, Seamus threw his head back and howled, the sound completely inhuman, raising the hair on the back of his neck. He shivered, the world going sharp and bright, mouth watering. His own voice vibrated his chest, fighting to be free. Bruiser repeated the sound, sharper, not as deep or full, but just as telling, echoing through and through. Seamus gave him a look, bright and laughing and toothy, and before he could even blink, Bruiser was down and furry and running, and Seamus beckoned to Keith to follow. He was panting as he reached his mate, skin tingling. Their hands joined, a shock of electricity going through him before Seamus kissed him full on, hard and deep. Then Seamus grabbed all their crap and dropped in on the ground, taking off at a dead run and daring him to follow. He yipped and let himself run, the grass sliding around him and under him, his mate's scent so strong, so fierce. He moved faster, lean and quick compared to his packmates, overtaking them easily. 755

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Seamus turned, heavy and muscled and red-furred, nipping at him, lupine grin flashing before Seamus turned to bite Bruiser's light colored tail. He barked, spinning around Seamus, flanking him, teeth threatening that red back, chuffing with laughter, with joy. The run was everything he'd needed, the itch completely disappearing under the freedom of letting it all go and being free with his pack mate. They pounced and ran, followed trails and chased rabbits. Their paws slapped against the ground, through the water, chasing the sun. How long they ran he didn't know, but eventually he noticed other lean forms running through the trees on either side of them. All colors, all shapes, barking and baying. Welcoming them. He moved closer to his mate, stretching to meet Seamus’ pace. Soon he and Seamus and Bruiser were side by side, running as a single unit, a pack within the pack, just as they should be. Every so often he felt a nip at his heels, pushing him, turning him and Seamus followed, veering here, turning there. Running deep into the packlands. He'd expected to feel like a stranger, like an outsider, but he was home. With his pack. With the pack. Home. He howled, Bruiser's voice low beside him. The howl that answered came from more throats than he could imagine, including his mate's, blending into a single sound. Home. 756

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**** Seamus was more pleased with his mate than he could say. He'd taken to the wood and the wild like one born there, and instead of fearing the pack, he had blended right into the run like he was meant to, taking his place as the mate of an Alpha. Bruiser did him proud too, holding the pace, meeting with his yearmates and touching noses and flanks. Maybe this would be easier than he'd feared. They were funneled right into the heart of the pack by the run, right into the makeshift camp village he remembered so well, pack members both human and wolf everywhere he looked. Young and old, all of them there, looking curiously at them. Joyous barks met them as Liz and Jade bounded out to run circles about them. Jade tackled him as Lizzie pounced Keith, licking and greeting before they caught scent of Bruiser. As one, the twins started calling, chasing, tails wagging furiously. Chuffing, Seamus looked about for Grania, knowing she would be with the current pack Alpha, knowing he had to present his mate to them. Finding her finally, human and lovely and no older than when he'd last seen her, he nipped at Keith's tail and made his way over. Keith followed easily, loping beside him, panting quietly. His mate was fine—dark and sleek and sensual, no sign that he was not born to the pack. Fucking beautiful. He could see that Grania thought so too, could see the surprise in her eyes. 757

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Of course, then came the hard part. Presenting himself to the Alpha. Baring his belly and throat. He fucking hated that. He heard Keith's distressed whimper, knew his mate could smell his distaste in the air. Still Keith didn't growl, didn't move as the huge grey muzzle touched him gently, nosing his vulnerable spots. As soon as the ritual was done Seamus was on his feet, nosing Keith forward to do the same, to receive the Alpha's approval. Oh, God please. Keith bared his teeth, lifting his eyes to meet Grania's, then the Alpha's, and he could swear he heard the cub thinking, deciding. Then, before the Alpha growled, Keith presented himself, carriage proud and relaxed, gold eyes watching him. Oh, yeah. Thank God. The Alpha, chuffed and bent, nosing Keith just as easily as he had Seamus, accepting, and Seamus breathed easily, the breath he held coming out in pants. Grania smiled, lifting a hand to scratch his ears. “Welcome home, Seamus.” He put his head to her knee, rumbling deep in his chest. It was good to be back, but he realized at that very moment that his home was with Keith. His mate.

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Chapter 22 Keith locked the front door, the bags and groceries and supplies stacked around the floor. Home. Home. Oh, he was never leaving again. Not for at least four or five years. Maybe not then. As much as he'd loved the pack with the clear air and the energy and the feral heat? It wasn't his home with his mate and his bed and his shower and his sofa. He unloaded groceries, listening to the noises of the city, of his mate, growling and rumbling and barking softly. Bacon. Venison. Chicken. Chicken. Chicken. Steak. Chicken. “Did we get enough poultry, love?” “I like chicken. And it was cheaper than the beef, yeah. God knows we've got enough mouths to feed. I have a feeling? We're going to be glad of the soundproofing with this batch.” Seamus wandered in, stopping to nibble his neck. “Batch? Hell, love. We agreed to a litter.” He turned, rumbling happily. “Did Jerome stop puking finally? And Hannah? I didn't think they made females that were that Alpha.” “Sure they do. There's always one strong female.” A soft chuckle ghosted over his lips. “She and I are going to go rounds. And yeah, he stopped barfing. Sleeping now. They'll all wake up hungry.” 759

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“I'll make stew.” He took a soft kiss. “Bruiser and the twins should be here for supper, yeah?” It had been hard, leaving their first pack behind, but Bruiser was happy with his mates and, well, Grania had made very sure they were too busy to mourn, didn't she? Six puppies. Six. “Yeah.” Seamus beamed, so damned proud of their first pups that he glowed. Keith grinned. “Bruiser was making quite the impression, wasn't he? You could see the stars in Jade and Lizzie's eyes.” Nipping his neck, Seamus nodded. “No doubt. A far cry from the days that they used his tail as a chew toy.” He arched, rubbing into his mate. “Uhn ... speaking of chew toys ... Did we get enough? I'm not letting the puppies chew your tail.” “God, cub. You're so damned hot.” They moved together, Seamus pressing him back against the counter. “I think so? Hell, I dunno.” “We'll worry about it later.” He took another kiss, nostrils flaring at the need in the air. “We've only got so long before they all wake up.” “We should take advantage of it, yeah?” That growl got to him every time, made him shiver, and Seamus’ big hands cupped his ass, lifting him. “Yes, love. Need you.” He wrapped around his mate, scenting the fading hints of Bruiser, the new puppies’ smells, the desire, the basic core scent of them, mixed altogether. 760

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His butt hit the counter and Seamus tore at his clothes, his shirt coming off easily, his jeans not so easy. Seamus’ shirt came apart under his fingers, his mouth finding the curve of Seamus’ shoulder, marking his mark. “Yeah, cub. Yours.” Seamus knew. He always knew. Keith got a matching mark on his chest and Seamus leaned forward and set teeth and tongue to it. Finally they were both naked, and Seamus bent even deeper, lifting and spreading him so that Seamus’ tongue could find his center. “Love!” His cry was pure need, echoing through the kitchen, nails scrabbling on the counter. “Mmm.” Pushing deep, Seamus prepared him, tongue pushing into him, licking, fucking him hard. His hips pushed and rocked, body begging for each sensation, each touch. “Gonna fuck you now, cub. Need you.” His mate stood, strong arms lifting him and pulling him down, hot cock nudging his wet, open hole. “Yes!” He tangled his fingers in Seamus’ hair, riding Seamus’ need like a wave. “Yours, love. Need.” “Mine. Mate.” Inside him. Seamus was inside, pushing deep, spreading him wide. Familiar. Necessary. Right. Good. His. Mate. Love. He whimpered and whined, his heart offered to Seamus with words and true smells. They rutted hard, his back and butt bruising against the counter behind him, Seamus thrusting into him over and over, claiming him with growls and bites. 761

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He arched, offering belly and throat, heart and soul, everything. His voice filled the room, yipping and happy, harmonizing with Seamus’ growls. “Yeah, cub. Yeah.” Seamus held him up with one hand, muscles bulging, and reached for his cock with the other, pumping him hard. He watched the pleasure in those glowing eyes, knew his own were shining for his mate as he came, howling low. One thrust, two, and Seamus filled him with heat, growling loud enough to wake the pups, panting and sweating against him. “Love you, cub. Love you.” Keith nuzzled in, lapping at the dark mark on Seamus’ throat. He heard the soft whining and yipping of the puppies and grinned, shaking his head. “You woke them up.” “We'd better get cooking, then.” They laughed together, Seamus nuzzling his mark as well, spending the last moment they had before the pups descended snuggling. “I'm proud of you, cub. You're pack, good and solid.” “I'm yours, love.” He licked Seamus’ chin, Seamus’ temple. “Mate.” “Yeah.” Time to get back to the business of raising pups. And their last batch would be there soon, ready for their next lesson. That was what it was all about. He and Seamus. Pack mates. He grinned and Seamus let him down so he could start the stew. Their pack was hungry. End. 762

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About the Contributors B. Cameron B. Cameron scribbles ... er resides in San Jose, CA. She'd spend more time scribbling if she didn't work for a large conglomerate corporation with a love for too many acronyms. She considers her life to be a work in progress and all artistic endeavors are an extension of that philosophy. Chalcedony Cross Chalcedony Cross—who is still a bit bemused at having her first, original, published work turning out to be *photographs* rather than the fiction she prefers to obsess on ^~o^— currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee, along with a husband, four cats, and a grip on reality that is tenuous at best. Need more? Check “The Crossroads,” at www.squidge.org/~chal. K. Fuhr K. Fuhr pretends to be an artist sometimes, when she needs a break from being a nerd. She finds certain chemical reactions rather erotic, as well as the way a virus viciously thrusts its genetic material into a wanton cell. In retrospect, she wishes she hadn't included the former sentence. Pretend you didn't read it. Rob Knight Rob Knight, animal lover and avid reader of erotic fiction, was thrilled to be able to gather the stories in the Shifting anthology together in one book. Rob enjoys travel, pets, and 763

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bad B movies, and hopes to edit more anthologies for Torquere Press in the future. Tammy Lee Tammy was once a beautiful princess until one day she was kissed by a sexy prince! Now she lives as a humble frog, drawing smut with her froggy fingers. Sometimes her tongue gets in the way, so she ties it back. laleeloo.com is her pond. Sean Michael Often referred to as “Space Cowboy” and “Gangsta of Love” while still striving for the moniker of “Maurice,” Sean Michael spends his days surfing, smutting, organizing his vast gourd collection and fantasizing about one day retiring on a small secluded island peopled entirely by horseshoe crabs. Shifting is his fourth published work. Julia Talbot Julia Talbot resides in the Southwest of the United States with her dog and several houseplants, and has not quit her day job. She has a penchant for blank books, gay porn, and big, ugly hats. She can most often be found in coffee shops and restaurants, scribbling in her notebook and entertaining other diners with her mutterings. Julia cut her reading and writing teeth on purple-prosed romance novels, and as a result decided that boys were much more interesting with boys. Intense study of her subject and as much firsthand research as possible figure heavily in her writing adventures. Historical and fantasy settings are Julia's favorites. Shifting is her third published work.

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