by M. D. Grimm
“Steady,” Kia said gently. “Stay on the path. Shake off your failure and try again. I’m having trouble finding the resources to send backup. We have a situation in Ohio that’s got the boss’s attention. But I have your back, Stacey.”
“I don’t want Dexter harmed,” she said. “But then he had to go and act the hero. How can I get those damn beasts away from him without making him collateral?”
“Watch him.”
“That’s not a long-term plan.”
“Just keep watching him and you’ll get your chance. The shifters won’t want their prey out of sight for too long.”
Stacey’s jaw clenched and she thought of Beau. “Thank you.”
“Godspeed.”
She hung up and dropped her head in her hands. I’m sorry, Dex. I’ll have to hurt you to protect you.
Chapter Eleven
TALON WATCHED Dexter sleep. His heart felt full to bursting even as fury boiled in his gut. His owl was restless yet also relieved to have his mates right there in his arms. Safe and sound. Orion was warm and alive, breath gentle. Dexter snored a little, also warm and alive. He could have lost them both if that fire had been any worse, if Orion hadn’t been able to think on his feet. He could have lost his little elf and a mate so newly found. That wasn’t acceptable.
He would protect them. Always.
Who had harmed Orion to “save” Dexter? There was only one person that seemed a reasonable suspect—Stacey. Although he’d never met her, Talon remembered what Beatrice had told him when she called him on Dexter’s phone. Stacey’s warning to Dexter and Beatrice’s confirmation that Stacey had survived an abusive relationship that nearly proved fatal. Could Stacey’s ex-boyfriend be a shifter? It would make sense of her hatred for his kind and her urge to protect Dexter. But how did she know they were shifters?
How could he ask Dexter about it without distressing him? Audrey’s betrayal still cut deep and he didn’t want to cause Dexter the same pain. But if she was the one to attack Orion, he wouldn’t rest until she was punished.
Orion brushed his mind, and he pushed back his suspicious thoughts before letting him in. I can feel your tension even without being in your mind.
Talon sighed. I won’t lose you or him. I love you both.
Orion’s body jerked. You love him?
Yes. I told him after he brought you out of the building. He saved you. He will protect you when I can’t. He’s ours.
Orion gave a little squeal of happiness, and Talon closed his eyes, the sound the sweetest music to his ears. It went a long way to soothe the memories of Orion’s sobs.
I’m better, cariño. I promise. You know what would make me feel really okay?
Talon raised an eyebrow. What?
To watch you fuck him.
Talon snorted and nuzzled the back of Orion’s neck. “Greedy slut.”
“Yep,” Orion whispered. “Fuck him when he fucks me. Sounds good, right?”
“Very. Don’t know if he’s up for that yet.”
“I could be, with some persuasion.”
Talon snapped his gaze up to see Dexter smiling and blushing. His owl hooted in excitement.
“Just, ah, take it slow. Yeah?”
Talon leaned over and kissed Dexter, loving his taste and softness. “Of course. The last thing I want to do is hurt you.”
“I’m hungry,” Orion said suddenly. “Maybe we should eat and get our strength back.”
“But that will give Dex time to back out,” Talon said teasingly.
“I won’t.” He looked dead certain on that.
Talon rubbed his cheek. “Good. I think we all need this.”
Dexter nodded.
They pulled on pants, and when Dexter tried to tug on a shirt, Talon yanked it from his hand and shook his head with a lifted eyebrow. Dexter’s blush deepened, and he smiled. It was obvious he was still self-conscious about his body, and Talon was determined to show Dexter he should feel comfortable and confident around his mates.
“I’m going to jump you first thing,” Talon said. “Easier with less clothes.”
Dexter’s laugh was both pleased and nervous. Talon urged Dexter out of the bedroom and patted his ass. Thank goodness he was about to claim it.
Orion led the way to the kitchen, and they filled their plates with snack food before shuffling into the living room. Talon and Dexter sat on the couch, keeping Orion between them. Orion’s appetite went far to ease the rest of Talon’s tension, and he ate easier. He didn’t want to be angry-tense when he claimed Dexter, but lust-tense.
“We have to call our parents, you know,” Talon said.
Orion blew out a breath. “Yeah, I know. Later? After we fuck our brains out?”
Dexter choked on his sip of water.
Talon chuckled and brushed Orion’s hair back from his eyes. “Whatever you want. But it shouldn’t be too much later. They’ll be pissed at us for keeping it from them.”
“I know. They are so nosy.”
“Be grateful they care,” Dexter said softly.
Talon reached across Orion’s lap and laid his hand over Dexter’s arm. “We care, Dex. We’re the only ones who matter right now.”
Dexter offered a smile and covered Talon’s hand with his own. “Don’t have to convince me. You’re the only ones who have mattered for a couple of weeks.”
Talon’s owl hooted in need, and he knew it showed through his eyes. Dexter’s eyes widened, and he gulped.
“You’re the sweetest!” Orion cooed and kissed Dexter’s cheek. He also took Dexter’s plate and set it on the small table in front of the couch, along with his own. Talon set his next to theirs before he grabbed Dexter’s hand and pulled him to his feet. He tugged him close, cupped his face, and kissed him with pressure and tongue.
Dexter grabbed his hips and pulled him closer. Delighted, Talon deepened the kiss and pressed his body and his growing erection against Dexter’s own. They were nearly the same height, with Talon having an inch or two over him. He felt Orion move behind Dexter, and he groaned a moment later. Talon cracked his eyes open to see Orion was messing with Dexter’s ear, and his hands were busy inside Dexter’s pants. None of them were wearing underwear.
“Bedroom,” Talon murmured against Dexter’s lips.
It was a mad scramble as they dashed into the bedroom, Orion’s giggles and Dexter’s breathless chuckles making Talon smile. He wanted to give as much pleasure to his mates as he could.
He yanked off his pants, and Orion pulled off his own and Dexter’s. He watched them kiss, and his cock stood up, hard and ready. The combination of passion and tenderness in Dexter’s touches and kisses as he loved Orion warmed Talon from the inside out. They all brought something important to the partnership: Orion’s innocent enthusiasm, Dexter’s steadiness and loyalty, and Talon’s own protective and seriousness kept them all in line.
He smiled and slid up behind Dexter, now wanting to touch, not just watch. He tormented the sensitive area where neck met shoulder and relished Dexter’s groan and shiver. He delighted in Dexter’s taste, the salty maleness. He smelled and felt so damn good. He stroked Dexter’s cock, soft skin over hard steel, and cupped his balls. The soft, curly hair brushing his fingers was a pleasure to feel. Talon’s owl wanted him to go faster, and he told the bird to shut the hell up. He would not harm Dexter.
“Are you ready?” he whispered roughly in Dexter’s ear.
“Yes.” The word was little more than a grunt.
“On the bed, hands and knees.”
Dexter’s breath caught as Orion led him over. Talon grabbed the lube as Orion knelt on the bed in front of Dexter, and then his beautiful cock disappeared into Dexter’s mouth.
Talon stepped over and gently touched Dexter’s inner thigh, urging him to open a bit wider. Dexter complied, and Talon had the wild urge to slap that ass but managed to resist. Dexter wasn’t ready for that yet. Orion liked a good spanking, and Talon hoped Dexter would as well eventually. He slicked his fingers with lub
e before rubbing them against Dexter’s entrance. Dexter grunted, and Orion sucked in a sharp breath, his hands tangled in Dexter’s thick hair.
“I think he liked that,” Orion said, voice wavering.
Talon pressed his fingers to Dexter’s hole before brushing Orion’s mind. Orion opened immediately.
Touch minds with Dexter. I want to feel his pleasure.
Orion took a deep breath, and Talon knew the moment it happened when Dexter froze and looked up, popping off Orion’s cock.
It’s okay. Orion petted Dexter’s head. It’s just me. Our minds are touching.
Talon heard Orion’s words clearly, and through Orion’s mind, he could feel Dexter’s surprise and wonder.
Talon, try to touch Dexter’s mind.
I don’t want to hurt him.
Dexter looked over his shoulder and met Talon’s eyes. Apparently he heard the exchange, because he said, “Try it.”
Talon took a deep breath and his owl hooted excitedly. The touching of minds was intimate in its own way, perhaps even more so than making love.
He brushed his mind against Dexter’s as he sank one finger inside his ass. Dexter exhaled sharply and grunted. There was barely any resistance before Talon was fully inside Dexter and Orion’s minds. The three of them were linked, physically and mentally.
They shivered.
Now we can feel each other’s pleasure, Talon said. He was exceedingly glad his mental invasion didn’t hurt Dexter. If a bird shifter’s mate wasn’t a bird or a true mate, then it was a crapshoot if the mental connection helped or hindered.
Dexter stared determinedly at Talon. Fuck me.
The words were clear as a bell. Talon grinned wide and formed wicked images he knew Dexter and Orion could see. Dexter’s eyes bulged before Orion distracted him by urging him back to his cock. Dexter swallowed him as Talon pressed a second finger inside his ass and gently thrust in and out, rotating and stretching. He took his time, feeling Dexter’s desire and his continual insistence for more. It would seem Talon had found another willing bottom, and he was thrilled.
He stroked his own cock as he tormented Dexter, eventually bumping his prostate, causing him to jerk forward. Dexter whimpered, and Orion gasped.
Now!
Talon had been waiting for Dexter’s permission. He slicked his cock and gripped Dexter’s hips. He hovered for a moment, took a deep breath, then sank inside his heat. Dexter stilled and slipped his mouth from Orion’s cock to press his forehead against the mattress. Orion carded his fingers through his hair, calming him.
A whirl of emotion not his own swept through Talon. He viscerally felt Dexter’s low self-esteem, as well as his love, devotion, and gratitude to Talon and Orion for choosing him. Dexter wanted to please them, worried they’d grow tired of him. Then there was the guilt and blame over what happened to Orion, his feeling of responsibility for the attack. Before Talon could be at all pissed at Dexter’s lack of trust and belief in their words, Orion’s warm voice echoed in their minds.
You’re part of us. We love you. We are a unit and only strong together. I need you.
I need you as well, Talon said, then started to move. Now was the time for action. They had to show Dexter their words were true.
Dexter’s breath hitched, and he rose on his hands again. He opened his mouth, and Orion happily slipped his cock back inside. As Talon moved sedately, letting Dexter adjust, he felt more emotions, including those from Orion, who didn’t hold back his joy at their joining. Talon knew Dexter could feel their emotions just as they could feel his.
Talon let himself open, pushing his thoughts to Dexter—his affection, his devotion, his happiness at finding another friend, not just a lover. His trust.
Dexter moaned and reached back with one hand, clasping Talon’s where it rested on his hip. Talon moved faster, and Dexter pushed against him, mentally begging for more. For harder. Talon happily rose to the challenge and snapped his hips, basking in Dexter’s adulation and pleasure. Orion clutched Dexter’s head and began thrusting into his mouth. Dexter hollowed his cheeks and invited the plunge.
They soon set a punishing tempo, drowning in each other’s pleasure. Feeling what his mates felt was a thrilling high. Talon felt like he was the one getting fucked and sucked as well as the one doing the sucking. A phantom ache in his jaw, in his ass, coupled with his cock plowing into Dexter made it hard to hold out, to lengthen the mating. He wouldn’t last much longer, and they wouldn’t either.
When Talon knew they were all close and desperate for release, he gave a single command. Now!
They came together, gasping, shaking, crying out. Then they tumbled to the bed in a sticky, sweaty mess, and Talon thought it was perfect. Orion seconded the sentiment.
“Ditto,” Dexter said breathlessly.
Talon chuckled and held Dexter tightly in his arms. His owl hooted softly in delight and contentment. Orion mewled in agreement. Talon and Orion detached their minds, becoming three separate entities instead of one. Dexter huffed out a breath and gripped Talon’s hands.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
Talon kissed his cheek, and Orion cuddled close, putting Dexter in the middle, and kissed the tip of his nose.
“Believe me, it’s our pleasure,” Orion said.
Dexter grinned.
“We should clean up and take a nap,” Talon said, despite being reluctant to let go of them.
“You should call your lab,” Orion said.
“You should call your parents,” Talon countered.
“I need to call my supervisor,” Dexter said.
Orion giggled. “Guess we have to wait on that nap.”
Life goes on. Now they needed to find out who attacked Orion so Talon could rake his talons across the bitch’s face.
DEXTER NEVER wanted to come down from his high. Ever. That had been… beyond words. Not just Talon buried in his ass, but the mental connection through the entire thing. He had a slight headache, but it was a price he happily paid. He’d felt their need, love, and devotion like a cocoon that wrapped him in warmth and safety. He could no longer doubt their conviction about keeping him. Neither could he doubt they held him blameless for the attack on Orion. He wanted to keep them so damn bad.
How could his life change so drastically in just a few short weeks?
“You’re coming with us to celebrate New Year’s,” Orion said with a smile that lit up the small apartment. “Our parents are dying to meet you.”
His contented bubble popped, and he blanched. “Um. Er.”
Talon patted his shoulder as he ended the call to his lab supervisor. “Remember to breathe. I promise they do want to meet and smother you with affection. They don’t give a damn that you’re human.”
Dexter rubbed the back of his neck. “I… guess.”
Orion squealed and threw his arms around Dexter’s neck in a choking hug. “I love you, and this is going to be awesome! I can’t wait to show you off.”
Dexter held him back, struggling not to panic. He met Talon’s eyes, losing the battle.
Talon sighed and rubbed his cheek. “They’re good people. We’ll have fireworks, food, drinks, and stupid games that entertain the simpleminded. Like the smaller kids and Orion.”
“Hey!” Orion punched Talon’s shoulder, laughing.
Talon chuckled, and Dexter smiled, calming. It was hard not to be comfortable around these two when they so clearly wanted him around.
“How about we make a deal?” he said. “I go with you to visit your families for New Year’s and you celebrate Christmas with me?”
Orion and Talon exchanged a look.
“Seems fair,” Talon said.
“The more time with both of you, the better.” Orion grinned.
“I love you both,” Dexter whispered.
“Group hug!” Orion tugged at Talon, who rolled his eyes, but Dexter sensed he didn’t really mind the hug. Then Talon wrapped his slim, muscled arms around them, squeezing gently.
Coc
ooned once again in warmth and acceptance, Dexter closed his eyes and breathed in his boyfriends’ scents.
His mates’ scents.
When they pulled back, Orion jumped and raised his hand. “Dibs on first shower.” Then he bolted into the bathroom.
Dexter shook his head. “Does he only have one speed?”
Talon chuckled. “Yes. Speedy Gonzalez.”
Dexter snorted.
“Actually, I’m glad he called first dibs,” Talon said. “I want to talk to you about something.”
His serious tone tightened Dexter’s shoulders. “What is it?”
“It’s about the person who attacked Orion.”
Dexter swallowed hard, fearing what he would say.
“I don’t want to throw around accusations. But could it have been Stacey?”
“No,” Dexter said, instantly coming to his friend’s defense. Despite his knee-jerk denial, however, doubt wouldn’t leave. “She’s not on campus anymore. She left for the holidays.”
“Are you sure?” Talon’s eyes were intense and probing.
“You’ve never even met her. How can you—”
“Someone tried to kill Orion,” Talon snapped, skin rippling. “Our mate. I hope it’s not her for your sake but we can’t overlook the obvious.”
With trembling legs, Dexter reached the couch and sat heavily. He put his face in his hands.
“I don’t know,” he whispered. He felt like he was being torn in two. “I just don’t know, Talon.”
Talon fell silent.
When Orion joined them, he frowned at the tension. “What happened?”
Dexter stared at his feet, confusion keeping him silent.
“Remember when Beatrice called us?” Talon asked Orion.
“Yes.”
“I asked Dex if the person that attacked you could have been Stacey.”
Orion opened his mouth. Then shut it. He scrunched up his face. “We shouldn’t accuse people of anything without evidence.”
“Who else would have reason to protect Dex from us abominations?” Talon said through gritted teeth.
“It could have been a knight,” Orion said.
