Hard to Handle

by Fel Fern

  “Your father wants us out of the way while he takes care of the Deadpaws Pack. Their Alpha, Darby, has been the one sending your father death threats.”

  Max stilled at those words. He figured it was something like that. Ever since he was a kid, Max understood he was Daniel Shepard’s single weakness.

  “Were you planning on keeping that information from me the entire time?” ae asked, rolling off Grant.

  Grant reversed their positions, and Max forgot why he was mad in the first place. Grant above him was always a welcomed invitation.

  “No. I intended to tell you once we get here,” Grant said. His mate lowered his mouth to his, and Max melted into a puddle.

  “It’s okay. This time around, I don’t mind being out of my father’s way.”

  “I promise you this,” Grant said. “I won’t ever lie to my mate again.”

  “You didn’t exactly lie. You just delayed in telling me.”

  Grant grinned, got off him. Max didn’t need to ask. They stripped down. Once naked, they slipped into bed again. Grant lay on his back and let Max straddle him again. Max ran his hand down the taut muscles of Grant’s chest and placed a kiss on the spot over Grant’s heart.

  “Hmm. Yummy,” Max said.

  “I had planned on taking a walk, playing tourist with you once we got here,” Grant said. “Maybe take that nature trail nearby.”

  Max scrunched up his nose at the mention of nature. “I suppose,” he began, deciding to compromise. “We can still do that. After sex I mean.”

  It was so adorable that Grant thought he ran the show. Max was about to teach his werewolf mate that when it came to him, plans could be flexible.

  “Agreed.” Grant reached out, rested his hand on the curve of his cheek. “I want to see you slide that tight little ass of yours down my cock.”

  Just those crass words made his heart flutter in anticipation.

  “I’ll grab the lube from my backpack,” he said. He quickly swiped the bottle from the outer pockets of his pack. Max licked his lips when he caught sight of the enormous erection his mate sported.

  “You came prepared,” Grant said. “I approve.”

  “Oh yeah, I knew things would heat up.” Max returned to position, settled himself right above Grant’s eight-pack abs. “You know, I actually wake up earlier now, just to watch you do your morning crunches and push-ups.”

  “I noticed.” Grant’s eyes turned a deep gold, and Max noticed his mate’s teeth had slightly lengthened. The sight of Grant’s wolf peeking out of the man only turned him even further. He uncapped the lube, applied plenty in his hole while Grant watched and stroked himself.

  “That’s it, baby,” Grant said, with a growl. “Widen that hole to fit my cock.”

  Max groaned, pushed two, three fingers in his asshole, and put in more lube. Certain he was ready, he put the bottle aside, felt Grant’s hands on his waist. His mate guided him to his waiting dick.

  “Slowly,” Grant told him.

  Max nodded, lowered his hips, and began to impale himself on his mate. He groaned as Grant’s cock penetrated him the first few inches. Max gasped when Grant’s dick was fully seated inside his ass. He began to rock back and forth, up and down. Max got used to Grant’s shaft inside of him.

  “Fuck yourself on me,” Grant ordered.

  Max did just that. Sweat coated his back as he panted and worked on sliding his ass up and down Grant’s prick.

  “Yes,” he murmured, closing his eyes. The moment he pulled his ass out, Grant suddenly grabbed his shoulder and pulled him to the bed. Max lay on his back, appreciated his mate taking over the rest of the work.

  Grant hefted his legs over his broad shoulders and shoved his dick in his hole. Max clawed at the sheets as Grant began to ride him fast and deep.

  “That’s the spot, baby.” Max gasped as Grant found his prostate and kept driving at it.

  He groaned, felt his dick curving up his belly, leaving smears of pre-cum on his skin. The mattress bounced underneath him, and the wooden frame of the bed creaked as Grant thrust in and out of him without mercy.

  Max left his own nail marks across Grant’s shoulders and lower back. Grant’s last push shoved him off the edge of oblivion. His mind shattered. The pressure inside him burst as waves of ecstasy filled his entire body. Max panted, screamed out Grant’s name. The mating bond between them pulsed to life, felt electric.

  Several thrusts later, Grant climaxed, filling his ass with warmth. Grant slid next to him in the bed later. Max cuddled closer, loved the way Grant automatically enclosed him in his warmth.

  “Gets better and better,” he said.

  Grant pressed a kiss to the mate mark on his neck.

  “Love you.”

  “I love you back,” Max answered automatically.

  * * * *

  “Are we there yet?” Max asked the fourth time to annoy his mate.

  Grant gave him look over his shoulder.

  “Not long now,” Grant said, before continuing their hike.

  Max sighed. Didn’t Grant say those words, like half an hour ago? He slapped at his left arm, then his neck. Damn mosquitoes. His shirt was drenched, and he didn’t think he could go another mile, let alone finish this uphill climb. According to his quick internet search, Blackcrest Peak was supposed to have the best view of the town.

  Max was beginning to think the climb wasn’t worth it. He’d been enthusiastic at the start, kept taking pictures of the scenery with his phone. Now, he had barely energy left to move forward. Would it make him seem like a coward if he asked Grant if they could head back? Maybe he could use all his persuasion and charm to convince his mate they’d be better off snuggling in their huge and warm bed back at the inn.

  His foot got caught on a fallen branch. Max yelped, but Grant was there in seconds, easily gripping his arm and steadying him.

  “Careful,” his mate warned him.

  “Grant. Can’t we head back? I’m all dirty and sweaty. Not enjoying this nature hike at all,” Max whined.

  He thought Grant would reprimand him, but Grant only leaned in close to give him a quick kiss. The contact of Grant’s warm mouth over his made Max feel a little better.

  “See that sign over there?” Grant said, gesturing to a little wooden sign right above a frighteningly long flight of wooden stairs.

  “Uh-huh,” Max said, skeptical.

  “We just need to make it up there. There’s a rest area at the Blackcrest Peak viewing platform.”

  “And we’ll head back after?” Max asked. “You’ll reward me with more sex and cuddles?”

  Grant chuckled. “Of course, but you’ll also walk away happy you managed this easy hike.”

  “Easy my ass,” he grumbled. Grant offered him a hand, which he took.

  Those stairs made his calves and legs do a lot of work. He stopped halfway, drank more water, and by some miracle, finished those last steps.

  “What’s the big deal about this—” Max halted. An incredible view of the town and the forest surrounding it spread out before him. It took his breath away. He ran to the closest railing and peered out. Grant joined him moments later, his shoulders brushing up against Max’s.

  “Worth it?” Grant asked him.

  “Yeah, it’s pretty breathtaking.”

  “Good job, especially since this is your first hike.”

  Max had done nothing but whine and complain during their walk. He felt suddenly like a dick. Grant must’ve wanted some peace and quiet. He knew shifters preferred to be around nature. That was why his great-great-grandfather had created a mini forest on the pack house property.

  “Sorry,” he finally said, leaning against his mate.

  “For what?”

  “Being difficult. When I dislike doing something, I’m pretty vocal about it.”

  “What would you say about taking more trips like these?”

  Max thought about Grant’s question. “Well, the only part I’m not mad about is this hike, but the rest? D
efinitely.”

  Grant grinned. “Good, because I’m already planning our next out-of-town trip.”

  Max reached out for Grant’s fingers, held them. “Before you came into my life, I would’ve never thought of leaving the city to visit a charming little town like this.”

  “Good or bad change?”

  “Definitely good. I’m already getting fitter. We have plenty of sex and hikes.”

  “Hike. Singular,” Grant corrected.

  Max groaned. “Oh fine. Have it your way. Let’s take a few pictures before heading back? Chad’s going to be so jealous.”

  Chapter 14

  Hearing Max’s ring tone in the background, Grant groaned and grabbed one of the pillows to put over his head. Max probably forgot to put his phone on mute again. Max had stayed up late last night, messaging and sending pictures of their hike to Chad.

  Grant’s plans for this morning were simple. He intended to sleep in, maybe have a round or two of sex with Max before going for brunch. Maybe they’d even order in. Max would like that, he thought.

  “Dad?”

  Hearing Max’s surprised voice, Grant lifted the pillow to see his mate had extracted himself from bed. Max had his cell phone pressed to his ear, but Grant had excellent shifter hearing. He didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but why would Daniel contact Max and not him if a problem arose? Maybe Daniel simply wanted to talk to Max, he thought.

  “Wrong. Daddy can’t come to the phone right now,” said a slimy voice on the phone.

  Grant sat up in bed to see Max’s panicked eyes seeking his. Max set the phone down and put it on loudspeaker. Grant could see Max’s trembling fingers. He didn’t like that. A bad feeling started in his gut.

  When no one from Daniel’s pack had contacted him last night, he assumed the pack was busy. After all, Daniel’s pack had just engaged in a fight with another pack, so he planned on contacting them if he didn’t receive a call this morning.

  Max took a deep breath. “Who is this? Why do you have my dad’s phone?”

  Grant left the bed to comfort his mate. He enclosed his mate into an embrace. Max seemed relieved and leaned against him for support. Grant didn’t speak, not wanting the speaker to realize Max wasn’t alone.

  “Don’t you recognize my voice, human?”

  Grant furrowed his brows, tried to place that smug voice somewhere. Max beat him.

  “You’re that bouncer from the bar,” Max whispered. “What’s going on?”

  “Ex-bouncer. You made me lose my job, prick. Now it’s payback. While your father and his pack were busy fighting the Deadpaws werewolves, I wormed my way in the middle. Found your old man injured in an alleyway.”

  “What have you done with him?” Max demanded. Grant gave Max’s shoulders a squeeze. His mate needed to calm down, be rational. Then again, if someone close to him like Gill were taken, Grant wouldn’t be able to think straight.

  “I haven’t killed him yet. It’s not easy, containing an Alpha of his power. and I’m not dumb either. It’s simple—surrender yourself in exchange for him.”

  “I give myself up and you let him go, is that right?” Max asked.

  Grant suppressed a growl at those words. He might not know Daniel that well, but he knew the Alpha wouldn’t hesitate to give his life for his only son.

  “What are you, deaf or stupid? That’s just what I said.”

  “Show me proof he’s alive,” Max said. A wise move, Grant thought.

  “I knew you’d say that. Fine. I’ll toss you a freebie. I’m turning on the video.”

  Grant glimpsed a loading dock, steel, grimy concrete floors. Empty shelves. Bruiser focused the camera on a single metal chair, bolted to the floor. A man was tied to it, bound with chains that Grant didn’t doubt were made of silver. Daniel looked like the shit had been beaten out of him. The Alpha was covered in dried blood and bruises. He looked unconscious.

  Could someone like Bruiser manage to take an Alpha of Daniel’s power all on his own? Unlikely. Bruiser must’ve had help, but from who? The Deadpaws Pack maybe? A possibility, although Bruiser would be playing with fire. That pack had a reputation for killing everyone that got in their way, including their allies.

  Max let out a gasp as Bruiser returned the phone to audio.

  “Clock’s ticking, Maxie. You have twenty-four hours. Head to the address I’m texting you or your father’s dead. Oh, and you can’t ask for help from the rest of your father’s pack. Do that and I’ll put a silver bullet to his head.”

  Bruiser ended the call. A few seconds later, Grant saw Max had a new message with the time and address from an unknown number.

  “Grant,” Max whispered, twisting in his arms to look up at him. “What am I going to do?”

  “One thing you’re not going to do is give yourself up,” he said.

  “This is my dad he’s talking about. How did he even manage to get in the middle of a pack war and kidnap him?”

  “He didn’t. Bruiser’s probably working with the Deadpaws Pack. Whether voluntarily or he was forced into it, we don’t know.”

  “How can you sound so calm?” Max demanded, pulling away from him. His mate began to pace the length of the room.

  “Baby, I was a soldier. I’m familiar with situations like these. Breathe. In and out. That’s it. Will you listen to me?”

  Max bit on his lower lip and nodded.

  “The first thing we’ll do is contact the pack. See what information they have on your father’s kidnapping.”

  “Bruiser said I can’t bring backup. They won’t be able to help. I have to go alone.” Max paled at those words, but a determined look crossed his face. That scared Grant, because he knew Max would do exactly what he promised.

  Max called himself a coward, but he was far from that. Grant knew Max was the kind of person who’d risk it all, even his life, for the person he cared about.

  Grant walked up to his mate and grabbed Max’s shoulders. He wanted to shake some sense into his mate, but that wouldn’t help the situation one bit. Grant told his agitated wolf to calm down. Their mate needed them right now.

  Grant just needed to talk some sense into Max. “Like hell you will. I understand you care about Daniel, but think. He wouldn’t want you to give your life for him. This is the same man who chose to live on after his mate died to raise you, to look after this pack.”

  “I can’t allow Bruiser to kill him. I can’t just sit idly by on the sidelines and do nothing.”

  From Max’s end of the mate bond, Grant sensed Max’s powerlessness and frustration. He didn’t want his mate to feel those emotions ever again.

  “That won’t happen. You’re not alone in this, Max. You have me, and as for backup? Bruiser only mentioned the pack. I’ll call my friends, brothers I served with the military. This won’t be the first time we’ve extracted someone, a captive in a hostile situation.”

  Max seemed to be breathing easier at his words. “You trust these guys?”

  “With my life,” he confirmed. “Here’s what we’ll do. You’ll call your father’s Beta, Ben, and I’ll contact my guys.”

  Giving his mate a task to do would keep Max’s mind preoccupied. Prevent his mate from panicking any further or resorting to a rash action. With their respective errands, they made their round of calls.

  An hour later, they had checked out of the inn and were on their way back to the city. On his bike, he felt Max tighten his arms around him. Through their mate bond, he could still feel Max’s emotions spiking up. Max had every right to be worried and anxious about Daniel.

  Max had handed him the phone earlier, and he’d managed to speak with Ben. What Ben had told him made him wary. Daniel’s pack had been too overconfident, too certain of their victory over a smaller, less established pack that they’d agreed to meet on the enemy’s turf. The city’s slums. There, the Deadpaws had separated Daniel from the rest of the herd. Without an Alpha to lead, the pack was in chaos.

  Grant did a background check on Bruiser. Bruiser
didn’t have the smarts to pull something like this, but Darby, the Deadpaws Alpha, did. That just told him not to underestimate the enemy.

  When he and his old buddies had gone their separate ways, Grant didn’t think he’d contact them again. They were civilians now, out of the uniform and the war zone. He’d be dragging them into a fight that wasn’t their own. Grant expected them to refuse, but none of them did. They had his back, just like the past. Except this time, Grant had so much more to lose.

  Max was mated to him, tied to his own life force, his soul, for better or for worse. Grant couldn’t afford to make mistakes, to be reckless with his own life for fear he’d end up killing his mate in the process.

  Chapter 15

  “Hey, you don’t need to worry about a thing. Grant and the others? They’re the best at what they do,” said Joker. “Besides, you’re supposed to meet Bruiser an hour from now. This extraction will be quick.”

  Joker was one of Grant’s ex-military buddies who had arrived to help. Max appreciate the shifter dropping everything when Grant called to ask for Joker’s help. Still, Max bet Joker wasn’t exactly keen on playing babysitter. For one, the dark-haired and tattooed male seemed unable to sit still and kept staring at his phone. It was as if Joker wanted to jump right into the action like everyone else.

  Right now, Grant and two others were scouting the warehouse where Bruiser kept his father captive. Joker and he sat inside a car parked a few blocks from the warehouse. Ben and the others had been frustrated that they couldn’t help. It took plenty of persuading on Max’s end to allow Ben and the other werewolves to let Grant and his crew handle the situation.

  It was the right call. Ben wanted to barge right into the warehouse where his father was kept, guns blazing, the entire pack at his back. Doing this, covert style, would ensure minimal casualties.

  Max looked out the dirty car windows. Joker seemed to have rented the ugliest, dirtiest car he could find. To help us blend in, Joker told him. Max didn’t even know there was place like this in the city, an abandoned strip of road filled with empty warehouses. Perfect location for a violent werewolf pack to hide in.