Chasing the Moon

by B. A. Tortuga

  “I’d like to be friends.”

  “I would too. So, there we are.” Nathan picked up his milk glass, waiting to clink it with Halian’s, who didn’t leave him hanging at all.

  They drank deep together, and then fell on the cookies like they were ravenous. Hungry as he was, though, Halian gave him the lion’s share. The bear’s share?

  So he gave Halian more of the bacon, making it seem as though he’d eaten a few pieces pulling it off the pan. As he ate, Halian relaxed, smiling and laughing happily at his jokes.

  Poor baby was starving. He’d have to feed Halian often to begin with, like a runt puppy. He needed to feel comfortable all the time. Nathan wanted Halian to be healthy, happy.

  Halian sucked down half a dozen cookies, a good bit of bacon, and two glasses of milk. Nathan would have to get a grocery delivery.

  “I have some money. A little bit. I can pay for the food. I promise.”

  Nathan blinked. How had the pup known? “Oh, we’ll work that out, hon. You keep that money for now. I won’t ask anything weird, I promise.”

  “I just—I don’t want to be a burden to you. You let me visit, sleep.”

  “And you are keeping me company. That’s worth gold to me.”

  What a lovely happy smile, and the squeeze to his hand made him chuckle.

  “Would you like to take a walk? Or we could actually watch a movie and I won’t sleep through it.”

  “I’d love to go outside and see things. See things you love.”

  “Then we’ll have a wander.” He stood, bouncing. His acreage was absolutely gorgeous.

  “How long have you been here? Did you grow up here?”

  “No. No, I was actually born up in Alaska.” He’d known in his bones there was somewhere else for him, though. Known it.

  “Alaska? So far?” Like it was the moon.

  “Yes. I don’t know what drew me here. I worked my way down with my sister. Backpacking.”

  “That sounds nice, actually. Not too frightening.”

  “No, it was kinda fun.” There had been moments…. He and Angela had learned a lot about the real world. And now they were here, outside of the real. Here was better. He would protect it with his life.

  “Are you all right? You look so sad.”

  “Huh? Oh, there were a few bumps along the way.” He found another smile for Halian. “Come on, you. Let’s go. I want you to see the crazy chipmunks!”

  “Crazy chipmunks? Do you feed them? Are they nice?” Halian reached for him and held his hand.

  “They are nice, but they get right up on your feet! They like food.” The feel of Halian’s hand in his made Nathan want to roar with happiness.

  “What kind? Of food? Nuts?”

  “I usually feed them good quality wild birdseed. Martin says that’s what they like.”

  “Martin?” Halian’s fingers moved on his hand, petting him.

  “Mmm. He’s a friend. A marmot shifter. Can you imagine? He’s so funny.” Nathan adored the little weirdo.

  “Oh, you have lots of friends. How cool! Mai was my friend. Now I have you too.”

  “You do. Ash is your friend too, you know. Or he will be. But I really think you’ll like it here and make lots of friends.” He tucked Halian’s hand into the crook of his arm. “I want us to be special friends, though.”

  “I’d like that, very much.” Halian leaned against him, heavy and solid.

  “I would too.” Feeling daring, he pressed a kiss to the top of Halian’s head, that hair wild and still smelling of the desert somehow.

  “Oh.”

  Yes. Oh. There was electricity buzzing through that kiss, an unseen force that was telling him Halian was the one for him. His to love. Goddess, let it be true.

  He believed in that, that the river brought you what you needed. “Let’s walk.”

  “Sounds perfect. Thank you.”

  They held hands, wandering outside to the trail that led up the canyon wall behind his house.

  “So, is this the new wolf? Are we going to be a wolf sanctuary now?” Liam stood there in his too-big jeans and his huge hat, scowling at Halian, who’d retreated behind Nathan.

  “Liam, be nice.” Nathan grinned widely. “I like your hat. Halian, this is our resident grumpy kitty, Liam. Liam, Halian. He’s a friend of Maicoh’s.”

  “Oh, hello, Mr. Liam. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Are you bringing more with you?”

  “More what?” Halian looked utterly confused.

  “Wolves.”

  “What? No. They sent me to bring Maicoh back.” Halian touched his back.

  “Liam, honestly. Go dip in the hot tub and calm down.”

  “I promise. No one is coming for me. They want Maicoh to make babies, but he’s mated.”

  “Huh. Mai doesn’t seem like the baby type.”

  “No. No, he really doesn’t.” Halian chuckled softly.

  Liam snorted. “Well? Feed me something.”

  Nathan bit back a grin. “There’s chili. Peanut butter cookies. A few slices of bacon left. Go help yourself. We’re going on a walk.”

  “Thanks, bear. Pup.” Liam stomped toward the house.

  “Is he okay?” Halian asked.

  “He’s always like that. Kell swears he spent too much time in his cougar form and forgot how to interact, but I think that’s just Kell being a butthead.”

  “Maybe he needs a snuggle.”

  Possibly, but not from his Halian. Not yet.

  “I bet he needs a nap. He’ll have a snack too. He forgets to eat.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad. He’ll find the cookies, I bet.”

  “And the chili. And and….” He laughed, hiking up the hill.

  Halian chuckled with him, their shared joy filling the air. They held hands, wandering, and soon they were high enough for the chipmunks to come.

  Halian plopped down on the ground and waited, eyes sharp.

  Nathan spread out a trail of birdseed, singing to them as was his wont. Soothing his friends. Halian leaned against him, sharing their scents.

  That made his eyes cross with pleasure. So sweet.

  “I can smell you, bear. It’s so different.”

  “Is that bad?” He hoped not. Nathan wanted to be a good thing.

  “It’s perfect. It’s new and wonderful.” Halian inhaled deep, nostrils flaring.

  “Oh, good.” He leaned, putting an arm around Halian, watching the little ones eat.

  Halian watched with rapt fascination, wide-eyed and wondering. The chipmunks got brave soon enough, coming right up to chitter at them, which made them both laugh.

  “Why aren’t they afraid of us?” Halian asked.

  “I think they’re used to me? I’ve never hurt them, so they have no reason to worry.”

  “No. You’re not that hungry. You have cookies.”

  Nathan was already beginning to fall in love with the tiny glimpses of humor Halian offered.

  “I do. Even in my bear I prefer fish to chipmunks…,” he teased.

  “Salmon, trout, tuna?”

  “I love them all. My natural diet is salmon, but here I catch trout, and I eat tuna right out of the can.” He glanced at Halian. “What’s your favorite?”

  “Chicken. I love chicken. All sorts.”

  “Mmm. I like chicken pot pie. I should make some.”

  Those pretty clear eyes met his, the fear in them faded now, easier “Can you show me how?”

  “I can! I love to make pie crusts. Oh, we’ll have such fun.” He hugged Halian to him, and the chipmunks all scattered, chittering and telling him off.

  Halian laughed. “Too much for them.”

  “I think they thought I was going to eat you. I want to kiss you, but not hurt you.”

  “Do you? Want to?” Halian’s eyes were like glass, so clear with the sun shining in.

  “I do.” He might as well be honest, right?

  “Okay. I’ve never kissed a bear before.”

  “No?” H
e wanted to ask who Halian had kissed, but that was intrusive, so instead he pulled the lad close, staring at that pretty mouth.

  “No. No, but I want to kiss you, bear. Is that weird?”

  “Not one bit.” Now he had permission, so Nathan closed the last few inches between them, settling his mouth against Halian’s. His pup was tea and honey and sex and peanut butter and brightness. Halian tasted like sunshine.

  He moaned a little, so caught up, so taken with this sweet man. Nathan had never been so fast to need someone.

  A wild gronk came from the trees, and he groaned.

  “Go find Liam, Kell. He’s in the hot tub. Shoo.”

  Halian looked up, scanning the tree line. “Another friend?”

  “Raven. Watch your hair.” Kell took a hank from every newcomer, trading it for a shiny rock or some such.

  “Hello, friend raven! There are cookies!”

  A huge black bird fluttered down to them, landing gracefully, then coming to poke at Nathan’s leg.

  “He means at the house, dork. Liam is there.”

  “You’re beautiful.” Halian leaned against Nathan, cuddling in. “Such shiny feathers.”

  Kell preened his wing, looking proud as a peacock. Which, raven…. Nathan chuckled, holding Halian close.

  “There are peanut butter cookies down there. Bacon too, if Mr. Liam left any.”

  At the mention of Liam, that shiny black beak clicked, and Nathan could sense Halian’s confusion. A cat and a bird—even wonderful ones like Liam and Kell, weren’t a love match.

  Most of the time, they were prey and predator.

  “Go on, Kell. All will be explained. I’ll introduce you to Halian when you can talk and all.” He winked, then made shooing motions again with his free hand.

  “GrrrrONK!” Kell flew off, leaving a little whirlwind of dust behind him.

  “Silly bird,” Nathan murmured. “Looks like there’s a meet up happening at my house.”

  “Do we need to go?” Halian’s hand slid down his arm.

  “No. They’ll eat and dip and nap.” They could enjoy each other, and if Angela or Martin arrived, Kell would feed them.

  “Oh, good.” Halian moved into his lap, and he wasn’t sure if the little wolf knew how dangerous that was, how much he wanted.

  Then again, some of the signs would be tough to miss now. Nathan was about as hard as he’d ever been. He took another kiss because he had to.

  Halian’s hands slid over his shoulders, the touch featherlight and sweet as hell.

  That feeling of glorious need rushed over him again, Halian such an enormous source of joy. There was a heady scent of arousal pouring off his little wolf, so much promise. Nathan wanted to smother him with kisses, to rub against him until they both came.

  Goddess, please let him take this slow, careful. He would never hurt Halian. Ever. Something of what he was thinking must have shown on his face, because Halian stroked his cheek with gentle fingers.

  “I have you, Nathan. I promise. You’re okay.”

  “You’re a love.” He rubbed noses with Halian, showing his approval.

  “I’m not, but thank you for saying so.”

  “No you are. I just—you make me happy.”

  Look at that smile. Goddess help him, it was radiant. Halian needed someone to love him. Someone who cared for him in the same way Halian cared for them. Mai hadn’t been able to do that because he was mated to Ash.

  Nathan was selfish enough to be grateful.

  “Can I kiss you again? Please?” Halian rubbed their noses together, a soft moan brushing his lips.

  “Please. Yes, please.” He wanted Halian to control this kiss. Nathan kept his eyes open this time so he could see Halian’s face, even though his lashes immediately tried to droop when their mouths met.

  Halian was painfully gentle, tongue lapping at his lips, begging them to open. Nathan let him in, let him explore, encouraging with tiny noises. Halian moaned into his lips, answering his song.

  Yes. This felt so perfect. So right. He put one hand on Halian’s lower back, a compromise when he wanted to grab that tight ass.

  Halian groaned softly, hips wagging in a sweet little dance that made him achingly hard. He arched up, letting Halian feel it. Maybe a bit of a warning as well as a pleasure.

  Halian’s eyes crossed, and to his surprise, his pup pushed down against him.

  “Oh.” Now his hands had a mind of their own, slipping down to cup Halian’s butt. He pulled them closer together, the scent of them mingling so amazing. Halian was hard for him, rocking toward him with a grunt and a groan.

  “Sweet.” He let them feel each other, let that friction be enough for a few minutes.

  Halian nodded, swallowing hard. “You’re—it’s good. The kisses.”

  “Yes. I love kissing you.” He wanted Halian to be at ease, though. Not to worry that he would push too far.

  “I promise to be good. I swear on my tail.”

  “Shh. You’re wonderful just as you are.”

  Halian wiggled for him, the joy overwhelming and wondrous. In fact, that earned him another kiss too, this one far less cautious.

  Oh, he was over the moon. So brave, so happy—Nathan loved this. You’ll grow to love him, his inner voice told him. Get to know him.

  Halian rested their foreheads together, both of them breathing hard. “Wow.”

  “Mmm.” He wanted… so many things. But he refused to treat Halian with less than anything but care, and they were out where anyone could see. “You make me reckless, sweet.”

  “Is that bad, bear?” Halian stroked one hand through his hair.

  “Not one bit. The ground is too hard for what I want, though, and my house is crowded.” He laughed wryly.

  “It won’t be like that forever, will it?” Sweet pup.

  “No, not at all.” He lifted Halian to his feet, then stood, brushing off leaves. “In fact, neither Liam nor Kell are late-night guys.” They wandered back down toward the house. It would be good for Halian to meet both guys in a more civilized place, and he would bet Angela would be there, wanting to hear about Ash.

  “I like the night, the moon, but I guess you could guess that.”

  “I could. I like both. I sleep all day sometimes so I can wander all night among the trees. Then again, I also like bad movies and popcorn.” He wanted to know what Halian liked to watch, to do in his spare time.

  “Popcorn….” Oh, that was a happy, hungry noise.

  “I love popcorn! With honey roasted peanuts. Oh, yum.” He pulled Halian into a wee dance.

  “Honey and peanuts? Together?”

  “Yep. With a dusting of sugar once you roast them.” They had so many treats to explore.

  “I—can we do that? I will… I don’t have money, just enough to get home, but…. Nuts and honey.”

  “I have peanuts and honey. We’ll do it tonight.” Halian was so worried about money, but they shared in Glen Wood. “There’s plenty of work here. Don’t worry about that.”

  “Oh, I can work. I work hard.” Halian bumped their shoulders together. “I am going to try to stay. I will ask Mai to be part of his pack, so I can be here.”

  “Okay.” He had no idea what that meant. Academically, he did, but Liam was right. They could only support so many apex predators. Mai couldn’t be bringing wolves willy-nilly. Not that his Halian was willy or nilly.

  “Is that bad?” Halian put a bit of space between them. “I’m not asking to stay in your house. I can stay in the mountains. Even under Mai’s house when it’s cold. There’s a space.”

  “No! No, I got lost thinking for a moment. I want you to stay in my house”—forever—“as long as you want.”

  Goddess, his little wolf was sensitive, pulling emotions from the air, it seemed.

  Halian nodded. “Well, I can live with that.”

  “Oh, excellent.” He dared a little butt pat.

  Halian shivered for him. “You have a big hand.”

  “I suppose I do
. I can be very gentle.” That seemed important.

  “I can too. I can be toothy too, if I need to be.” Halian met his eyes. “I can protect you.”

  “I would love that.” Sometimes he slept so hard. People had taken things from him when he did.

  “You have my word.”

  “Thank you, sweet. Every light in the house, hmm?” His house was all lit up.

  “Oh. Oh! It’s pretty. Look at it!” The happy clapping made him scoop Halian up, spin him around.

  “It is pretty.” Nathan relented. Hopefully his friends had heated up enough food for them too. He was hungry again.

  The house smelled like chili and cornbread, chips and salsa, and…. Mmm. Apple pie. Sister was here!

  “Come meet Angela.” He dragged Halian into the kitchen from the back door, so eager to show him off.

  “Nathan! How’s Ash? How bad is he hurt? Where’s the new wolf?”

  “This is Halian. Halian, my sister, Angie.” He presented his sweet wolf like a gift. “Ash will be fine. Twisted ankle.”

  “Ma’am.” Halian smiled over, the look sweet, if tentative.

  “Oh, what a sweet face you have.” She rushed to Halian, patting his cheeks with her big paws, er, hands. She was a handsome big bear woman.

  “Thank you. Your brother has been very kind to me.”

  “He’s a kind man, but I can tell you’re special.” Angie whirled to hug Nathan. “I brought apple pie for tonight, and cinnamon rolls for you two for breakfast.” She gave everyone but him and Halian a stern look. “I did have a bowl of chili. It’s luscious.”

  “Thank you.” He beamed. “You’ll love her pie.” He wouldn’t rub the cinnamon rollness in right now.

  “I will. I love apples and pie.” Halian blushed dark. “I like food.”

  “Me too!” Angela clapped her hands. “Can I fix you both a bowl of chili?”

  “Please, Sister. Halian needs a snack before we make honey roasted peanuts.”

  “Oh! I can help get those started if you want, but you’ll have to finish them up. I have to run in a few.”

  “That’s okay, hon. I want to show Halian so he can make them if he wants them.” He winked.

  She rumbled, a happy sound. “Of course.”

  Angela met his eyes, a deep satisfaction in them. She understood.

  “Thank you.” He led Halian to a seat, nudging Liam with his elbow. “Did you soak?”