by M. D. Grimm
Orion took matters into his own hands—or wings—and dove off the building.
Orion! Talon clacked his beak again. It was too late.
The little elf owl squeaked and circled Dexter’s head. Dexter stumbled back with a gasp before letting out a startled laugh.
“Whoa there, little guy. Where did you come from?”
Orion showed far too much intelligence and landed on Dexter’s shoulder, rubbing his head against Dexter’s cheek.
Talon was going to spank him as soon as they got home.
Promise? Orion mentally said, flirtation and laughter coming through loud and clear.
You could expose us.
Perhaps I will. We can trust him to keep our secret.
Orion, Talon mentally sighed. His optimism was really going to hurt him one day. They’d never told any of their other thirds about being shifters, and it said something that Orion never mentioned it before. It seemed he really was taken with Dexter to trust him after such a short acquaintance.
Audrey’s words echoed in his mind, and he quickly shoved them back so Orion wouldn’t sense them. It was still far too early to trust Dexter with the truth, but all evidence pointed to him being a compassionate, gentle soul.
“Oh my God,” Dexter said, gently cupping Orion’s body. “Are you that owl I helped last week? No way!”
Come on, Orion said, join the fun.
Talon hesitated. Then the way Dexter handled Orion and the wonder he saw in his eyes decided him. His owl also wanted to see what Dexter would make of him. He spread his wings and launched off the roof. He kept well above Dexter’s head, his shadow dancing over the ground. He circled them as Dexter jerked his head up, squinting.
It warmed his heart the way Dexter protectively covered Orion and backed away. Probably thought another bird was hunting the little elf. Talon flew in front of a streetlamp, and Dexter gasped again, stumbling backward.
“Jesus Christ, what is going on?” Dexter said.
Orion mewled, the sound slightly muffled behind Dexter’s gloved hand. Talon perched on top of another lamp in a well-lit area. At least half of him would be in the light, and Dexter could get a good look. He puffed out his chest and ruffled his feathers, knowing he was a sight to behold. Not many actually saw great horned owls in the wild, though his brethren could be heard plenty.
“No way,” Dexter whispered. He took a few slow steps forward. “You’re a…. Jesus, you’re big.”
Talon’s owl preened at the words and the reverent tone.
Arrogant ass, Orion said, chuckling.
Dexter moved his hand and looked at Orion. “Why do I get the oddest sense that you know this owl?”
Orion rubbed his head against Dexter’s cheek again before struggling out from under his hand.
“Wait! I don’t think you should—”
Too late. To struggle to hold Orion would only hurt him, and Dexter seemed to know that. Orion launched into the air and flew straight at Talon before excitedly flittering around his head, mewling and chuckling.
Dexter watched, jaw hitting the ground.
He knows this is not how birds act, Talon said.
But we got his attention, Orion said.
Talon didn’t bother to sigh again. He spread his wings and dove off the lamp. He circled Dexter once, making sure he was high enough he didn’t spook him too bad. Then he flapped his wings hard to remain in place before Dexter’s eyes, and hooted once, keeping his tone gentle and welcoming. Dexter simply stared at him, bug-eyed.
He hooted again and launched into the sky, disappearing into the black, Orion close on his tail.
Once back at their apartment, Talon sent a quick text to Dexter to set up their next date, then eyed Orion.
“Time for your spanking, you naughty boy.”
Color flushed Orion’s face, and he grinned before dropping his pants. “Where do you want me?”
Dexter wasn’t the only one to watch the owls’ antics. Stacey peeked out the window, eyes narrowed in suspicion. She knew of Dexter’s fondness for birds, but the familiarity the owls showed to him just couldn’t be normal. He’d mentioned caring for a dazed elf owl days ago, but wild birds didn’t return to their rescuers like this and with other birds in tow, did they?
Stacey shook her head. As she watched the birds fly around Dexter, demanding his attention, she pulled out her phone and hit the only number she had on speed dial. After the second ring, her therapist answered.
“Kia, I don’t want to be an alarmist, but I think we have a situation.”
“Tell me.”
Stacey described what the owls were doing and how they were doing it.
“Does your friend know about shifters?”
“No, he’s in the dark. He’s just an animal lover.”
“Keep your eyes open. You have good instincts. If you say something’s off about those birds, then I believe you.”
Stacey closed her eyes in relief. “Thank you. I’m glad I’m not alone in dealing with this.”
“Never. The Knights of the Dawn take care of their own. We might be scattered, but we will always have your back. Observe and report, Stacey. It might be a while until we can send backup. You’ve delivered us a few shifters in the past, so my superiors have no reason to dismiss your claims. You have the green light to protect your friend any way you can.”
“Thank you.”
“I will see you at our next session.”
She hung up. The owls had left by now and Dexter walked away, alone in the darkness. She watched her friend leave, her heart heavy.
Hatred and fear built up in her chest as she thought about shifters harming her dearest friend. She turned and leaned against the wall. She rubbed her chest, struggling to keep her breathing steady. If shifters were after Dexter, then she needed to save him. She couldn’t bear the thought of her sweet friend being harmed the way she had been. Of being a victim to their cruelty.
She closed her eyes, unable to stop the flash of memory. Beau, her ex-boyfriend, was a tiger shifter. At first she was amazed and thrilled at the discovery, at his trust in her. He’d always been domineering and possessive, but she stupidly thought that meant he loved her. Once he shared his secret, however, everything only grew worse. He became paranoid that she would reveal him in some way. No matter what she said or did to reassure him, he became more and more abusive. Scaring her to keep her silent. Demanding to know where she was and who she was talking to.
Then he stalked her to campus and nearly killed her. Dexter saved her. Dexter comforted her. Dexter protected her.
How could she not return the favor?
Kia had told her all about shifters. She and the Knights believed her, informed her, and always had her back. They made her strong so she would never be a victim again. Shifters were a danger to humanity, and she wanted to play her part in protecting everyone she could.
Straightening from the wall, Stacey knew she needed to find out who those shifters were, their human identities. She needed to get them away from Dexter and keep his ignorance intact. This should be handled silently, in the shadows. And fast.
Shifters only understood fear and dominance. She would give them both.
Rage flashed in her eyes as she stalked down the hallway to her office. The year since the attack had been a year of recouping and finding her confidence. She knew how to handle herself now.
And she would make sure to handle those beasts one way or another.
Chapter Five
Dexter fidgeted as he approached the apartment. Talon and Orion lived in one of the apartment complexes the university offered graduate students. It was a nice place for student housing. They were going to make him dinner at their place, and he wasn’t sure if he was disappointed or relieved they’d promised they wouldn’t try to seduce him. He had to work that night despite usually having it off, so he couldn’t be seduced, even though he desperately wanted to be.
Nothing is going to change unless you make it change, he said to himself. It was perhaps the hun
dredth time he’d said it since getting in his car and driving to campus.
He shook his head and straightened as he reached their front door. He was finally wrapping his head around their desire for him, and he told himself he needed more time to process that before jumping into bed with them. His mind agreed with him, though his body was another story.
Well, look at him, having plans on a Friday night. Beatrice had been over the moon for him. He couldn’t have asked for a better cheerleader. Every time he thought this might be a dream, either Orion or Talon would send him a text. Orion’s would usually be silly and Talon’s serious and informational. Dexter now texted back freely and would always receive a prompt response.
This wasn’t a dream.
He cleared his throat and ignored his shaky hand as he knocked. Not a minute passed before Orion yanked open the door and grinned. “There you are! Come in!”
He grabbed Dexter’s hand and pulled. Dexter stumbled inside, and Orion slammed the door shut before pushing him against the wall and kissing him.
Dexter gripped Orion’s shoulders and couldn’t fight the kiss. He’d been unable to think of anything else since their first date. Orion used his lips and tongue, obviously knowing how to render a man weak and turn his legs to rubber. Dexter hardened, and when Orion tried to press closer, he pushed Orion away. He broke the kiss and sucked in air, holding Orion at arms’ length.
“You said,” Dexter said, panting, “you wouldn’t—”
“Couldn’t help myself,” Orion said, panting as well. Though he did step back, and Dexter dropped his hands.
“If you two are going to make out,” Talon said, calling from deeper inside the apartment, “don’t do it unless I can watch. There are several comfy sofas in here.”
Orion giggled, and Dexter blushed. Orion took Dexter’s hand again, squeezing it in comfort. Dexter let himself be led into the living area. It was a one-bedroom apartment, and they passed the kitchen where Talon was bustling around between the stove and refrigerator. The bathroom and bedroom were to his left, and the living area opened up with a kaleidoscope of colors, all hues of the rainbow represented. It was cheerful and slightly chaotic but welcoming. Dexter let his shoulders ease and didn’t protest when Orion pushed him into a cushy couch before settling against him, blatantly cuddling.
It humbled Dexter to realize Orion found such pleasure in snuggling with him. It was gratifying to know an attractive man enjoyed his presence. He swallowed hard and cleared his throat to keep the tears at bay. That would be a great addition to their second date.
“When do you have to be at work?” Orion asked.
“Eight. We have time. Um, I mean, we don’t have to rush.” Why did everything he said sound like a sexual innuendo?
Orion lightly hummed and rubbed his cheek against Dexter’s shoulder. It brought to mind the odd actions of that elf owl and the astonishing run-in with the great horned owl.
“Good.”
Dinner was soon served, a sautéed casserole deal with plenty of vegetables and spices, with hints of meat. It was delicious, and Dexter couldn’t stop complimenting Talon on his talent. He then had the rare pleasure of seeing color rise in Talon’s cheeks as he tried to wave away Dexter’s appreciation.
Conversation flowed easier than Dexter thought it would. It soon turned to books, and he was delighted to know that he and Talon had read many of the same ones.
“Seriously, though, as a scientist, would you bring back the dinosaurs?” Dexter asked, as their discussion soon turned to Jurassic Park, both the movie and the book.
“Yes.”
Dexter blinked. “Really? They ate nearly everyone.”
“Well, if we’re talking about the movie, I’d say I would have done a few things differently.”
“Like what?” he asked, amused.
“For one thing I would have called upon paleontologists and animal behaviorists before actually hatching the beasts. I also wouldn’t have put a guy in financial distress in charge of the security. The dummies deserved to have the dinos eat everyone.”
Dexter laughed. When he’d walked in the front door, he was convinced he’d either make a fool of himself or feel like the awkward third wheel. Neither was the case. After finishing the food, Orion stayed cuddled against his side, letting him and Talon lead the conversation. Even now he was leaning heavily against him, eyes half closed, in complete comfort.
“You’ve read the book, right?” he asked Talon.
“Yes, I prefer it.”
“Huh.”
“Tell him why,” Orion said, eyes wide open now.
Talon smirked. “The movie was too much about the people.”
“What do you mean?”
“The book was about the science. I like Michael Crichton because he focuses on the science over the characters, who are just a way to propel the plot and warn against the abuse of science. Like Timeline or The Andromeda Strain.”
“It’s all up here with him.” Orion tapped his head.
Talon met Dexter’s gaze, heat kindling in his eyes. “Not all the time.”
Dexter gulped. Then he took a breath and started a debate about character versus plot, which Talon participated in with equal passion. Being an English major had Dexter rooting for character while the analytical Talon always pushed for plot. It remained friendly and Dexter enjoyed it immensely, feeling more at ease in their company than he would have thought possible.
When there was finally a lull, Talon gathered up their dishes, and Orion started kissing Dexter. Little pecks at first on his cheeks, his chin, then deeper on his mouth, pressing close. Dexter groaned and cupped Orion’s head, gliding his fingers through his silky curls. Orion made a sound in his throat, similar to the elf owl, and climbed into his lap. Dexter grunted when Orion sat on his erection, and Orion moaned and wiggled his butt slightly, obviously enjoying what he was sitting on.
Dexter’s breath hitched. When he tried to grab Orion’s shoulders, Orion caught his hands and guided them down to his butt, insisting he grip his ass. What choice did he have? Dexter squeezed Orion’s perky cheeks, and Orion sighed into his mouth, pushing his hands through Dexter’s hair. The kiss spiraled on, slow and teasing, though filled with need and a low simmer of lust that could quickly flash to flame.
Orion gently rocked on Dexter’s lap, the friction sparking need through his cock. He felt Orion’s erection rubbing against his stomach and wondered how soon he could have a taste.
“Stay with us,” Orion murmured against Dexter’s lips.
Dexter opened his eyes and was struck by the luminosity of Orion’s golden ones. Jesus, were they really glowing?
“Call in sick and stay with us,” Orion said, still rocking, his voice rough with need.
“I—” Somehow he managed to look past Orion to see Talon sitting in a chair across from them, rubbing his own crotch with his hand. His hazel eyes appeared to be glowing as well. Lust blasted through Dexter when their eyes met.
“The choice is yours,” Talon said, voice rough and still commanding. “If you let us, we will take care of you.”
Dexter’s emotions were already high and on edge, and their simple words broke through his wall. Tears burned his eyes, and he pressed his face against Orion’s shoulder, hugging him tightly. Orion made a sound of concern and hugged him back, kissing his head.
“It’s all right. You’re okay,” Orion said softly, going from lusting to soothing in a finger snap. “We won’t hurt you. We promise. You can trust us.”
Dexter squeezed tighter, unable to stop the tears from flooding down his face. He was beyond mortification, yet Orion was nothing but kindness and comforting words and touches.
“Someone hurt you,” Orion said.
Dexter nodded. No reason to deny it.
“You should tell us about it.”
Dexter shook his head.
The couch dipped beside them, and Talon touched Dexter’s arm.
“You will tell us,” Talon said. “Then we will kn
ow how best to soothe you. We care about you, Dexter. Believe that. We want you for the long haul, and we want to have sex with you. We can’t do that if you have hang-ups.”
His blunt words were what Dexter needed. He took a deep breath and sniffed. He cleared his throat and leaned back, rubbing his eyes. He forced himself to look at Orion. Concern etched his face from his big eyes to his brows, and he kept rubbing Dexter’s shoulders. Dexter glanced at Talon. No expression showed on his face, though he kept his hand on Dexter’s arm, a solid link.
“Okay,” he said. “Okay, I get it. You’re right. It’s just… hard and, you know, embarrassing.”
“You don’t need to be embarrassed around us.” Orion slipped off Dexter’s lap and sat on his other side, holding his hand.
Dexter wished Orion had stayed, but it would be easier to talk about it if he wasn’t distracted. He grabbed a glass of water and took a sip before clearing his throat again. He glanced at both of them to find he had their complete attention.
You can do this.
“I’ve never had a boyfriend,” Dexter said. “No one ever looked at me. And I never put myself out there because, well, what was the point? I knew my place, and it was always dead last.”
Orion made a sad sound and snuggled closer. Dexter almost smiled.
“I had a few friends, always girls, and they helped me survive. I also didn’t have the best childhood. My parents devoted all their time to my younger perfect brother. They didn’t have any use for me.”
Talon grunted. Dexter glanced at him to see his jaw tense and his brows draw together in obvious anger. His touch on Dexter’s arm never tightened or loosened—it was steady and absolute.
Dexter took a deep breath. “Needless to say I had—have—self-esteem issues. Anyway, so there I was, a freshman in college. Had a roommate. He was attractive and charming at first. I tried to stay out of his way, just get through my classes. But he talked to me, seemed to include me in his world. I never met his friends or anything, but he didn’t ignore me when he returned to our room. That was a first for me.”
Dexter had to stop for another sip of water.
