by Sean Michael
“Yes.” Cody could handle that. He tilted his hips, bucked up toward the touch.
Barker tugged at his jeans, dragging them down off his ass. His prick caught at the waistband then popped back up and slapped his stomach. It made Barker moan, and his mate shimmied down, taking the head in.
“Mate!” His head banged against the floor.
Cody felt Barker’s smile, and then his mate took in more of him. The heat was perfect, driving all his worries out of his mind. The Clan could wait. Now he needed. Barker’s head sliding along his shaft. His eyes were squeezed shut, his hips pumping, thrusting up into the heat.
The suction got stronger, Barker pulling hard on him. His orgasm hit him like a wave, crashing over him, around him. Barker swallowed, taking him down, drawing out his orgasm. It left him melted, worn out, happy and boneless.
Barker rested his head on Cody’s belly.
“Mate.” He reached down, fingers tangling in the heavy mass of hair.
“I wish we could stay right here like this.”
“Yes.” That would work for him.
“Okay, done.”
His laughter chuffed out of him and Barker’s joined his in short order.
“How about we stay here until we have to hit the head?”
“Okay.” Cody grinned. “I can hold it a long time.”
Chapter Twelve
Barker didn’t know what to do and he hated it. All his life, the Clan had been there, the Elders and the Alpha making the big decisions, setting out the laws. And now, he couldn’t trust them.
They’d run Cody off ten years ago when he couldn’t shift. God only knew what they’d do if they found out he could shift whenever he wanted. Hell, they already knew. Harry had as much as told Barker. He’d thought they’d have time, though. He thought Harry had been trying to tell him that as long as Cody was out of the city, his mate would be safe.
Barker paced, feeling the beast right there beneath the surface, the moon so close. Cody had changed hours ago, had been running, looking for strangers. The problem was, Barker was afraid Cody needed to look for friends. He wished he had someone he could ask, someone he could confide in. All his friends were thick with the Clan, though. Their allegiance would be with Clan.
Cody’s allegiance was with him. Solely. His mate. He was so fucking proud of his beautiful mate who could change whenever he wanted.
Cody’s tail was up, proud, as he ran near the cabin, barking happily.
“Hey, mate!” Barker laughed, wishing the moon was on them already so he could run with his mate.
Cody squealed to a halt, spun around, and came barreling toward him.
“Oh fuck.” Barker braced himself.
Four paws left the ground as his mate leaped, tongue lolling out to one side in pure joy. Love!
He went down under the force of Cody’s leap, back hitting the ground with a thump, the wind totally knocked out of him. He managed to get his arms around Cody, though, fingers digging into fur. Cody licked him, paws holding him close.
“Wish I could be beastly with you.” Soon. Between the moon and his mate’s closeness, his body was eager to give over to the wolf.
The big head landed on the center of his chest, ear over his heart.
“Cody.” He closed his eyes and held on tight, Cody’s love clear, filling him. Cody’s tail thumped against his legs. Laughing, he ran his fingers through Cody’s fur. “Enjoying the beast, huh?”
He knew that, after ten years of pain and not being able to change, this had to be amazing for Cody, especially out here in the wild. Cody chuffed softly, as at home in his form as any shifter Barker had ever known. He wanted Cody to feel like this all the time, free and easy and happy.
The hot, long tongue cleaned his throat, his chin. Barker laughed and turned his face. Next it was Cody’s cold nose nudging his skin. “Hey! Cold and wet!”
He felt Cody’s laughter.
“Soon. The moon’s almost here.” He felt it under his skin. God, he wanted to wolf out already and run and hunt and play with Cody.
Come play with me. Cody’s teeth were on his shoulder.
It’s not fair play while I’m like this. Still, he pushed Cody off and stood.
Come play. Beautiful mate. He felt Cody’s admiration.
He shook his head, but still he ran toward the trees. “Think you can catch me?” he shouted. As if he had even the smallest chance of getting away. It was a good thing he didn’t want to.
Cody chased slowly, giving him a head start, a chance. It made him laugh, made him put on as much speed as he could. He felt his mate’s breath on his thighs, his knees. Damn, Cody was fast. He put on a last burst, trying to get clear of the patch of rocks he was running over—looking for a soft place to land. It meant something that Cody let him go, let him land on the soft grass.
His initial instinct was to curl up to protect his belly, even though this was his mate, but because it was his mate, he didn’t. Instead, he wriggled around so he was lying on his back, looking up into Cody’s furry face. “You got me.”
Love you. That cold nose touched his belly then Cody offered him the long neck.
“Oh, mate.” He grabbed it with his hand, squeezing just the barest bit before turning it into a good scratch. Cody’s eyes rolled back, back leg thumping on the ground.
He laughed, the sound turning into a growl as the change came over him.
Mate! That sound was pure joy.
He leaped up and pounced on his mate, muzzle rubbing along Cody’s. Cody’s paws nudged him, batted at him. Barker pushed back and nipped at Cody’s haunches. The happy bark had him chuffing, rolling his mate under him. He put his head back and howled, the pleasure running between them. The moon was fat and full, his mate’s voice harmonizing with him.
They leaped up and started running, the ground flying beneath their feet. They barreled through the trees, heading for the creek, for the water.
He caught the scent of a rabbit and called to his mate. Food!
Cody crouched down, hunching and slowed, nostrils flaring. Barker was so proud of his mate—Cody hadn’t been hunting very long, but he was a natural. He circled around one side, making the barest bit of noise to distract the hare while Cody inched closer. As he watched, his mate pounced, grabbing the rabbit at the neck and shaking it, a quick, clean kill.
Teeth bared and bloodied, Cody brought the prey to him, bowing deep. He licked along Cody’s jaw and then took his share of the organs before leaving the rest for Cody. Cody pounced happily, almost puppy-like. Barker pranced around his mate, tail up, keeping an eye on the forest around them. Cody nipped his heels, bouncing back, wagging hard.
Chuffing, he pretended to be headed the other way and then pounced to the side, going for his mate. His muzzle grabbed Cody’s ribs, his mate scrabbling on the ground. He rolled them, still chuffing, mock fighting. He felt Cody’s paws batting at him, the happy snarling making him pant.
He loved this, loved playing and just being, the freedom intoxicating. Cody’s scent filled his nose, his heart. He put his head back and howled out his happiness.
Another wolf howled back and Cody stilled, whimpering softly.
Barker fell silent, head tilted.
He put his head back and howled again. A warning this time. This was his land. His and Cody’s. The howl came again—one of the Clan, he thought. They’d chased him. Harry had lied about them being safe here. Maybe the man had just wanted them out of the city, where they could take him and Cody down without anyone else knowing.
They’re here. Cody would need to decide what he wanted to do. Stand and fight, run, go find Riana. The choices were limited, but they were there.
Cody sighed, tail dropping. You should go if you want to.
If you suggest I go one more time, I’m going to beat you.
The air went electric. You can try.
He snarled. We don’t need to fight each other right now.
Cody ducked his head, submitting immediately.
We should go. He hated the thought of running from his land, from this place that was his, but if the Clan had come out in full force, he and Cody couldn’t stand up against them. Not and survive.
Which way?
He didn’t have a clue. North? It would take them the farthest away from the city, from the Clan.
Cody sniffed the air, nose wrinkling. You’ll be human in the morning. You’ll need your things.
They’ll be here by then. There was no time. They would be trapped if they stayed.
What? You’ll wander around naked tomorrow?
If it keeps you safe.
Cody tossed his head, snorted at him. He growled and started trotting off, heading north. Cody headed for the cabin. He snapped and snarled. The Clan would be looking for them there. Cody just kept moving. Asshole.
He went after Cody, snapping at his mate’s heels. Wrong way.
No. Your truck is there.
Hello. Wolf. Can’t drive. Where was Cody’s head?
Cody’s eyes met his. Hello. Freak. I can.
Barker stopped. Yipped. Cody could be a man during the moon?
Why not? Cody stared at him. You’re my mate. I won’t leave you helpless in the sun.
I just never thought…What would it be like, to be the wolf while Cody was a man?
Cody didn’t answer, just kept moving. Growling, he followed his mate, nipping at those haunches.
We’ll get the truck, head north. Hell, we can go back to your place, grab supplies.
The Clan would be all wolfed out and Cody could get right by them. It was ingenious, really.
His mate. His stunning mate. He howled to Cody, putting his admiration into it.
Cody’s eyes danced, twinkled for him, then his mate started to run.
Chapter Thirteen
Hurt. It hurt to be human during the moon. It hurt, but it worked, and he had Barker, Barker’s things, his bag, money, food, and supplies all packed in the truck. Now he just had to drive until the sun was up. The Clan could travel hard at night as wolves, but they’d be stuck during the day, and it wasn’t like there’d be cars or weapons or anything waiting for them when the moon made them change.
Barker kept sniffing him, backing off and huffing. Smell funny.
I know. I’m sorry, mate. He took a handful of pain pills and kept driving.
Don’t be sorry. You rescued my clothes.
He chuckled. Clothes, iPod, Barker’s shaving kit—things they would need on the run.
You still smell funny. Still, Barker moved closer, head resting on his thigh. He stroked Barker’s head, breathing shallowly. You hurt.
I’m…He couldn’t lie. Not mind-to-mind.
The sun will be here soon, and I can drive. Barker growled a little and licked his hand. Or we can stop.
“We’ll be safe. Beautiful wolf.”
A bark answered him, Barker licking his hand again, moving closer so more of his body pressed against Cody’s thigh.
“You’re so warm.”
Barker chuffed for him, gave a soft woof. He found his mate a smile, fingers rubbing the fuzzy ears. Breath leaving him in a huff, Barker moved, pushing against his hand. He could hear the whine of pleasure caught in his mate’s voice.
“Such a good wolf.” He loved his mate with a fiery, burning passion.
Barker’s low growls were happy, pleased, and the long tail thumped hard against the truck’s seat.
Cody hummed, focusing on the road, on keeping it together.
Sun’s coming. Maybe you should pull over.
“So soon? Has the night gone so fast?” He was starting to waver.
Barker growled softly and nudged his arm. Pull over.
Cody managed to get the truck to the side of the road, killed the engine. Barker stood and pushed the great muzzle into his face. He draped his arms around Barker, buried his face in the soft fur.
Love you, mate. So strong. Only wolf human during the moon.
Love. Hurt. Tired.
I know. I’m sorry. It should be me taking care of you. Barker licked his face.
“Shh.” Cody closed his eyes, trying to rest, trying to avoid the questions. Why would the Clan care if he could change? Barker kept licking, wetting his face. “I don’t know, what if they don’t want me? What if it was a lie? Why do they hate me?” Another jolt of pain rocked him, and the urge to change was huge.
I don’t know. Because they’re assholes? I’d rather figure it out from a distance, though.
“I’ve ruined your life.”
The bark he got was short, sharp.
“Don’t argue with me.”
Barker bared his teeth, a low growl sounding. He chuckled. God, he loved that noise.
Don’t laugh at me!
That made the laughter worse, more hysterical. Barker barked sharply, and then the sound morphed as Barker began to change, the sun peeking up over the edge of the horizon.
“Mate.” Cody watched, smiling through his pain.
Barker growled and stretched, head going up and shifting, nose sliding back into his face, body lengthening. In a matter of moments, his mate lay next to him, human and utterly naked.
Cody smiled. “Hey. We made it.”
“Yeah. Thanks to you. You got us far. And now we’ve got the day to put more distance between us and the Clan.” Barker rose up and kissed him hard. “Guess I’d better get dressed, huh?”
He nodded, too tired to even move. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. What about you—you looked wiped. Go ahead and change.”
“Yeah?” His wolf battered at him, desperate. “Kiss me?”
Leaning in, Barker took his mouth again, tongue pushing between his lips. He sank into this kiss, trusting in Barker to ease him. Strong fingers slid along his spine, rubbing and touching. Better. He leaned harder. Better. Barker responded eagerly, the kiss going deeper.
He backed off, panting, the wolf knocking at his door.
“It’s okay. Go ahead.”
“Sorry.” Cody tore out of his clothing.
“It’s okay. I can’t imagine what it was like, holding the moon off like that.”
By the time he was changed, Barker was pulling on clothes. He curled into the seat, panting softly. Better. Better. Better.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that.” Barker petted him, fingers rubbing through his fur, at his skin beneath it.
His eyes dropped closed. Protect my mate.
“Yeah, you did a good job of that. This part would have sucked without clothes. Not to mention, we’ll get further with the truck.” Barker started the engine up and steered the truck back onto the road.
Music filled the cab, low and comforting, and Cody settled, his bones relaxing.
“So how far did we get? We’re well past the cabin, yeah?”
Yes. I headed due north, outside the Clan holdings. Toward the Northern Packs. Only the City Pack called itself a Clan.
“Smart wolf. I don’t know what we’ll find up north, but it’ll give us time to think. Figure things out a little.”
Cody panted, tail thumping.
“See what you can really do. I mean, you can change when you want. Even when the moon’s on you, you can be human, and when it isn’t, you can be furry. There’s the telepathy thing. God knows what else you’ve got up your sleeves.”
He stretched his paws out playfully. Barker laughed, hand rubbing his head. The scratches felt so good. So good.
“You picked up the money from my stash in my underwear drawer, right?”
He chuffed softly. That. Your safe from the bottom of the closet. Your checkbook and your laptop.
Barker’s eyes left the road for a minute to look at him. “You thought of everything,”
Cody preened. He was a good mate. He was.
“Hopefully we can find someplace out of the way where we can take time to figure some stuff out.”
He rested his muzzle on Barker’s leg. They would.
They had to.
Barker’s hand landed on his head, stroking, petting him. “I’m not letting them hurt you anymore. They’ll have to come through me.”
His eyes closed, so heavy. So tired. So tired.
It must have leaked through the bond, because Barker petted him. “Go to sleep. I’ve got this.”
He licked Barker’s wrist then boom…heavenly, healing sleep.
Chapter Fourteen
Barker tried to find a place to stop for the night, but in the end, he drove the truck into a field off the road, hoping the tall grass would keep them hidden from what little traffic there might be. He pulled off his clothes, feeling the moon about to take him; he’d cut it close.
Cody was awake and bouncing, staying close, encouraging him to hurry. He managed to open the driver’s side door, and then he was bounding out, barking as the wolf took him. Cody sniffed him, nose nudging him. He turned and smelled Cody in return, nipping at his lover’s muzzle.
He loved the happy bounce, the yips of welcome, of admiration. He paraded up and down a little, showing off for his mate. Look at me.
Forever. My Mate.
Yes. Forever. Come on, mate. Let’s run.
Cody took off like a shot, paws digging into the ground, tail up. Chuffing, Barker followed, going all out to keep up with his mate. He was stronger than Cody, tall, but his mate was running flat out, making him work for it. There was nothing like this feeling, like running freely through the fields, the trees with his mate. He wasn’t going to give this up. Not for anything or anyone.
He finally had wholeness, life. Love. Love. He put his head back and howled it out to Cody. To his mate. Cody’s voice joined his, alone this time. Perfect. He howled once more and then gave chase.
The air was cooler here, almost crisp. It would be a good place to stay, to live. If they were both wolves all the time. He didn’t know how much there was to do when they were non-furry. He shook off the thoughts—they sat heavily on his shoulders when he was wolfed out. Now was the time to run and play and hunt and be with his mate.
Cody circled him, heading to nip at his heels. He spun around, chuffing, going for Cody’s in return. His mate was fast, light on his feet. Barker kept up the chase, trying to get in there, to get the bites in first. It made him chuff and bark and nip. Cody leaped over his back, paws barely ruffling his fur.
