by M. D. Grimm
The nerve of the bastard—to think that he could just come waltzing back and expect Brian to simply go to him! Derek knew all about Kyle and how he’d treated Brian. He despised Kyle for what he’d done to his mate, and he would have loved to chew on his neck.
He growled in spite of himself, and the dogs backed away submissively. Setting his bag on the counter, he took in the aroma of the turkey and the cinnamon candles, for the first time hearing the cheerful Christmas music. These simple, homey, and cheerful elements served to calm him down—he was home, Brian was safe, and his mate would fucking stay that way. He looked over at Brian, who was emptying the other bag, and realized that his mate was still shaking from the encounter.
“You all right?” he asked, coming up behind Brian and putting his hands on his partner’s shoulders. Brian’s soft blond hair brushed his fingers, and his mate’s smell calmed him further; his muscles relaxed and most of his anger left. The fear in his mate’s soft green eyes had summoned the wolf inside him. When he smelled Brian’s fear, his wolf wanted to attack. To protect and defend. It was only Brian’s miraculous mind communication that kept him from shifting. But he could still feel his wolf pacing, waiting for the chance to pounce. To hunt.
Brian exhaled slowly and braced his hands on the counter. “I think so. I will be. It was just such a shock to see him, after all this time.”
Derek massaged Brian’s shoulders, and was pleased when the touch relaxed Brian. “You should have let me rip his throat out,” he whispered into Brian’s ear. He felt his mate tremble, yet Brian sent him a stern look over his shoulder.
“We can’t solve our problems by killing people, Derek. Shifter or not.”
Derek just grunted and began to empty the other bag. He hadn’t really meant to kill the bastard…. Well, maybe he had. But—damn it!—Kyle had touched what was his. Kyle had hurt his mate. There was no way in hell Derek was going to stand for that!
“Let’s not fight, okay? Not so close to Christmas.” Brian grabbed a bowl that had potatoes in it. “He’s gone. Forgotten.”
Derek heard the slight note of doubt in Brian’s voice. “Right,” he murmured.
Brian frowned, and his eyes narrowed. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“Derek….” Brian used the tone he often used when scolding the dogs.
“He’ll be back, Brian. He’s an alpha—a twisted, conniving, manipulative one—but he’s still an alpha. He still sees you as his mate. I smelled it.”
Brian sighed heavily. “What does it say about my life that a comment like that doesn’t even make me bat an eye?”
“What comment?”
“‘I smelled it’.” Brian rolled his eyes. “People don’t rely on their sense of smell very often. Not for sensing emotions, anyway. Except on those cop shows you love so much.”
Derek understood that Brian was trying to steer the conversation away from Kyle, trying to distract Derek from what he saw as his duty.
“If he comes back here again, I won’t be so nice, Brian. Don’t argue with me on this.”
Brian frowned at him but said nothing.
Derek tried to keep the alpha attitude low-key, because he knew Brian didn’t appreciate it very much, but this time, he wasn’t going to hide who he was. What he was born as.
“Just don’t wolf out if he does, okay?” Brian said after a few minutes of silence.
“I’ll try my best.”
“That’s all I ask.”
Derek absently scratched Goliath’s head when he thought of something. “Do you think Kyle is allowed to leave the east coast? Wouldn’t he have a parole officer?”
Brian’s eyes brightened. “I can try to check.”
“I will. You finish dinner.”
Kyle ground his teeth as he drove recklessly down the street. Things had certainly not gone the way that he had planned. How dare that little slut tell him to leave? But what did he expect? That stupid man didn’t understand that Kyle was the best partner for him. He’d taken a lot of risks to hop states and visit him, and the fucking bastard didn’t have the decency to be even the slightest bit grateful.
It was Brian’s fault he’d gone to prison in the first place. Kyle had decided to graciously forgive Brian after he’d disobeyed him and gone to his slut sister’s funeral. Then, when he’d started coming around Brian’s apartment, determined to convince him that they belonged together, Brian had the nerve to get a restraining order. A fucking restraining order!
But that hadn’t stopped Kyle. Oh no, it hadn’t. Then he’d set the fire, a moment of weakness, all Brian’s fault, and was arrested. The fucking cops called him a stalker. An arsonist, as if he was a petty criminal.
I wasn’t a fucking stalker, just a man who was trying to get back what belonged to me.
Then he’d been released and Brian had left. Vanished. No trace as to where he’d gone. Not even Brian’s fleabag-loving coworkers had given him the time of day and answered some reasonable questions. Kyle had the right to know where his lover was, didn’t he? Damn fucking right, he did. And now Kyle knew. Oh, yes, now he knew.
That little slut, he thought. Doesn’t he understand that he belongs to me?
That man—the one Brian had called his “boyfriend,” the one who looked like some fucking Indian chief—he had done something to Brian, warped his mind or messed him up. Not a hard thing considering how weak Brian was. That was why he needed Kyle to protect him. That “boyfriend” needed to be eliminated, that was for damn sure. Maybe thrown back into whatever fucking shithole reservation he crawled out of. Brian would fall right into place if that Indian was out of the way. Kyle just needed to figure out a plan of attack, something that wouldn’t put him back in jail.
He scowled. His damn parole officer had probably gone to the marshals already. He didn’t care. He was a free man, goddammit!
And then there were those fucking, disgusting mutts. He never understood Brian’s unhealthy love for those fleabags. They meant nothing but doctor bills and expensive food, and they weren’t even good for anything. They just lay around and slept all day and night and barked and howled until you wanted to shoot them. He had certainly wanted to shoot them.
Kyle’s knuckles turned white as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. He still remembered that day, coming home from work, expecting to find supper on the table and instead finding a note. A note in Brian’s handwriting, telling him that they were through. He still remembered running up to their bedroom and finding several of Brian’s items gone, along with a couple of suitcases. That was it, that was all he got. After all their years together, after all the bullshit he’d had to put up with in that relationship, all he got was a fucking note!
It was Brian’s fault I had to torch the apartment. Hell, he drove me to it!
It still gnawed at his gut that instead of apologizing for his mistakes, Brian had just left. Yes, this was all Brian’s fault, everything Kyle was feeling and what he would have to do now. Why did Brian constantly force him do stuff like this? Why did Brian get such a sick pleasure out of provoking him? Taunting him?
Kyle screeched to a halt at a red light and drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. He needed to get Brian alone, away from the Indian, to convince him that they were better together. To convince him that Brian needed him.
Just thinking of Brian’s willing body made him grow hard, and he shifted in his seat. That little whore was a great lay, and he so loved to have his tight ass fucked. And with Kyle’s desire came rage.
Brian has no idea who he’s messing with. He thought the fire was bad? He would show that Indian and Brian what lengths he’d go to, to make Brian his again.
Just wait, Bri. You belong to me.
“You know, this isn’t a bad movie,” Derek said as they watched White Christmas.
Brian smiled and curled closer to Derek’s warm body. The sun had gone down an hour before, and both of them were stuffed from their Christmas Eve supper. The dogs were snoring away at their fee
t, and Tinker was sprawled across the back of the couch, watching the movie as intently as his people.
The Christmas tree stood just to the left of the TV and nearly brushed the ceiling, and presents were already stacked underneath its branches. It was decorated with Christmas lights, garland, ornaments, and a glowing star, making it the most festive thing in the house. Although Brian had put most of the ornaments on the tree, he’d managed to get Derek to put up the star.
The tree was real, Brian having insisted that they pick it out together. The fresh smell of it drifted throughout the house, reminding him of earlier times when he was still celebrating the holidays with family. A family that severed all contact with him when he told them he was gay. But he still remembered Christmases with them, and he wanted to recreate that family feeling once again. He wanted to share the wonder of Christmas, the feeling of excitement on Christmas morning, and he wanted Derek to feel it too.
A wreath hung on their front door and paper snowflakes graced their windows. Next year he planned on buying lights to put on the outside of the house, just like everyone else on their block. He had a year to convince Derek of such an expense, but Brian was certain he could get his partner to agree.
Brian sighed and only half-watched the movie through heavy-lidded eyes. He was tired but content with Derek’s arm around him, his head resting on Derek’s broad shoulder, his hand on Derek’s thigh. He was warm, full, and surrounded by love. But every time he closed his eyes, he would see Kyle and hear the brute’s voice. It was all so horribly unfair. The bastard had no business ruining what Brian had built for himself, what he worked so hard to build with Derek. After so many years, he thought that part of his life over and done with, but now the past had reared its abusive head and proved just how quickly it could bite you.
He sighed heavily. Well, he wondered if he could book an extra appointment with his therapist.
“I know what you’re thinking.” Derek murmured, tightening his arm around him. Brian lifted his face to see Derek staring down at him, his eyes glowing like they always did when Derek’s emotions were running hot. “Don’t put him between us.”
“I am not,” Brian protested, pushing up and away from Derek’s warm body.
They spoke in low tones, not wanting to wake up the dogs. Tinker looked at both of them before leaping off the couch to find some other place to watch the movie. He was a very smart cat.
“You are,” Derek insisted, turning fully towards Brian. “You’re thinking about your time with him, about how it ended up. He thought you belonged with him. Well, you don’t now, Brian. You belong with me.”
Brian’s jaw tightened in annoyance. “Derek, calm down. I am not putting him between us. But with him suddenly showing up… how can I not think about him?”
“He doesn’t matter, Brian.” Derek glared, his eyes glowing brighter.
“Derek—” Brian started, feeling exasperation turn to anger.
“You’re my mate!” Derek snapped, jerking all the dogs out of their sleep. “You belong to me.”
Brian bared his teeth and his hands clenched into fists. “You know, I am getting fucking sick and tired of people telling me who I belong with and to. I think I can make that decision myself.”
Derek’s eyes glowed brighter. “I never said you couldn’t. I belong with you and to you as well, Brian. I won’t allow him to take away any of our time together.”
Brian took a deep breath and felt some of the tension leave his shoulders, but his muscles were still tight, his fists still clenched. Sometimes he could forget just how possessive Derek could be, since his lover didn’t let his alpha nature out except during sex. But right now, Brian could see the alpha blaze in Derek’s eyes. He knew that his lover was right—that he was letting Kyle’s visit get to him—but he just couldn’t help himself. No matter what Derek thought he knew about the man, Kyle was dangerous.
“Derek, I’m scared,” he said softly. “I want to forget him but I can’t. I want him to just go away, and he won’t, you’re right about that. He’s an alpha. I moved away, I tried a restraining order, and nothing makes a speck of difference. He’s been to prison, and he’s not afraid to go again. He’s dangerous, Derek. I don’t want you hurt.”
Derek sat back and crossed his arms over his chest. Despite the fact that they were talking about something important and urgent, Brian couldn’t stop thinking how sexy Derek looked, his face illuminated by the TV, his eyes glowing, turning his usually dark-brown eyes a unique copper color. He was lean and rangy, his face and his light bronze skin reflecting his indigenous peoples’ heritage.
“Nothing will happen to me,” Derek said, breaking the silence. “You have my word on that. But if he tries for you again, I don’t care if the marshals are coming for him, I will take care of him in my own way.”
Derek ended up calling the police and reporting Kyle, indicating that they suspected Kyle had illegally left the east coast. An hour later an officer arrived to take their statements. They hadn’t heard anything yet and due to the holidays, might not any time soon.
Panic as well as excitement bubbled inside Brian at Derek’s words. Panic, because he knew Derek would do what he said he would, and excitement because, well, it was nice to have an avenger. Still, he wasn’t about to tell Derek that.
“No, Derek,” he said. Then, desperately wanting to lighten the mood, he reached over and tapped Derek on the head. “Stay.”
They were silent for another moment before a reluctant laugh escaped Derek’s mouth. He reached across the distance between them and pulled Brian into a tight hug. Brian happily came along, covering Derek’s body. He was even happier when their lips met.
Brian rubbed his groin against Derek’s leg, making sure his own thigh rubbed against the bulge that was growing between Derek’s legs. Derek groaned and tugged at the tie that held Brian’s hair in a ponytail. Derek combed his fingers through the loose strands, and Brian shivered, feeling extremely hot and aroused. Skin tingling and body yearning, Brian was more than willing to give himself over to Derek, to allow his lover to be the alpha. Derek’s touch reminded him of why he was with Derek: the love, the gentleness, the passion. It was about the desire to give your partner pleasure, not just to receive it. Derek never had nor ever would harm him. He had a temper and he was possessive, but he wasn’t cruel—he was loving, passionate. Trustworthy.
Kyle had been selfish in the bedroom as well as in other aspects of life.
Derek suddenly pulled back and stared deeply into Brian’s eyes. “Stop thinking about him, damn it. Do not bring him into our bed.” His tone was harsh, angry, and before Brian could say anything, Derek had switched their positions and was now on top.
The dogs were watching them, wondering about the mood of their alphas. Derek sent them away with a growl. It was clear enough that even Brian understood the meaning: “Get out!”
The dogs trotted off, some whimpering, others snorting, and Tinker followed with a loud, irritated, “Meow.” Once alone, Derek took Brian’s face between his hands and kissed him thoroughly enough that Brian’s toes curled, his eyes rolled back in his head, and his dick pressed painfully against his pants, straining to be free.
Brian sucked in a breath when Derek let him go, and the next thing he knew, he was naked from the waist down. Thoughts of Kyle were drowned beneath the thick waves of passion that crashed over Brian’s trembling body, waves orchestrated by Derek. Derek took Brian’s length deep into his hot mouth, sucking with such force that any lingering thoughts of Kyle evaporated in a blur of sensation. At this moment, there was no room for anyone but him and his partner.
Brian cried out and gripped his lover’s dark hair, struggling to fill his lungs with oxygen. Derek’s clever fingers, already slick with lube from the bottle strategically placed in one of the stands by the couch, quickly found his puckered hole. Derek readied him, tormented him, pushing deeper into him, stroking his inner walls, until he teetered on the brink of orgasm. Brian allowed himself to be over
taken by sensation, by pleasure. His trust in Derek was absolute, eternal. His mate would always be right beside him.
Derek replaced his mouth with his hand and stroked Brian ruthlessly, determined to wipe out any memory of Kyle. He wanted to erase his own memories of that morning and of the past. He wanted to show Brian why they belonged together, how he could cherish, love, and protect him.
He kissed Brian again, relishing his soft lips, his wet mouth, and toned body. Though Brian could only be described as cute, with his big green eyes, his long blond hair, and his youthful face, his body was that of a man—toned, muscled and disciplined. Derek even thought the short and neat beard his mate grew to detract from his cute face was irresistible, and loved the way that beard would tickle him, scratch him. Just the memory of those sensations against his cock sent fireworks exploding inside his stomach. For him, Brian was a sight to see, to touch, and to kiss. He showed just how much he adored his mate through his touches and his kisses until Brian begged him to finish it, to let him come.
Naked now and throbbing, Derek was all too happy to oblige. He pushed Brian over onto his hands and knees and lubed his hole while slicking his own cock. Moaning, Brian pushed back against Derek’s fingers, his desire evident. Derek bent over him, shoving his mate’s chest to the cushions as he worked his way inside. Brian gripped the arm of the couch and wiggled his hips, and Derek recognized the brush of his mate’s mind, the emotions projected to him. He grinned. He loved being a shifter, if only because he enjoyed the way Brian used his ability on him. His mate wanted to be fucked hard and fast, with Derek’s dick deep inside him. Brian wanted to be possessed, dominated. He wanted to be brought to oblivion. Brian’s desire made Derek harder, needier. He smacked Brian’s ass and his mate shuddered.
“Derek,” Brian moaned.
Deep inside his mate, Derek moved with shallow thrusts at first, nipping at the sweet curve between Brian’s neck and shoulder. Brian moved with him, lifting his hips and taking Derek in deeper.
