by April Kelley
He couldn't handle Tommy. What if Tommy had been nice to him the whole time only to manipulate him? Mr. Evil had been calculating and overly charming. If that meant manipulating a person to get what he wanted, then he did without remorse, and he didn't care who he hurt in the process.
Chapter Eleven
"Would you like to take a bath?" Hacen could feel wetness leak into his jeans, and it came from Jules’ bottom, where he had sat on the damp ground. Some of the dampness more than likely had dirt that came along for the ride. Jules' hand was also caked in mud, which clung to his palm as if it made a home there.
Jules sniffled and nodded. Hacen hoped the bout of crying was at an end, but it seemed to gain in strength again. Hacen rubbed Jules' back and held him close. Jules wore his emotions for all to see, so tears were probably a natural process for him and would visit often. Hacen should probably get used to it.
He wanted to make all kinds of promises, or do whatever made him feel better, but he had zero experience comforting crying humans. Whenever a human had cried before, it had been because Hacen drained the blood from their bodies and they realized it too late to fight, so the alternative had been tears.
Hacen stood with Jules in his arms. Every time Hacen carried Jules, he was aware of their differences. Hacen had about six inches on Jules and a muscle mass that had grown since being away from Nicolono's coven.
In contrast, Jules felt delicate in a way that brought out a protective instinct Hacen didn’t even know he had.
"Can you sit on your own, honey?" Hacen let Jules' legs go but held on to him just in case he needed the help.
Jules just shrugged and didn't say anything.
"Okay, well. Sit down, and we'll see." Hacen guided Jules to the closed toilet. He bent down, keeping his hands on Jules' waist as he knelt in front of him. "You feel okay?"
"No." Jules brought his good hand up to his cheeks and wiped his tears away.
Hacen wiped the other cheek with his thumb. "I was asking are you steady? Can you sit here without help?"
Jules nodded and looked away. The feisty attitude Jules had sported for the last few months fled. He had regressed to the withdrawn human he had been when he was in Nicolono's care.
Hacen preferred Jules argumentative and cursing.
He stood, turning to the tub. He adjusted the knobs for the water. "We'll just have to tape up your leg wound, so it doesn't get wet. When your mother comes, we’ll ask her if there’s anything she can do to speed up the healing process.”
Hacen put the stopper in the tub and turned back to Jules, who sat there with his hands in his lap and his head down as if afraid to make eye contact.
Hacen knelt in front of him again, lifting his chin with a finger until their gazes met. "You know I'd never hurt you, right?"
Jules nodded. "Yes."
"And you know I want you here?"
"Yes."
"After you're well again if you want to go back..." Shit, Hacen couldn't believe what he was about to say. Gods, he didn't want to give Jules an out, but he needed that more than he needed anything else from Hacen. "... then I'll take you myself."
Jules' eyes widened, and he studied Hacen’s face. If he searched for sincerity then he wasn't disappointed because Hacen meant every word. He might not like it, but he'd do it. "You'll come visit?"
That was the only thing Hacen wouldn't do. "I don't think so. But we'll work something out."
Jules bit his lip. "But I have a choice now?"
"Yes." Which fucking sucked because Hacen would bet everything Jules would go back home in a couple of days. "I promise you."
Jules seemed to think about that. He must not have liked the conclusion he came to because his shoulders sagged. "Tommy won't let me go."
"Yes, he will."
"What if he uses his magic against me?"
Hacen pulled back, and his eyebrows drew together. "He'd never do that, honey."
Jules shrugged and looked away.
Instead of arguing his point, Hacen put his arms around that slender waist. "Are you ready to stand again? We'll get your pants and underwear off."
Jules blushed but stood. He kept his bad leg inches off the ground. Hacen held Jules around the waist, making sure he was steady on his feet.
Hacen could smell the blood just under Jules' skin and the way he looked up at Hacen, with such trust and openness, he couldn't help his physical response. His teeth dropped down.
Jules’ body fit against Hacen's as if it were meant to be there. Jules’ arms came around Hacen's neck and held on. He was sure Jules could feel his hard cock.
The tightness of his jeans made his cock uncomfortable, but he didn't want to draw attention to it by fixing the problem and scaring Jules. It wasn't the right time for any fun anyway, not with Jules’ leg and his mental state.
"I'm gonna push down your pants."
Jules nodded his consent and bit his lip. Hacen wasn't sure if Jules was horny or worried Hacen would push for more.
Just in case it was the latter, Hacen said, "I won't do anything more than take them off. I promise."
"I know."
Hacen slid his hand down Jules' side and into the waistband of his pants, pushing the fabric down. Hacen's cock twitched when his palm slid over the side of Jules' ass cheek. He could feel the muscles just underneath his skin flex as his hand slid over it. His skin was softer than Hacen anticipated. He fought the urge to linger the way he longed too.
Hacen bent down just enough to push his pants to his thighs. As he did, Jules’ hard length came into view. Gods, he just had to bend down, and his lips would be touching that angry pink head. Instead, he finished taking off Jules’ pants, trying to ignore the hard cock that grew closer the further down he pushed the pants.
Shit. He was so hard he could pound nails.
Jules looked up at him with those big brown eyes and every thought Hacen had fled his mind. He pulled Jules closer, intending to kiss him but Jules cried out, clearly in pain.
"Shit." Hacen realized immediately that Jules’ bad leg pressed against his thigh. "I'm sorry."
Jules held his breath and then let it out in one big whoosh. His face was scrunched together as he fought against the pain.
"Let's just get you in the tub." Gods, Hacen felt like a brute. Jules wasn't his ragdoll, and he needed to remember not to reinjure him.
Jules didn't even acknowledge Hacen's words. He just let Hacen lift him into the tub and sank down as soon as his feet hit warm steamy liquid. His wound was out of the water but only just. Hacen lifted his leg and rested it on the side of the tub. The position worked well, elevating it just enough to keep it dry. It also opened Jules up. Hacen saw the curve of his ass cheeks and the division between them. By the gods, it was a pretty sight.
Jules lay against the back with his eyes closed and his head resting on the side of the tub.
Hacen couldn't help but notice Jules’ cock had softened and laid against the side of his leg. Probably the pain had deflated it.
Jules also had the longest legs. He shouldn't imagine them wrapped around his waist when Jules was still in so much pain, but he wanted Jules too much not too.
"I'm gonna get stuff to cover your wound. Don't get it wet." Hacen left the door open as he stepped out.
Hacen had difficulty finding the tape. He searched through a drawer in the kitchen.
The front door opened and clicked shut behind him. Tommy’s scent washed over him.
Hacen turned, meeting his gaze. Tommy looked as if he killed someone. He kicked off his shoes at the door and then just stood in the middle of the cabin.
"Do we have tape?" Hacen didn't know what else to say. He didn't know how to make it better for Tommy. Tommy fucked up, and only he could fix it.
"It's in the last drawer on the right." Tommy kept his tone subdued.
Hacen rummaged around until he came across a roll of tape that would hold the plastic wrap well enough, so no water seeped into the wound.
"Make J
ules some of that pain medication again." Hacen didn't wait for Tommy to answer but went into the bathroom.
Jules looked to be asleep. He had shut off the water at some point and slid down into it. His leg was still dry, but it was a close call.
Hacen knelt at the side of the tub. He cut some plastic wrap and folded it until it was small enough to cover just the wound instead of half of Jules' leg. When Hacen touched him, he came awake with a start. His body jerked, making the water slosh around, some almost spilling out of the tub. It wet the wound enough that Hacen had to reach over and grab a dry cloth from the cabinet.
"It's just me, honey."
Jules looked at him without really seeing him. There was a wildness in his eyes before he finally focused on Hacen. His body lost all tension upon recognition.
"I'm just covering the wound."
"Okay." Jules lay his head back on the wall, giving Hacen room to work.
It didn't take long to put the covering on but halfway through, Tommy walked into the room. Jules stiffened again, and he looked at Hacen as if seeking him out for protection.
Tommy just held out the bottle of water with the pain medication for Jules and waited for him to take it. Jules sat up, drawing his knees to his chest as he did. He hesitated to take the bottle but eventually snatched it away quickly as if Tommy would hurt him if he lingered too long.
Tommy sat down on the toilet with his palms pressed together and his hands between his knees. Hacen turned to him. "Can you hand me another washcloth?"
Tommy stood and went to the cupboard. He took out a cloth before kneeling beside Hacen. Jules pulled into himself even more, putting his head on his knees when Tommy grew closer. His leg had to hurt in that position, but Jules seemed to need it.
Hacen moved over, giving Tommy room. Tommy wet the cloth in the bath water and grabbed the shower gel from the shelf next to him. He lathered the cloth until suds clung to the fibers and his fingers. The second the cloth touched Jules he let out a whimper and sniffled.
Tommy just rubbed the cloth across his back. "I'm sorry, baby."
Jules never said a word or moved at all.
"I realized I probably sounded just like Nicolono."
"Yeah, you did." Hacen knew Tommy was talking to Jules, but he couldn't help agreeing.
Jules turned, so he faced them, his gaze landed on Hacen and held there.
Jules unfolded his body slowly, giving Tommy access. Tommy brought the cloth around to Jules's chest. Jules's gaze moved from Hacen to Tommy, and his eyes narrowed. Hacen never thought Jules’ pissy attitude would ease his mind, but somehow it did. It meant that Jules wasn’t letting his past dictate their relationship.
Before Jules could unleash the beast, the door opened to the cabin, and several feet stomped inside.
Hacen stood and left the room, shutting the bathroom door behind him. Jules' mother and Ladon stood just inside the door, taking off their shoes. Jules’ mother smiled at him and walked across the room. Her arms were open as if she wanted a hug. Hacen stiffened and would have taken a step back, but she was on him quicker than he expected "How's my boy?"
"In pain and pissed at Tommy. He's tried to leave the cabin twice." Hacen didn't hug her back. He hadn't been embraced by a woman since before his grandmother died and to say it was awkward was an understatement. He didn't know what to do with all the mothering she seemed to smother everyone with.
She took the hint quickly enough and let him go. Or maybe she let him go because what he told her shocked him and she had to look at him to be sure he saw how outraged she was. Either way, he was glad it ended. "In his condition?"
Before he could answer her, Jules yelled Hacen’s name at the top of his lungs. And then yelled, "Get him away from me!"
Hacen winced when he saw the mother's eyes widen. Ladon scowled and for someone so young that scowl rivaled Hacen’s. The only difference between them was Ladon liked to kick ass and probably could kick Hacen's. Ladon was a strong shifter.
When Ladon moved as if he were going to go into the bathroom, Hacen stepped in front of him. "Jules is naked in the bath."
"So."
"So you're not going in there and seeing him like that." Hacen crossed his arms over his chest and stood nose to nose with the dragon shifter. He’d take an ass kicking if he had too. No one saw his mate naked but Tommy and him. Period.
"I’m a shifter. Nakedness isn’t a big deal.”
Hacen growled. "You're not going in."
"Well, something is upsetting him."
“I told you. He’s pissed off at Tommy. Nothing more.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, something crashed, and Tommy cursed.
Hacen turned, nearly running for the door. When he pushed it open, he discovered Tommy covered in water, spluttering and the bottle across the room, laying on its side on the floor, the green liquid spilling on the floor.
Jules' eyes blazed with anger right before he lifted his arms up, looking at Hacen expectantly.
Hacen grabbed two towels from the cupboard and handed one to Tommy.
Ladon stood in the doorway. "What the hell happened?"
Hacen scowled at Ladon and stood in his way, blocking his view of Jules.
"Oh my gods, does the rest of the family want to come in and touch my balls too."
Hacen's eyebrows went up, and he looked at Tommy, who blushed even as he wiped his face. "I was trying to clean him...” Tommy moved his fingers around his crotch area as if they need a visual aid. “…there and he went ape-shit."
Hacen handed the other towel to Tommy right before he lifted Jules out of the tub with arms wrapped around his waist. Once Jules stood, Tommy wrapped the towel around him before moving away.
"That's because the prison warden isn't allowed to touch me there. Since they’re my balls. You might be holding me hostage here, Warden." The way Jules said that last word made it sound like a curse. "But I have control of my own body."
"Jules."
Jules's gaze met Hacen's. "Tell him to get out."
Hacen sighed. "Everyone get out so he can get dressed. He'll be out in a minute and able to visit."
Tommy left the room, muttering about difficult mates. Ladon stayed, though. "You gonna be okay, Jules?"
Jules nodded and clung to Hacen. Hacen hugged him as close as he could get without hurting his wound. Jules pressed his cheek to his chest. "Hacen."
"What, baby?"
"I don't know. I'm just tired."
"Let's get you dressed and get you to bed." Hacen turned his head just enough to look at Ladon. "Close the door behind you."
"Sure." Ladon smiled and left the room.
Once they were alone, Hacen reached for the cupboard, pulling the door open just enough to grab some of Tommy's underwear. Once he had them, he tried to let Jules go just enough to put the underwear on, but Jules clung.
"You still promise I can go back."
"Yes. As soon as you're better."
"Tell him that."
Shit. Tommy had a lot of work to do if he wanted to earn Jules' trust back. "Maybe you should tell him that."
"He'll listen to you."
"I'm pretty sure he's going to grovel from now until eternity since you're out of your funk and feisty again, so you'll have that leverage."
"No one has ever called me feisty before."
"Not to your face."
For the first time in forever, Jules laughed.
Chapter Twelve
Every time Ladon tried to lay next to Jules on the bed Hacen growled and stalked across the room. Jules knew Ladon well enough to know he was just teasing Hacen. The problem was Hacen didn’t find it funny.
“Hacen is not the one, Ladon. Believe me.” Jules felt a bit giddy himself. He’d drank half of a fresh bottle of the pain water. It might smell like shit, but he’d take it. No pain and he felt fantastic if just a little tired.
Ladon lay on the bed again and chuckled when Hacen stalked across the room. Instead of his eyes turning red and him growling
out a warning, he got smart and just climbed on the bed between them with his back to Ladon.
Ladon chuckled. "Never thought I'd be in bed with you, Hacen."
That scenario never crossed Jules' mind either. Jules couldn't help but laugh at the look on Hacen's face. The scowl deepened, and he drew Jules to him as if he were protecting his favorite toy.
Tommy sat at the table looking dejected and a little pissed. He unfolded his arms and closed his eyes, chanting something under his breath. The next thing Jules knew the bed shifted and Ladon yelled from outside of the cabin.
Footsteps pounded on the deck right before the door opened. Ladon's gaze fell on Tommy, who smirked. Jules stiffened, thinking Ladon would retaliate somehow but all he did was smile. "I should be pissed, but that was a smooth move. I bow down." Ladon held his hands out, palms up and bent at the waist.
Jules snorted out a laugh. Tommy met his gaze and smiled as if he were pleasantly surprised.
His laughter died. He wanted to look away but knew he couldn't be the first. That would be giving in and if he did that, Tommy and Hacen would lord over him for their entire mating. Hacen's promise to give him a choice didn't fool Jules one bit. He might let Jules go home but he'd make sure Jules knew he didn't like it every second of every day and he'd be right back where he started with them stalking him.
The only thing Tommy wanted was to make sure Jules stayed right under his thumb at all times. Well, Jules had a few things to say about that and he would right after his mother left for home. She would make him put a dollar in the curse jar if he started in on Tommy while she was present.
The silence stretched around them, and even Ladon seemed to stay quiet.
"Jules." Tommy said his name like a plea.
"Tell him what you promised." Jules might have been talking to Hacen, but he never took his eyes off Tommy.
"Later. For now, you need to rest. Not stare Tommy down." Hacen looked at Tommy. "Get over here."
