by Maggie Walsh
Then there was Lani. She cooked the most scrumptious meals Gill had ever tasted and was such a bubbly person who always had a smile on her face. Gill found it very easy to talk with Lani and hoped they could become better friends.
And he couldn’t forget Grey. Sweet Grey. Yes, he wanted everyone to believe he was this stoic tough guy, but Gill saw right through his hard exterior to the gooey middle. He knew Grey was completely devoted and loyal to Russell and would do anything for him, but it was a brotherly love, nothing more. Gill could tell that the two were best friends, as close as brothers, and he envied their connection.
He had a close friend too, back in Maddox. Tobias. He was a ferret shifter that Gill went to the academy with and who also worked at the Fire Station. Tobias was always a jumble of excitement and could hardly stop moving. He loved being a firefighter, but Gill had the feeling that Tobias’ dream of that might not happen. Even though his friend had the enthusiasm for the job, he didn’t really have the build for it. Tobias was on the small side. God how he missed his friend.
“You’re awfully quiet. Are you feeling okay?” Russell asked as he wheeled Gill down a long hallway that was all dark browns and greens, with beautiful artwork on the walls, Victorian style furnishings here and there, a few plants, and many knickknacks that looked to come from various parts of the world. Like a totem sat in one corner and another had a long white, thick stick that was braced in a golden clasp. The stick looked a lot like a tusk from an elephant or even a woolly mammoth from the size of it.
“Yes, I was just looking at all the pieces you have,” he lied, but he didn’t want Russell to know he was thinking about home and the one friend he had left behind. Gill just wanted to push all that away and focus on where he was and who he was with, so he wouldn’t start crying.
“Someday I will explain each one to you and where I got them from, but right now shall we continue?”
Gill smiled. “Yes, please.
Russell wheeled him into an elevator and they rode down two floors. When the door opened, Gill’s eyes went wide with excitement as he tried to take everything in. He was wheeled through a very large living room with high ceilings and exposed log beams like the ones in Russell’s room. Against one wall there was a very big stone fireplace. Large windows from floor to ceiling took up the expanse of one wall, giving him a stunning view of the tropical forest.
Gill turned his head from right to left as he looked around at everything and took it all in. For such a large space it didn’t feel open and cold. It felt cozy and inviting, like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day. The room gave him a sense of peace and Gill felt… at home. Something he had never really felt before and always dreamed of.
Tears burned the backs of his eyes as all these thoughts swirled around in his head. This wasn’t his home. His home was back in Maddox with his parents, but that was a place that made him feel cold and alone. But this beautiful place that he was seeing for the first time, made Gill feel like he was finally where he was supposed to be.
They headed toward the large, heavy looking wooden doors where Heath stood with a smile. He opened the door as they approached. “Lani has everything set up as you requested, Savage. I’ll be in the vineyard if you need anything.”
“That’s great, Heath, thank you,” Russell replied as he pushed Gill through the door.
“Have fun, Gill. I’ll see you later for another therapy session,” Heath called after them.
He turned his head and smiled as he gave Heath a little wave. “Thanks, Heath.”
They went down a wooden ramp that looked new and out of place over a section of the stone stairs that led down into the courtyard. Gill’s eyes lit up from the beauty that surrounded him. The courtyard was huge and paved with grey and slate colored cobblestones, some were discolored with moss, giving them an old, weathered look.
The tinkling of water caught his attention and Gill looked to his left to find in the corner a very large, beautiful stone pond with a waterfall. The cascading water soothed him and brought a sense of peace.
“There are Koi fish in there. After lunch, how about we test those legs a bit and walk over from our table? You can sit on the edge and rest and we can feed them,” Russell offered as he continued to push the wheelchair through the courtyard.
“I would really like that, Russell. I would have thought the wheelchair would be vibrating going over these stones, but it’s so smooth. How is that possible?”
“It’s the moss that we allow to grow in between and around the edges. It evens out the pavement.”
Russell pushed him to a beautiful, wrought iron table and chair set with an intricate design, then locked his wheelchair into place, before taking one of the seats beside him, that had a thick mango-colored cushion.
“Lani set up a wonderful lunch here in the shade. Let’s see what masterpiece she prepared for us,” Russell said as he lifted the silver domes from both their plates.
“Oh, lobster tails. I love lobster,” Gill exclaimed happily, but then his smile dropped from his face.
“What is it, sweetness?”
“I know you said you can shift into many forms, but if this is one of them, then it just seems wrong to eat it,” Gill worried.
Russell laughed as he shook his head, then lifted his fork and dug into the meat in the cracked shell. “It’s more than okay, Gill. You can eat me later,” Russell said as he wiggled his brows and took the first bite.
Gill sat stunned for a moment, shocked at Russell’s forwardness, but he quickly decided he liked his mate’s flirting side, so he would follow Russell’s lead. Gill picked up his fork and stabbed into the meat and pulled a portion out, then brought it to his lips. Just before he opened his mouth, Gill met Russell’s gaze and smirked as he said, “Oh, you can bank on it.”
He then opened his mouth and as seductively as he could, he made a show of taking a bite and wrapping his lips around the fork, then slowly pulled the utensil out, sliding it against his lips as he moaned. The flavors danced over his tongue and exploded in his mouth and Gill couldn’t help but close his eyes in appreciation of the succulent morsel in his mouth. He moaned again as he began to chew.
“Keep that up, mate, and I may be eating you right here,” Russell said in a deep, husky voice that had Gill’s cock growing hard.
He opened his eyes to find Russell staring at his lips, his eyes full of lust and need. “I’ll have to remember that and see how far we get,” Gill replied with a wink.
Russell chuckled. “Eat your meal, you troublemaker. We have a lot to see today if you’re up for it.”
“Fine,” Gill huffed dramatically, then smiled. “But you need to stop teasing me too. It’s not easy trying to enjoy this wonderful meal with a boner from hell pressing against my zipper. I swear I’m gonna have permanent zipper tracks on my cock.”
Russell threw his head back and laughed. The sound deep and sexy. Soon Gill joined in and the two of them laughed like loons. Gill couldn’t remember ever having so much fun. And he certainly had never flirted with anyone as openly as he was with Russell. He loved their little banter and being able to let down his guard. He felt so comfortable and safe with Russell and found himself falling for the man a little more.
CHAPTER 8
Lunch was wonderful, and Savage found himself completely taken by the beautiful man who sat beside him. After their flirting, which he loved, and they got their laughter under control, they fell into a comfortable discussion about the island. Gill asked many questions as they ate their meal, and Savage answered them all. Then Savage asked a few of his own about Gill’s life and was pleasantly surprised when Gill answered without reservation.
From the few things he had learned from Gill to that point, he knew his mate hadn’t had the best life. Not that Gill had been abused physically, but the man still had some issues. Savage could tell that Gill was getting stressed from thinking he had to go home soon, every time he brought up Maddox.
Silly man. Didn’t Gill know that
Savage was keeping him? And even if that meant they had to return to Maddox to live and not stay here on the island, Gill wouldn’t be alone anymore. Savage would be right there by his side.
Not that Savage wanted to return to Maddox, or Crystal for that matter, except for a visit here and there, but he would if that was what made Gill happy.
After their meal, Savage brought Gill over to feed the fish in the pond as promised. Savage sat staring at his mate with a silly smile on his face as he watched Gill. The pure joy and youthful exuberance Gill displayed had Savage feeling content. He loved seeing everything through Gill’s eyes.
Once he was sure Gill was rested, and the fish were fed, Savage wheeled Gill out of the courtyard and into the gardens surrounding the compound. It wasn’t easy pushing the chair over the uneven and bumpy terrain, but Savage did manage to get Gill to the edge of the grove where different trees lined up, making rows.
Gill stood and with Savage’s help, they held hands as they walked around, Savage pointing out all the different trees from apples and oranges, to pineapples and coconuts. They walked over to the banana plantation and Savage pointed out where the coffee grew, instead of making the trek to the back.
After a few hours, Savage could tell Gill was getting tired, but his mate refused to go back to the compound. He wanted to explore a little more. An idea hit and using his abilities, Savage sent a telepathic message to Lani and asked if she could have Grey bring out a blanket and picnic basket filled with a snack. Maybe some wine, sliced fruit, cheese and crackers. That would make for a nice afternoon picnic and hold them over until dinner.
Grey brought the items asked for, and Savage told him where they were going. Grey smiled and told them to be careful, then walked away. Savage took Gill’s hand again and they slowly walked to the back of the house, through the gardens and out the back gate into the tropical forest.
“Oh my goodness, is that a…” Gill started in surprise as he pointed to the group of birds walking along only ten feet from them.
“The dodo birds? Yes. We have about a hundred of them on the island. The others are probably close by. They tend to stick together. Almost like a pack. Oh good, look there,” Savage said, and pointed toward the feline resting lazily in the shade of a tree. “That is a Caspian tiger lying under the Lepidodendron tree. If you give him his space and don’t stare at him, he’ll pretty much leave you alone.”
“But the dodo bird is extinct, Russell, how…”
Savage leaned down and whispered in Gill’s ear, “So are the Caspian and the Lepidodendron.”
Gill’s head snapped in his direction, his eyes as wide as saucers. “So is that what this is? The whole island is full of extinct things?”
“Yes and no. Yes, there are many extinct species here. Trees, bushes, flowers, plants, fruits, vegetables, birds, animals of all kinds, as well as aquatics, but there are many things here that are not extinct or even threatened. I have a varied collection here.”
“Oh my goodness, Russell, I don’t even know what to say,” Gill beamed.
Savage turned to face him and got serious as he placed his hands on Gill’s shoulders. “I know it’s all overwhelming and exciting, but please remember these creatures are wild animals and can be very dangerous, so don’t approach any of them on your own, even the cute ones like the otters.”
After Savage’s warning, they made their way down to the beach where there was a cave Savage knew Gill would love. Because of the time of day, the tide wouldn’t be in for a few more hours, so they could sit in the opening of the cave as they had their snack and looked at the ocean. Hopefully Gill would get a glimpse of the dolphins and whales in the area.
Once they hit the white sandy beach, Savage could tell Gill was exhausted, so he handed the basket to his mate, then picked him up and carried him the rest of the way. Not that it was a hardship. Gill wasn’t very big or muscular, but he wasn’t petit by any means. His five foot five, hundred and twenty-pound frame was nothing for Savage to carry and he really enjoyed having his mate in his arms.
They made it to the cave and Savage placed Gill on his feet, then stared at him. He didn’t want to miss the slightest reaction. Savage smiled as Gill’s eyes grew wide again and filled with delight and wonder as his jaw dropped open on a gasp. Gill slowly walked forward, his gaze locked on the cave.
The white sands continued inside the cave for about twenty feet until there was a drop off that created a beautiful pool. Stalagmites and stalactites, ran around the outer edge of the pool and around the back, creating a cathedral effect. A few plants grew from the rock around the cave opening and small species of fish would become trapped in the pool during low tide. Gill would be able to see them when he peered inside.
“Russell, this is… it’s… oh my god, it’s so beautiful, but even beautiful seems… not enough of a word.”
“I thought we could have a little afternoon snack right here. We still have some time before high tide rushes in and fills this cave,” Savage explained as he spread out the blanket.
Gill’s head snapped around to face him, his jaw dropped opened more. “The water will fill this?” Gill asked as he raised his arms out wide and spun in a circle.
“Pretty close to it. Come on, you’ve overdone it, I can tell. You look tired.”
“I’m okay, I promise,” Gill replied.
“I know, but let’s rest and watch out there. If we’re lucky we’ll see some sea life.”
They sat for a few hours just enjoying each other’s company and watching the waves as they continued their conversation from lunch, with Gill asking a thousand questions. His thirst for knowledge and his inquiring mind was such a turn on for Savage and despite the tightness in his pants, he found himself completely relaxed.
“It looks like the sun is starting to go down. That means we need to go right?” Gill said sadly.
“I’m afraid so, sunshine. Let me pack all this up and we’ll head out,” Savage replied as he began packing their garbage into the basket.
Gill signed heavily, the sound causing Savage stress. “What is it, sunshine?”
“I was really hoping to see some whales today. Maybe next time?”
Savag looked at the disappointment on his mate’s face and the look didn’t sit well with him. An idea came to mind and he smiled. Quickly stuffing everything into the basket he stood and brushed the sand from his pants. “Stay right there, and don’t move.”
“What are you doing?” Gill asked.
“You’ll see. Just promise me you’ll only look, not move. We don’t have too much time if we want to make it back to the compound before dark.
“Okay, I promise,” Gill said excitedly as his whole face lit up.
Savage strode from the cave and down to the water’s edge, then placed his hand within and began to shake it around. Pulling his lips back he made a very high-pitched sound. It echoed across the surface of the water as he waited.
“What was that?” Gill asked from where he still sat in the cave.
“It’s a whale call,” Savage replied. “Hold on, let me get closer.
He kicked off his shoes and socks, then rolled up his pants and stepped into the water, then made the noise again and watched. After a few minutes a large fin broke through the surface and Savage smiled. He turned back to see if Gill could spot the fin, and his heart froze.
* * * *
God, he couldn’t believe the wonderful day they had. Yes, he was feeling really tired and could probably fall asleep in an instant, but he was really looking forward to seeing a whale up close. When Russell waded out into the water, Gill had the sudden urge to join him, wanting to put his feet in the crystal-clear water, but he stopped himself. He had promised Russell he would stay.
Russell made that very high-pitched noise again, the sound not hurting his ears, but it wasn’t a pleasant sound either. Gill cringed a little as he sat back and placed his hand behind him on the sand.
His right hand landed on something smooth and cold, causing
Gill to pull the hand back and turn. He wasn’t happy with the feel of whatever the thing was and wanted to see it, so he never had to touch it again. His gaze landed on the largest snake he had ever seen, and Gill’s heart stopped beating.
He had no idea if it was poisonous or not, but he sure as hell didn’t want to find out. He slowly pulled his hand back and the snake’s head dropped down out of nowhere and remained hanging in the air about five feet from his face. Their eyes met, and Gill got a sense of power coming from the reptile.
Its large tongue flicked out as the creature slithered closer as if coming for a better inspection of its meal. Gill held his breath and hoped the snake didn’t strike.
“Sunshine, don’t move,” Russell said, but Gill wasn’t about to turn his attention from the humongous snake before him.
“He’s not poisonous, but he is a very large anaconda, so if he wraps himself around you, he can squeeze you to death. So, don’t move.”
“That’s easy for you to say,” Gill bitched. “Me on the other hand, I think I just crapped myself.”
The snake swung down from above, its heavy body landing on Gill’s lap and he closed his eyes. “Please God, don’t let me die now.” He prayed in his head.
CHAPTER 9
Having his mate to himself for the day had been wonderful and being able to grant a simple wish for Gill had Savage’s heart filling with pride. Turning to see the glee on his mate’s face when Walter’s fin appeared, Savage felt his heart stop when he saw terror instead.
“Sunshine, don’t move,” he said but Gill wasn’t about to turn his attention from the humongous snake before him.
“He’s not poisonous, but he is a very large anaconda so if he wraps himself around you, he can squeeze you to death. So, don’t move.”
“That’s easy for you to say,” Gill bitched. “Me, on the other hand, I think I just crapped myself.”
