Even as Leo nodded, a scent tickled his senses, distracting him. He turned to the left as he inhaled more deeply. A mossy, earthy fragrance somehow mixed with a natural male aroma. It left his taste buds tingling and his mouth watering.
Needing to discern the source, Leo set his bags down on a nearby settee. While he figured it was a piece of furniture that was probably only for decoration, Leo didn’t care. Parsing out the source of the exquisite aroma... that was all that mattered.
“Leo?” Manon called. “Where are you going?”
“I need—” Leo glanced over his shoulder and spotted Manon’s questioning expression. “What’s this way?”
“The kitchen and dining areas.”
Nodding absently, Leo picked up his pace. Anticipation flooded him, and his breathing quickened. Even his wolf grew excited in his mind.
Leo pushed open a door and peered around, taking in a small, dark dining room. His keen eyesight surveyed a bar separating the space, which led into a huge kitchen. His gaze fixated on a young man standing frozen before the open door of the refrigerator, his form silhouetted in the light.
Sucking in a harsh breath, Leo could only stare. The human was, in a word, stunning. He appeared lean—easily seen even hidden beneath a pair of loose-fitting sleep pants and a t-shirt—and stood perhaps five-foot-eight or nine. I’ll have to get closer to be sure. His hair gleamed red in the light of the refrigerator, wild and unkempt.
Even while admiring all that, Leo noticed the male’s wide, wide green eyes... eyes full of trepidation and fear.
Why? What’s wrong?
Leo longed to soothe the man, and the reason why hit him hard.
He’s my mate!
Leo swallowed convulsively, forcing moisture into his mouth. “Damn. Fate listened,” he whispered.
Manon lifted a brow, his expression one of confusion. “What are you talking about?”
Unable to tear his gaze away from the svelte, red-haired figure staring at them with that wide-eyed, fearful look, Leo felt another stab of need to ease the tension filling the human’s frame. “He’s my mate.”
Chapter Two
Shit! How did I miss that someone other than these guys’s leader was still up?
Jerry De Mara had been listening for hours until the house had fallen quiet. True, it was a big ass house, but he’d been so sure... well, all except the big Native American guy and his small, hazel-eyed partner. Jerry couldn’t remember their names, but he knew they liked loud sex.
His own prick had begun to thicken when he’d heard the sounds they were making. That was what had finally driven him from his room. The grumbling of his stomach was a good instigator, too.
Standing before the open refrigerator, trying to decide what he could sneak without someone noticing, he felt grateful the cool air caused his semi to go down.
The opening of the nearby dining room door sent fear spiking through him. The view of the gorgeous specimen of maleness twisted his stomach further, filling it with butterflies. His belly fluttered, and his heart felt as if it skipped a beat.
Oh my goodness!
Jerry gaped at the man, staring. He couldn’t tear his gaze away. From what he could see in the dim lighting, the man sported ruggedly handsome good looks, and Jerry wanted to see more.
Then another man appeared behind the stranger... one Jerry recognized, snapping his attention back to the present—Manon Lemelle—a wolf shifter.
Oh, I am so busted.
Jerry’s mind whirled, making him miss whatever exchange was whispered between the stranger and Manon.
“I’ll let Alpha Declan know we’ve arrived,” Manon stated, his voice louder. He grinned widely at the other man, slapping him on the back. Then he nodded at Jerry, still smiling, before slipping out the door.
“Hi,” the stranger said, drawing Jerry’s attention back to him. He stood on the other side of the bar, his left forearm resting on it. Holding his right hand over the counter toward him, he continued, “Jerry, right?”
Releasing the hold he had on the refrigerator door, Jerry nodded as he reached out and took the man’s hand. He let out a small gasp as tingles sparked over his palm, causing goose bumps to erupt on his forearm. His instinct was to yank his hand away, but the stranger’s hold tightened a bit, staying that action.
“Hi, Jerry. I’m Leopold Caldwell.” With only the moonlight streaming through the window to illuminate him, the man’s eyes appeared to glimmer in the darkness. “Please call me Leo. It’s very nice to meet you.”
Jerry heard the warmth in Leo’s tone and wondered from where it stemmed. Then it hit him. “Caldwell,” he murmured. “Um, related to Stephani?”
Leo nodded. “She’s my cousin’s daughter. Luther is my father’s sister’s son.” He winked. “My cousin.”
Sucking in a harsh breath, Jerry finally yanked his hand away. “C-Cousin? That m-means you’re, uh, you’re, um—”
He couldn’t manage to finish the thought.
Fortunately, Leo put him out of his misery. “A shifter? Yeah. Wolf, like him.” He leaned over and flipped a light switch, and the drop lighting over the bar cast the area in soft illumination. “Keep breathing, cutie. Please? None of us here will hurt you.”
Jerry nodded slowly and focused on the countertop.
“One breath at a time,” Leo continued, his deep soothing croon sounding directly in Jerry’s ear. “That’s the way.”
When did Leo round the counter? How did I miss him drawing so close?
Even as Jerry flinched from Leo’s touch, he took comfort in the sound of his voice. He managed to slow his breathing. When Leo rested his palm on Jerry’s back a second time, he pressed into the touch, and his tension eased.
“That’s the way, Jerry,” Leo purred into his ear. “We’re actually a pretty nice group. Luther was just protecting Stephani, that’s all.”
Jerry nodded. It had been explained to him. That didn’t make the memory any less scary... or the fact that shifters were real any easier to swallow, either. There were creatures out there that could tear him apart with ease.
Of course, the gangsters that had been running his life for the last nearly six years could do the same thing.
Was it any different?
Probably not. They’re both wolves... just of a different sort.
Dismissing the strange thought, Jerry cast a side-eyed glance at the handsome man offering him comfort. With the light on and without the bar between them, he could finally make out the rest of his features. The guy cut a fine figure, to say the least.
Leo stood a good five inches taller than Jerry’s own five-foot-eight-inch frame. He was broader with a trimmed waist and plenty of wiry strength in his frame. His hazel eyes held an unexpected warmth, and Jerry thought Leo had a kind, strong face.
His muscular legs were encased in worn, comfortable-looking jeans. He had a brown leather jacket hiding his wide-shouldered torso. Even the man’s dark-blond hair, which appeared to be finger-combed rather than styled, looked fantastic on the guy.
Geez. How does a guy look that good without appearing to even be trying... and in the middle of the night?
For the first time in nearly five years, Jerry felt the stirrings of arousal... and his groin heated as his blood flowed south. He relished the sensation for several heartbeats. While he’d gotten off with some of the johns he’d serviced over the years, he’d never been aroused before their dick had repeatedly pegged his gland, forcing his body to respond. Getting turned on by the sounds of two hot men fucking totally didn’t count. These sensations—the heat and desire—was specific... a yearning for a particular person.
Jerry had wondered if he could still find a man attractive.
Unable to help himself, Jerry glanced down at Leo’s fly. There was an impressive bulge behind the man’s zipper. Jerry’s mouth watered, wondering what the man’s jeans were hiding.
His dick actually twitched at the thought.
Shit!
Jerry cleared his throat and attempted to turn left, so he was again facing the refrigerator. It would also work to hide his arousal from the man. Plus, if he could get the door open, maybe the coolness would help ease him.
Although, unlike before, where Jerry had found a few sounds of males enjoying themselves hot and could walk away from them, right then, the object of his desire stood nearby. Leo was so masculine. He was a little hard to ignore.
“Hey, do they have bottled water in there?” Leo asked, stepping back. “It was a long flight. Ever been on a helicopter, Jerry?”
Reaching into the refrigerator, Jerry grabbed a bottle of water. The confusion he felt about Leo’s sudden shift in conversation did more to help ease his arousal than the cold, but whatever worked. Half turning, he handed the bottle to the man, careful to keep from touching him again.
Leo’s touch was just too enticing, making him want things that he couldn’t possibly have. No way would the handsome man be interested in a used-up whore like him.
Jerry focused on the question. “No.” He turned back to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water for himself, just to keep his hands occupied. He twisted off the lid and chugged a few gulps.
“First time for me, too,” Leo replied, his voice warm and animated. He didn’t seem put off at all by Jerry’s curt response. “Have you ever wanted to ride in one? After enjoying the flight with Manon, I just may have to take lessons.”
Jerry turned and peered at Leo, meeting his gaze fully. Seeing the open curiosity filling his expression as well as the smile curving his lips, his brain stalled. He couldn’t figure out why Leo was interested.
Why isn’t he asking me about the gangsters?
That was what all the other people wanted to know... or how long he’d been a whore, how he’d gotten in that line of work—as if he’d had a choice—and did he know anything about some guy named Larson.
Before Jerry could come up with a response—it had been a long time since he’d thought about any wishes he’d had for his life—his stomach growled.
Leo hummed. “Ah, Manon and I interrupted your midnight snack. Sorry about that.” He grinned as he stepped closer and peered over Jerry’s shoulder and into the fridge. “What did you plan on? Are you a sweet or salty kind of guy?”
“I-I...” Jerry began, then returned his focus to the contents of the refrigerator. There was leftover steak, yogurt cups, fruit salad in Tupperware, and so much more.
“And I bet... yeah.” As Leo spoke, he crossed to a closed door to the left and opened it. “Score!”
Curiosity rising in him for the first time in what felt like forever, Jerry released the refrigerator door. As it swung closed, he headed toward Leo. The man must have noticed, for he flashed a wide grin Jerry’s way over his shoulder, then stepped left while half-pivoting. With his right hand, Leo indicated inside the room.
Jerry gasped, and his eyes widened. The huge space could have been called a pantry... except it was three times bigger than any pantry that Jerry had ever seen. It had to be twelve by twenty-four feet, with shelf after shelf full of dry and canned goods. To the right, there were packages of cookies, canisters of nuts, and bags of chips.
Leo laughed as he wrapped his arm around Jerry’s shoulders. Even though Jerry tensed, the big man still tucked him close and squeezed lightly. Then he eased his hand away from his upper arm, only to slide it toward the middle of his back and down his spine, sending a shiver through Jerry’s nerve endings. When Leo’s palm reached his lower back, he pressed lightly, urging him forward and through the doorway.
Jerry stepped away from Leo’s palm and swung around, a cry escaping his lips as fear flooded him. The walls of the small room seemed to cave in around him. His mind flashed back to memories of being shoved into a dark space by not only nameless strangers but by his owners.
He just knew in the next instant that he would be shoved against one of the shelves, hard, and his sleep pants would be torn from him and—
“Hey, easy, Jer. You’re okay. Deep breaths, little one. Deep breaths. One after another. You’ll be fine. You’re safe.”
Doing as he’d been bidden, Jerry took a deep breath. He let it out, then took another one. A fresh, masculine scent tickled his senses. It was pleasant, so Jerry took another couple of breaths, wanting to enjoy it some more.
“There ya go. That’s the way. Nothing will happen to you, Jerry. You have my word.”
Just as Jerry realized that not only were trembles racking his body, he noticed the bands around his torso were Leo’s arms... and they weren’t holding him tightly. Leo cradled him loosely, rubbing his palms up and down his back. His touch was soothing and gentle, just like his words and tone. Everything about Leo was reassuring.
Oh, and it was Leo’s scent that he was enjoying.
Or cologne, maybe? Because no way could someone smell that good naturally.
Shivering, Jerry dragged himself together. He grimaced, hating that he’d just had a mental freak-out in front of this obviously strong and confident man.
He must think I’m such a weak loser.
“Come on, Jer,” Leo murmured, easing his right hand up his spine, so he could begin massaging his nape. He rested his other hand on Jerry’s hip, rubbing the jutting bone through his t-shirt. “Meet my gaze, sweetheart. Let me see your pretty green eyes. I wanna know you’re here with me.”
Jerry tipped his chin up just enough to peer at Leo through his lashes. To his surprise, he didn’t see censure or even pity. Instead, a wealth of concern and even understanding stared back at him.
Leo’s lips curved up slightly at the edges. “There you are, Jer,” he crooned softly as he brought the hand at his nape around to cradle his jaw. He used the hold to urge Jerry’s chin up a bit more, so their gazes clashed more fully. “I’m sorry my actions triggered something uncomfortable for you.” His brows drew together, and his expression turned pained. “Will you forgive me?”
Gaping, Jerry struggled to come up with a response. Leo is asking for... for... forgiveness? Jerry could barely process it. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had apologized to him.
Long before...
No. I’m not going to think about them.
“Please, sweetheart?” Leo’s cheeks took on a pinkish hue even as he added, “If you’d like to talk about... uh, whatever happened, I’m a great listener.”
“I forgive you,” Jerry blurted out. After all, how could he not? It wasn’t Leo’s fault that he was messed up in the head. Forcing a smile, he muttered, “It wasn’t your fault. And I-I don’t”—heaving a sigh, he wrapped his arms around his torso—”I don’t want to talk about it.”
Leo opened his mouth but paused. His brows were still furrowed, and for an instant, Jerry thought the man would push. Then his features eased into a warm smile.
“In that case, comfort food. Grab those ruffled potato chips.” Leo pointed as he eased away, releasing him. “I saw chip dip in the fridge. And I’m going to make us some grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches.” Taking a step backward, he winked while offering a roguish smile. “For dessert, Oreos and milk. What do you say?”
Jerry didn’t have to answer. His stomach did it for him, giving a loud rumble. Hearing Leo’s chuckle, he ducked his head, his cheeks heating.
“Sounds like your stomach likes the idea, at least,” Leo commented, touching Jerry’s jaw lightly with a crooked finger, then pointed toward a shelf. “Grab those double stuffed, right there, too. I’m gonna start cooking.”
With those parting words, Leo turned and headed out of the pantry.
Jerry found his gaze straying down... down... and riveting on Leo’s butt. The globes flexed beneath the faded denim, causing his mouth to water. Shaking his head at himself, Jerry grabbed the items Leo had mentioned and headed out of the pantry.
N
o way would a man like that want a tainted guy like me, but he sure is nice. Maybe these shifters aren’t so bad after all.
Chapter Three
When Jerry had panicked in the pantry, Leo’s heart had nearly pounded out of his chest. His wolf had whined in the back of his mind, and he’d nearly lost it. Only knowing his mate needed him calm had helped him keep his head.
He’d wanted to hunt down every bastard and john who’d ever hurt Jerry and make them pay... badly.
Instead, Leo had set those desires aside and used the opportunity to wrap his arms around Jerry. As he’d rubbed up and down his back and whispered words of encouragement, it had felt so damn good. Never in his wildest dreams had Leo imagined that simply holding another being would feel so amazing.
Too bad Leo couldn’t just sweep Jerry into his arms and take him to the nearest free bedroom so they could explore what was between them. Even though he’d caught his mate breathing in his scent, which caused him to relax in his arms, Leo knew his human wouldn’t understand. His skittish little mate would need time.
I can give him that. I’ve waited nearly two hundred years. I can give Jerry as much time as he needs.
Gods, at least, I hope I can.
Leo had always thought he’d had a pretty good amount of patience, but now he understood why shifters worked so hard to claim their mate as swiftly as possible. Finding a mate made everything different.
Shoulda listened to my cousin on that one.
Dismissing the random thought—like all the times he’d teased Luther when the man was stressing over convincing Deke to move in with him permanently—Leo headed to the refrigerator and began pulling out everything he would need to make grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches. He grabbed the butter, cheese slices, and turkey in one hand, then snagged the French onion dip in the other—that he placed on the bar counter before carrying the rest to the counter space to the left of the stove.
“Have a seat at the bar and enjoy some chips and dip, Jer,” Leo encouraged as he watched Jerry sidle back into the kitchen. “There are napkins in the wooden holder against that wall there,” he added, pointing, even as he noticed Jerry clutched the items that Leo had told him to grab to his chest, but he kept his gaze focused on the tile floor. Seeing that the slender male’s posture screamed discomfort, Leo did his best to keep his smile relaxed and his body loose, non-combative and welcoming. “Snack away. I’ll have these sandwiches whipped up in no time.”
With a Wolf’s Support Page 2
