With a Wolf’s Support

by Charlie Richards

  Slamming into the human, Leo took him down with the weight of his big wolf. He wrapped his jaws around the guy’s arm and, as he landed, used the momentum to whip the gunman over and around. The move caused the flesh and muscle of the man to tear, and a scream of pain rent the air. Leo lunged forward again, wrapping his jaws around the man’s throat.

  “Leo, hold!”

  Declan’s roared order stayed Leo’s instinct to clench his jaw and tear out the kidnapper’s throat. Still, he shuddered with the temptation. He was onboard with his wolf. Leo wanted to remove the threat to his mate so fucking badly.

  Unfortunately, Leo couldn’t go against the order of his alpha.

  Leo let him go.

  Chapter Twelve

  Sitting on his butt—and the blanket—with his arms wrapped around his shins, Jerry listened to the thuds, shouting, and eventually, the snarls. He gritted his teeth and rocked forward and back. All the while, Jerry mentally prayed to any god that cared to listen that Leo would be safe.

  Did shifters have gods?

  Jerry recalled Leo talking about Fate and how he believed that She had chosen them for each other. Deciding She was as good as any—since he thought the god his parents believed in was bogus—Jerry prayed to her. If Fate had brought him to Leo, surely She wouldn’t allow them to be torn apart after such a short time together.

  With that idea fixed firmly in his mind, Jerry did his best to listen to what was going on beneath him. Things had quieted. Had he missed something?

  Then footfalls thudded swiftly up the stairs. A nearby bedroom door slammed open even as he heard Leo order, “Can we get these guys out of here before Jerry sees?”

  “Sure, Leo,” a deep voice rumbled that Jerry didn’t recognize. “Manon, Carson, get these guys out of here. Jared, take care of the guys downstairs with Kade and Mishka.”

  “With pleasure,” Jared’s amused voice replied. “I see some fun times in my future.”

  “Only you would think interrogating guys is fun,” Leo grumbled, a low snarl in his voice. “And I still think you’re an asshole for putting my mate in harm’s way.”

  “We would never have allowed Jerry to be taken from you,” Carson stated, his deep voice holding a hint of annoyance. “Besides, as a shifter, you can survive a bullet wound or two.”

  “Guys, that’s enough,” Alpha Declan snapped, a low growl announcing that they were drawing closer. “Carson, you and I are going to have a talk about picking up some of your mate’s more dangerous habits. Because when I said Jared had free rein in taking these guys down, this is not what I meant.”

  “Yes, Alpha,” Carson replied, his voice even.

  Oh, thank you, Fate!

  Jerry almost started toward the trap door. Except, he remembered his promise to stay put until he saw Leo. With bated breath, he listened to the movement below. His heart pounded in his chest.

  Then... there he was.

  “Leo!” Jerry jumped to his feet, nearly forgetting to duck so he didn’t smack his head on the sloping ceiling.

  “Hi, baby,” Leo greeted, grinning at him as he held out a hand. “Come on. Time for us to check out that other house I was telling you about.” Leo cast a scowling look down the hole he had climbed halfway through. “There’s some guys here that are going to give this place a very thorough cleaning.”

  Jerry eased forward, holding the comforter tight around him. Making it to the steps, he’d never been so happy to have someone wrap his arms around him. He gripped his lover’s hand as he pressed into his shifter’s side and made his way down the stairs.

  At the bottom, Alpha Declan stood in the closet as did a guy he didn’t recognize—a big, huge fair-featured dude who was naked. Jerry couldn’t help but gape as he swept his gaze up and down the male. The man didn’t seem offended, even though he did snap his fingers and wiggle them in an upward manner.

  “Up here, little one,” the stranger said, clearly teasing as his blue eyes danced with mirth.

  Snapping his focus to the man’s face, Jerry whispered, “S-Sorry.”

  “I’m Beta Dixon, and don’t sweat it.” Dixon grinned, showing off a mouthful of straight white teeth. “I understand you’re new to shifter ways, so you’ll get used to the nudity before too long.”

  Jerry was busy nodding absently when Alpha Declan reached out and touched his shoulder. “Are ye all right, Jerry? Injured?”

  Quickly shaking his head, Jerry murmured, “Oh. No, I’m good.” He turned his attention to Leo as he snuggled closer to his side... which was when he realized his mate was still naked. Growling softly, he whipped off his blanket and wrapped it around Leo. “But I’m not used to you flashing everyone, yet, so... wear this.”

  “Of course, baby,” Leo immediately responded, tightening the blanket around his waist. With his other hand, he grabbed Jerry and pulled him back against his side, then dipped his head and nuzzled the crook of Jerry’s neck. “It’ll take time. Just like anything else.”

  Nodding, Jerry accepted that. He also appreciated that Leo understood he wasn’t there, yet. To that end, Leo put himself between Jerry and Dixon’s swinging bits.

  “Thank you for coming, Beta Dixon,” Leo said, looking at him. Then he smiled at Jerry. “Dixon took out the fifth guy who’d been standing watch outside.” He huffed a sigh as he shook his head. “I guess Carson and Jared let drop where you were so they could draw out people associated with an asshole named Larson.”

  Jerry nodded, understanding. “Oh. The shifter who kidnapped your girls.” Grimacing, he muttered, “I hope you get your answers from these guys.” Remembering the scolding the alpha had given his enforcer, he grimaced as he focused on the head shifter. “It was a good plan, but it sure would be nice not to have to keep worrying about these guys.”

  “In town, closer to other shifters, we won’t have this issue,” Leo told him. Nuzzling Jerry’s cheek and neck again, he continued by whispering, “There’ll even be more people around to give riding lessons to.”

  Gasping, Jerry gaped at his lover. “H-How did you know?”

  In his heart of hearts, in his dreams, Jerry longed to share his love of horseback riding and horses with others. He just hadn’t thought he had much of a chance. It was a shock to realize that Leo had picked up on his unspoken dreams.

  “Well, I haven’t ridden in a coon’s age,” Dixon commented, crossing his arms over his impressive pale chest. “When you get your stable up and running, I’ll be there.”

  Jerry felt his breath hitch in his chest. Tears stung the backs of his eyes. These people—these shifters—they were so very supportive—more supportive than any people he’d ever met before.

  For the first time in almost nine years, Jerry felt like he actually had a family again.

  “Thank you.” Jerry whispered the words as he grinned around at everyone. Just as ten minutes before, he had been nearly scared beyond belief, suddenly, he’d never felt such welcoming companionship and hope. His cheeks heated as he pressed into Leo’s side, loving the feel of his shifter’s arm around him. “You guys have made my life worth living again.”

  “Speaking of making your life better, I actually got you a gift to apologize for putting you in danger.” Jared appeared, leaning against the closet doorway. Carson stood behind him with his arm slung low around his waist. Jared winked at Dixon. “Nice dick, Beta, but not as good as my man’s.” Even as the big male growled, Jared turned back to Jerry. “Head to Frankie and Vince’s in the morning. I arranged for your gift to be left with them... for safe-keeping.”

  Dixon heaved a deep sigh. “Gods, you were right, Alpha,” he grumbled. “He does take getting used to.”

  Alpha Declan’s chuckle held a wealth of longsuffering.

  Too intrigued by Jared’s comment, Jerry asked, “What are you talking about.”

  The lean human winked at him, saying, “You’ll see.” Then he focused on Alpha Declan. “I came to apologize personally... and to tell you th
at the only reason Carson agreed was because he’s my mate, and I told him it would make me happy.”

  Growling, Alpha Declan curled his lip as he scowled at Jared. “Then I suppose we all need to have a talk about not abusing the mate bond.”

  Jared’s cheeks took on a pinkish hue, and he even bowed his head. “It won’t happen again,” the human stated.

  Realizing he would need to ask Leo about the interaction later, Jerry made a mental note. How could someone abuse the mate bond? He wanted to know so he would never put Leo in some kind of tough spot like Jared did to Carson.

  “Time to go, baby,” Leo murmured into Jerry’s ear. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for sleep.” He growled softly before adding, “And winner’s sex, because I totally took out those four douche bags who came in here.”

  More than on board with that, Jerry nodded emphatically.

  Unfortunately, by the time Jerry reached Leo’s home, he could barely keep his eyes open. Leo had to practically carry him into the home. A few minutes later, Leo had stripped him of his clothes, tucked him into bed, and curled up around him.

  Jerry was asleep in seconds.

  Gasping, Jerry groaned, reveling in the feel of Leo’s erection sliding in and out of his chute. He clenched spastically around his lover’s member. Gripping Leo’s forearms where they were wrapped around his torso, Jerry did his best to move with his mate’s ruts.

  Jerry’s blood boiled, surging through his veins. He shuddered and trembled in Leo’s grip, crying in pleasure when his shifter’s dick rubbed over his prostate over and over. Moving his hips, Jerry did his best to meet each of Leo’s thrusts, savoring the delicious stretch and feeling of fullness.

  “Leo!” Jerry cried, his balls pulling tight, his orgasm threatening. “Please!”

  “Yeah, baby,” Leo growled into his ear. He lowered one hand and wrapped it around Jerry’s prick. “Do it, my sweet. Come for me. Squeeze my cock with your pleasure.”

  With the way Leo rutted into him coupled with how he jacked his dick, Jerry had no choice. His orgasm swelled as his cock throbbed. In the next instant, he shot, screaming Leo’s name as his senses sang with ecstasy.

  Jerry shuddered and twitched in Leo’s hold. He did his best to squeeze his rectum, and when he felt his shifter’s hot seed flood his channel, Jerry let out another moan of bliss. There was something about pleasing his lover that was almost better than his orgasm.

  “Oh, Jerry,” Leo rumbled. “So perfect. So amazing.”

  Panting softly, Jerry mumbled, “Yeah it is.” Turning his head so he could peer over his shoulder, he grinned at Leo. “Every time with you just gets better. Awesome.”

  Leo captured Jerry’s lips, thrusting his tongue deep. As his man explored his mouth, slowly, Jerry relished every touch, every glide of his fingers and tongue. His arousal began to heat him again.

  A loud beep began sounding through the room.

  Suddenly, Leo tore his lips from Jerry’s, a groan emanating from him. “Fuck! We can’t start up again.” He leaned over and grabbed his phone. “Shit, it’s late. Good thing I set the fucking alarm clock.” Leo slowly eased his softening prick out of Jerry’s channel even as he nuzzled Jerry’s neck. “Sorry, baby. We really need to get up and go.”

  Jerry moaned, his mind filling with a mixture of annoyance and lust. Scowling at Leo, he mumbled, “Why? What’s going on?”

  Leo chuckled. “In the future, I’ll make certain you get enough sleep, but come on, my love.” He slipped from the bed, then pulled back the comforter. Patting a soft smack to Jerry’s ass, he urged, “Shower and dressed.”

  Grumbling under his breath, Jerry did as he was told. He eased from the bed and stumbled to the ensuite shower.

  Almost forty minutes later, Jerry had never been so excited for waking up early. He stared through the windshield at the horse inside the fenced enclosure. As soon as Leo parked the truck, he slipped from it.

  Jerry jogged to the fence, unable to help himself. He peered across the paddock. His breath caught in his throat, and his eyes burned.

  Sensing Leo joining him at the fence—along with Vince and Frankie—Jerry glanced between the smiling group of guys. “It’s Jericho.”

  “Yeah.” Frankie grinned broadly, the happy shifter radiating relaxed joy. “When Jared told us you were separated, and he bought him for you, we were happy to offer him a place.” The wolf held out a half-full bag of baby carrots. “Go say hi.”

  Grinning broadly, his heart swelling, Jerry murmured his thanks as he took the bag. He turned and gave Leo a hard kiss, then climbed between the fence’s slats. As he approached the horse that he’d spent more time with than his parents, Jerry realized that, between the animal and the people standing at the fence line talking softly and smiling at him, Jerry had everything he could possibly need.

  Love, family, and acceptance.

  You may also enjoy the following from eXtasy Books Inc:

  Enlightening the Lab Assistant

  Charlie Richards

  Excerpt

  Iago’s eyes gleamed behind his gold-rimmed frames. “I-I want to go home.”

  Lindemere sighed. “I’m sorry. Of all the things you would wish for, that’s the one I cannot yet grant.” After releasing Iago’s hand by placing it back on the human’s blanket-covered thigh, he slid his hand to his amina’s knee and squeezed reassuringly. “But that will not be for all time.”

  Easing from the bed, Lindemere rose. “Would you care for a meal? You must be hungry after sleeping for so long.”

  Iago stared up at him, his lips parting a bit. He swept his gaze up and down Lindemere’s frame. His shoulders tensing anew, he nibbled his bottom lip.

  The scent of unease intensified, tickling Lindemere’s sensitive nostrils with its pungent aroma.

  “Please.” Lindemere took a step backward, offering Iago a bit of space. “I will feed you and share all the answers to your other questions.”

  Iago’s expression of distrust was clear on his face, causing a pang of sadness to spike through Lindemere.

  Trying again, Lindemere offered, “I’ll build a fire in the fireplace. The front room is comfortably appointed. You could relax and watch me work. Ask me anything, and I’ answer honestly.”

  Swallowing hard enough to cause his Adam’s apple to bob along the slender column of his neck, Iago finally nodded once. “O-Okay.”

  Pleased by his amina’s acceptance, Lindemere grinned. “Are you well enough to stand? Or should I carry you?” While Lindemere understood that it was Iago’s wrist that was sprained, not his ankle, he wasn’t certain if his extended sleep had removed all residual effects of his human crossing through the mist barrier between realms.

  “I think I can walk,” Iago claimed.

  Iago kept a wary eye on Lindemere as he eased to the side of the bed. When he went to grip the comforter with his right hand, he hissed, quickly tucking that hand against his chest. Lindemere took a step forward, his instincts urging him to assist, but Iago’s scowl stayed his action.

  Except, when Iago went to stand, his knees buckled, a cry escaping him.

  Seeing his amina begin to fall, Lindemere lunged forward and swept him into his arms. He cradled Iago to his chest, wrapping his wings around him protectively. Ignoring the way his human tensed, holding himself stiffly in his arms, Lindemere strode from the bedroom.

  “You asked what happened, why you were sleeping for a day,” Lindemere murmured, needing to fill not only the silence, but to uphold his end of their deal. “Do you remember the fight in the warehouse? When the Four Horsemen fought against the guards holding the paranormals prisoner? My master and his brothers freed me as well as the others. Do you remember that?”

  “I remember a group interfering with our work and stealing our test subjects.”

  Lindemere grimaced upon hearing Iago’s belligerent tone. Damn. This is going to be harder than I thought. Sighing he settled Iago on the hide-covere
d sofa to the left of the fireplace. With the drapes drawn over the windows, the area was cast in shadows, so Lindemere headed to the dining space and lit an oil lamp.

  Glancing over his shoulder, Lindemere commented, “Yes, well, those four guys were my master, Death and his brothers, Famine, War, and Pestilence.” He saw the way Iago narrowed his eyes, his expression still disbelieving. “Someone cannot just kidnap a demon without consequences.”

  Iago’s jaw clenched, the muscle there flexing.

  When he still didn’t respond, Lindemere sighed and crossed to the hearth. “Anyway, during the fight, you picked up a gun from one of the fallen guards. I can only assume you intended to shoot at one of the horsemen. Not a wise decision, by the way.” He busied himself building a fire, coaxing the purple flames to life with practiced moves. “My master’s human lover took exception to that and stopped you.”

  In his mind, Lindemere winced, remembering his amina’s fear-filled cry and the sound of his wrist slamming against the corner of a cage. It’d caused his heart to skip a beat in his chest and rage unlike anything he’d ever felt before to flare within him. Only Death’s order to release him had stopped Lindemere from eviscerating Daren.

  Once the flames caught, Lindemere turned back to face Iago, taking in his tight form, how his arms were tucked around himself, and the mutinous scowl on his face.

  What will it take to get through to him?

  “Anyway, I don’t know if it was pain or shock, but you passed out. As you are my amina, I brought you here to rest and heal.” Lindemere rose, heading toward the food preparation area. After lighting a lamp there, too, he added, “It can be hard on a human the first few times they cross through the mist barrier and into another realm, so I think that, combined with the injury and shock, is why you slept for nearly a day.”

  Lindemere waited for that to sink in, reaching down and opening the food storage pantry under his home.