Kindred Truths

by M. D. Grimm

  The kiss was long and intense, and they never stopped moving their hands. They touched and gripped, kneaded and stroked. Finally Nordik broke the kiss, his breath uneven.

  “I need, Byron. Please.”

  Without delay Poe dove under the water and gripped Nordik’s cock in one hand. Then he devoured it, wondering if he could bring Nordik to orgasm before he needed air. Nordik trembled under his ministrations but managed to continue treading water. Poe wrapped his arms around Nordik’s waist to anchor himself. He sucked hard, and through the muffling of the water against his ears, he heard Nordik curse in English and what Poe assumed was Algonquian. Or maybe it was his tribe’s private language? It was always a thrill to hear the musical fluency with which he spoke.

  Poe accomplished his mission in record time. Nordik came hard, his body shuddering, and Poe swallowed, relishing his taste. He then surged to the surface and sucked in air, feeling slightly lightheaded. After blinking water out of his eyes, he glanced at Nordik, whose face was flushed, his eyes glowing.

  When high emotion was upon shifters, especially anger or lust, physical signs would show. Most notably their eyes would glow and/or their skin would ripple because their animal spirit wanted to take control. It was a fascinating thing to watch. Rippling skin, as if the muscles were alive with their own agenda, wasn’t something a person saw every day.

  “Welcome home, Byron.”

  Poe grinned. Other than his family, Nordik was the only one allowed to use his real name. But only with Nordik did he actually like to hear it. He had little affection for the name his parents saddled him with.

  They swam a little longer before climbing out of the water. Instead of putting his sweaty clothes back on, Poe simply rode naked on Nordik as they headed toward their cabin. He wasn’t a modest or shy man when it came to nudity. As an agent, he couldn’t be. Training taught him how to fight in situations and environments with all levels of discomfort and danger. But even before the Agency had recruited him, he knew he was built for war. That gut sense only solidified during his first month with the Agency. He knew he belonged there.

  The dead certainty of that only made the realization he also belonged with Nordik more astonishing. But then again, it shouldn’t have. Nordik was a warrior as well. Hell, he was once the chief of his tribe! He knew war. He knew peace. He knew things Poe couldn’t even dream of.

  They approached the cabin, and Poe looked on it with pride. “Thank you for this. It’s everything I wanted and more.”

  Nordik, still a bear, grunted.

  Poe looked down at Nordik’s head. “Sure, maybe you’ve lived happily without plumbing, but I can’t. If I’m going to be a wild man with you, I insist on plumbing and four walls with a door. And a working kitchen. Electricity.”

  Nordik turned his head and gave Poe a look.

  “I don’t appreciate your attitude.” Poe sniffed, knowing exactly what Nordik was thinking.

  Nordik snorted and stopped in front of the cabin. Poe slid off and stretched. It was a good day. He was home, got a good run in, a good swim. And the best part…. Poe turned around as Nordik shimmered into his human form and stood. Yeah. That was the best part.

  “A wild man, by definition, doesn’t have plumbing or electricity. Or a kitchen,” Nordik said.

  “The wild man will just have to move into the twenty-first century, then.”

  Nordik chuckled and came up to Poe, sliding his hands over Poe’s shoulders. “It’s lonely here without you. I finished it, yes, but it is only an empty shell if you’re not here.”

  Heart contracting because he knew Nordik meant every word he said, Poe rested his cheek on Nordik’s chest. Then he wrapped his arms around Nordik’s waist.

  “I know. I can only say I’m sorry, but I doubt things will change any time soon. The Agency is spread thin, and they need all hands on deck. And I’m one of their best.”

  Nordik snorted.

  “That’s not ego, Nordik. It’s fact. I want to be here with you. But I also need to be out there. I’m a soldier.”

  “I know, mate. I know what and who you are. I love all of you.”

  Poe closed his eyes, wondering at his luck. Nordik’s level of acceptance should have been impossible to achieve. From the time Poe acknowledged Nordik as his mate and returned after visiting his parents on his long-overdue vacation, they hadn’t had more than three weeks together. And those three weeks weren’t successive. They were hit-and-miss, a few days here, a few days there.

  Poe kissed Nordik’s chest before gazing up at him. He knew the situation was wearing them both thin.

  “Come on.” Poe grabbed Nordik’s hand and led him into the cabin.

  Once inside, he turned to Nordik and tugged his head down so he could kiss him. He slid his palms up Nordik’s chest, then over his shoulders, then down his arms. He just needed to touch him, to feel him again. To let all the brutality of his last mission slip away, if only for a short while. He’d never had such a release valve before, and he was going to take advantage of it. Before Nordik he had gone to gay clubs and cruised. Meaningless sex to release tension worked. But this was infinitely more effective.

  Nordik deepened the kiss, changing the angle, slipping his tongue inside Poe’s mouth. He glided his broad hands down Poe’s back and cupped his ass, stroking and kneading. Poe pressed closer, letting the kiss spiral out, not rushing or demanding. Enjoying the ride and the feel of Nordik’s love cocooning him. Deep groans rumbled inside Nordik’s chest, and Poe slipped his hands through Nordik’s hair and gripped his head, taking control of the kiss.

  When they finally pulled back, the kiss winding down to its natural conclusion, Poe’s limbs felt liquefied. He leaned heavily into Nordik and smiled up at him.

  “I must have you,” Nordik said, grazing his lips over Poe’s cheek. “I need you.”

  “I need you too.”

  A strong breeze blew in from the open door, and Poe shivered, pressing even closer to Nordik.

  Nordik kicked the door shut before flustering Poe by picking him up. Poe scowled, his contented mood popping like a balloon.

  “Jerk! Put me down! I will not have you carting me everywhere.”

  Nordik grinned, his brown eyes alight with amusement. Poe’s heart stuttered in his chest at the look—God, he’d missed that smile—and his cock hardened further with interest. Nordik glanced at it, his grin turning wicked.

  Even as Nordik was about to set Poe down on their bed, Poe used his training to flip their positions. He straddled Nordik, holding down his arms on the bed.

  Nordik grunted. “Sometimes I forget how strong you are.”

  Poe laughed and gave him a quick kiss on his swollen lips. Poe was a descendant of the fae, an ancient race of people who mated with humans, spreading their blood and gifts to future generations. At puberty Poe realized his gift, or special ability, was strength. He’d been a skinny kid often bullied by others, but once his ability manifested, he made sure no one bullied him again. Then he began to lift weights and soon had the physique of a professional bodybuilder. He completed the tough look by spiking his blond hair and wearing leather and riding motorcycles. He even had a tattoo—a Celtic trinity knot inked over his heart.

  “You best remember how strong I am,” Poe said, “if you ever think of picking me up again.”

  Nordik chuckled. Then he used his own moves to roll them over. But even as he tried to pin Poe, Poe kept up the struggle. They wrestled over the mattress, laughing, quickly becoming sweaty and breathless. Poe had never met anyone who enjoyed this type of foreplay. He loved pitting his strength against Nordik’s. Because of his ability, he would always win, but he loved that Nordik always gave him a challenge. If he wanted to win, he had to work for it.

  Soon Poe was once more straddling Nordik, and he reached over to grab the lube from the bedside table. Nordik kissed every patch of skin he could reach, gliding his tongue, licking Poe’s sweat. Poe moaned and trembled at Nordik’s need. He met Nordik’s lips again, rubbin
g his body, his aching cock, against Nordik’s firm body. He could feel Nordik’s heated cock against his thigh, and he knew neither of them could hold out anymore. Nordik prepared him, his long, talented fingers perfect for the job.

  “Fucking hell,” Poe said before he bit Nordik’s shoulder. Nordik grunted as his fingers rammed into Poe, stretching him with a bite of pain. He used his other hand on Poe’s cock, stroking, brushing his thumb over the swollen tip.

  Poe panted. “God, I can’t wait anymore.” He gave Nordik a sloppy kiss that was utterly satisfying before pulling away. Nordik’s skin rippled violently, and his eyes glowed brightly. Poe saw the bear inside the brown depths and thought it was the hottest thing he’d ever seen.

  Staring into Nordik’s eyes, Poe impaled himself on his cock. Since they were soul mates—what a concept—Poe suspected they were truly made for each other in all ways. Nordik’s cock fit inside him so well; it was long and thick enough to fill him up but not enough to hurt. There was the delicious burn, but not pain.

  Nordik grabbed Poe’s hand and linked their fingers. The midafternoon light shone through the windows, cutting a swath through the shadows, shining over their bodies. They watched each other as Poe rode, bringing them ever closer to completion. Nordik’s gaze burned as he watched Poe like he was the only thing in the world worth noticing. As Poe began to ride harder, his climax rising up, Nordik suddenly switched their positions, pushing him to the mattress. Poe snapped his arms and legs around him as Nordik deepened the thrusts, nailing the special spot inside Poe. Crying out with each jab, Poe dug his fingers into Nordik’s back, unable to find his breath.

  Nordik grunted with each thrust, his face flushing. He grabbed Poe’s hard and dripping cock and jacked him vigorously. Poe’s breath hitched, and he came hard, seeing spots in his eyes. Nordik followed soon after, burying his face against Poe’s neck. A long groan escaped him as he collapsed, rolling just enough to partly lay on Poe without obstructing his breathing.

  For a short time, the only sound was them trying to catch their breaths.

  Then, “Thanks, I needed that,” Poe said.

  Nordik shook with laughter and lifted his head, his eyes still bright. “You needed that? I was close to tracking you down and throwing you over my shoulder to take you home.”

  Poe chuckled. “As I recall, you’ve done that once already.”

  “And it worked,” Nordik said, his smile smug with memory.

  Poe rolled against Nordik, enjoying the feel of his arms around him. “I know it’s not fair to make you wait like that. I’m—”

  “No more apologies,” Nordik said before kissing him. The kiss was lingering, gentle, reaffirming. “I know you, Byron. Agent Poe. I love you. We will make this work.”

  Poe shook his head. “You are way too good for me. Just saying.”

  Nordik grinned and pressed their foreheads together. “No. We are perfect for each other.”

  Chapter Two

  NORDIK WOKE before Poe and decided to please himself by cooking a late dinner. He watched Poe sleep for a long moment, reassured this wasn’t a dream. Poe was really back and blessedly unharmed. Nordik stood up and tugged on tissue-thin jeans before walking into the kitchen and pulling out three steaks. He frequently looked back through the bedroom doorway and could just make out the lump of blankets where Poe slept. He hadn’t taken an easy breath until he scented Poe inside Sanctuary. It was that moment of reunion when he knew it was time to come out of hibernation. Poe fought a war. A war that involved Nordik’s children and brethren. He could no longer stay on the sidelines. There was too much at stake, and he would never forgive himself if something happened to Poe and he wasn’t there to protect him. Poe was it for him. Nordik had had other lovers before him, but there would be none after him.

  Nordik’s mates always came into his life during a moment of drastic change, either in the outside world or within Nordik himself. Poe was no different. Poe had led the attack on the Knights’ headquarters; he was the one tricked into finding Nordik. He was a warrior, born and bred. A kindred soul.

  It was time.

  By the time the steaks, light salad, and mashed potatoes were ready, Poe began to stir. Nordik set the food on the small round table in the kitchen and walked back into the bedroom just as Poe sat up. His hair was mussed, his eyes heavy-lidded, and he rubbed his chin where a light five o’clock shadow was starting to appear. Nordik doubted Poe understood how exhausted he really was. Not so much physically as mentally. This last mission seemed to have taken something out of him. It hurt Nordik to see and only firmed his resolve to join Poe in the war.

  Poe sniffed the air. “Is that meat?”

  Nordik grinned and pulled Poe to his feet. “Why don’t you find out?”

  Poe tugged on pants, much to Nordik’s disappointment, and made a beeline for the kitchen. Nordik admired Poe’s physique—pale skin stretched over clearly defined muscles. There was no give, no extra fat on his compact body. He managed to fit the strength of twenty men in a body five feet tall. His face was utterly masculine with his square jaw, strong nose, and sharp cheekbones. His blond hair was short and often spiked. His voice was deeper than most would expect. And his eyes…. Nordik suspected he’d fallen in love the moment he looked into Poe’s eyes. They were a pale blue ignorant people would describe as cold as the arctic, belonging to a person who was frigid and unfeeling. But Nordik always saw passion and intense focus in those eyes, a blue flame that burned a hole into the unworthy. Poe felt more than many did; he was only better at hiding it. Even from Nordik. But Nordik was working on him, showing him it was all right to share, to unburden himself. Nordik’s job was to share the weight.

  Poe sat at the table and jabbed a fork in the steak, plopping it on his plate. Before Nordik could even offer him a knife or explain it was probably still hot, Poe bit in. He sucked in air as steam rose from the meat, but he didn’t flinch or hesitate. He just groaned with delight. It was a similar groan to the one he made during sex.

  Nordik’s cock stirred with interest even as he seated himself across the table. “Good?”

  “Mmmhm,” Poe managed with his mouth full.

  Nordik chuckled and used a knife to cut his own steak. He might’ve been a bear sometimes, but as a human, he appreciated the logic of utensils.

  Then, still with his mouth full, Poe said, “I love you.”

  “I know.”

  Poe’s eyes danced with amusement. He set down the steak only to plop a large portion of the potatoes on his plate. Poe could certainly pack it in. The third steak? It wasn’t for Nordik. It was for Poe.

  They didn’t talk as they ate, enjoying the companionable silence and the good food. Poe finished two beers in an effort to wash down the food and finally sat back in his chair with a healthy belch.

  “And you call me the wild man.”

  Poe snickered. Nordik found Poe cute. He was sure he’d earn a fist in the gut if he ever admitted such a thing, so he kept it to himself.

  “I’ve been thinking,” Nordik said.

  “Uh-oh,” Poe said as he stretched. “Should I be worried?”

  Nordik lifted an eyebrow. “Who just cooked you dinner?”

  Poe mimed zipping his lips and gestured for Nordik to continue.

  “It’s time I rejoin society.”

  Poe blinked. Several emotions ran over his face, but Nordik couldn’t decipher all of them.

  “Okay.”

  Just that. Okay. But something else was there. Nordik cocked his head. “Something troubles you.”

  “No. Not really. You’ve mentioned this before, so I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised. And with all that’s been happening… makes sense.”

  Nordik narrowed his eyes. He wanted no secrets between them. “Yes. With all the Knights have done, with all the changes and threats, I can no longer stand aside. I can no longer do nothing. And considering your own role in this war, there isn’t a reason for me to stay behind.”

  Poe sat up, looking uncomforta
ble. “But what about Sanctuary? With you gone—”

  “Sanctuary will be fine. Other bear shifters will assume responsibility for patrols. I have great faith in the citizens of Haven as well. It is as safe as anything can be in this world.”

  Poe nodded but still looked discomforted. Nordik shoved his plate to the side and leaned across the table.

  “I can see my decision has troubled you.” His hackles rose. “But do you think for one moment I will allow you to go on any more of your missions, dangerous missions, without my help? I—”

  “Allow?” Poe said softly, a dangerous light in his eyes. “You don’t allow me to do anything, Nordik. That’s not how our relationship works, and you damn well know it.”

  Poe’s challenge to his authority set Nordik’s teeth on edge. He clenched his fists and never flinched from Poe’s gaze. Damn if he’d be the one to back down.

  “With every mission, I could lose you. I will not lose you. You will take me on your missions, or I will make sure you never go on another one.”

  Poe sprang up from the table, fury alive on his face. “You son of a bitch! You might be fucking king of Sanctuary, Nordik, but don’t think for one second that you are king of me. I go where I want and when I want. You don’t own me. I’m a soldier of the Agency, and I will continue to be. It’s who I am. You know what you signed up for when you claimed me.”

  Nordik stood up as well, towering over Poe. But Poe looked anything but cowed.

  “Yes, I did, Poe. I do. But now you will have to make room for one more.”

  “So you can protect me?” Poe’s tone clearly showed what he thought of that idea. “I’ve been a fucking agent for my entire adult life. I don’t need your protection.”

  “And neither do I need yours.”

  Poe sputtered. “What? What the fuck does that—”

  “Don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean. Don’t act surprised. You want me to stay in Sanctuary, where you believe I am protected. Safe. I am a master shifter, Byron. You need me. You said yourself that the Agency is spread thin, and the war grows more intense with each passing day. You know you need me. You need all the help you can get.”