Fangs for the Memories

by Julia Talbot

  “I am. Here.” He laughed, a breathless sound of need and happiness. He was right there, burning for more.

  Tom leaned down, lips on his shoulder, teeth sharp against his skin.

  Panting harder, he squeezed down with his inner muscles, letting Tom really feel him.

  Tom bit down, the connection sudden and sharp, and he gasped, welcoming Tom everywhere, in him, around him.

  Sweet. My sweet, tight, hot lover. The words rang in his head, and he nodded. Lover. He had a lover.

  He wanted more. He needed. “Please, Tom. I ache.”

  “I know. Oh, love, you’re amazing.” Tom gave him more. Harder, faster thrusts, that hand still clutched around him. Lightning filled him, sparking along his bones.

  He bucked wildly, his whole body straining for it. He wanted to come so badly, but he didn’t want this to end.

  There was a magic here he’d never find anywhere else; he knew it.

  “We can do this over and over, love.” Tom smiled down at him, slamming into his body.

  “I know.” He just worried. Always.

  “Shhh. Just feel, sweet. Just feel.”

  “Feel.” He squeezed Tom’s hip.

  “Yes. I’m inside you. You’re with me. I love you.”

  The words felt like a mantra, something he could repeat over and over. “Good. Harder.”

  “Harder,” Tom agreed, banging against his butt. He thought it was hilarious, the word banging being used for sex, but it was so true. Tom growled low, bit again, and then he hit something inside Nathan, setting a fire.

  He called out, clutching at Tom’s arms.

  Tom pressed against the slit of his cock and slammed into him again, which was all he could take.

  Seed sprayed from him, his need uncoiling.

  Three more hard thrusts and Tom was coming inside him, filling him so deep and so hot, more so than anything ever had.

  Marking him. Marking him deep.

  Joy filled him, and so did peace. He could stay here and love this man. No one would tell him no.

  That’s right. Tom nuzzled into his throat. Stay with me.

  Love. Nathan gave everything that was in his heart and his soul, and Tom accepted him, full stop.

  Tom settled on top of him, kissing his cheeks and mouth. “My mate.”

  “Yes. Good way to start the day. You and me. Together.”

  Tom nodded, and he could tell Tom was pleased that the nightmare had faded away like smoke.

  It had been just a specter, a bad memory, a meanness. This was so much more real, so much better.

  And it was just early in the day! Breakfast was next. He couldn’t wait to see what waited for them today. He wanted to play, explore, run.

  “I think that sounds great, love. I think we should explore the whole place. Maybe take something shiny to Ed.”

  “I would love that. We’ll find something for his house.” He kissed Tom’s nose. “As wolf or man?”

  “Both? We can go have breakfast at the main house, and I can show you the library and all. Then we can come back and wolf out.”

  Tom sounded so pleased, a little lazy, and very happy.

  “Perfect. I like fantasy books—David Eddings is my favorite.”

  “Is he? I love all sorts. I even like Fallon’s horror, though his one romance that’s out is so cute. I mean, adorable. I love learning these things about you.” Tom finally pulled free. “Shower with me?”

  “Yes. I love the warm water. The soap.” The bubbles.

  “Well, come on, then! I love a hot shower. It gets cold in here by morning….” Tom rolled off the bed but took his hand before moving on, walking with him to the shower. Tom got the water going, both of them doing their business before stepping into the spray.

  He grabbed the soap, the green smell familiar and wonderful. He liked everything here. Even the water felt soft and good, making the soap foam. Hard water never got bubbles.

  Never.

  He shivered at the thought, but soon enough Tom distracted him by helping him lather up the soap.

  Tom touched him everywhere—his throat, his chest, his balls. He felt loved. Cherished. He thought that was Tom’s aim. Every time Nathan remembered something from his old life, Tom loved on him harder, treated him like a gift.

  He wasn’t sure if he deserved it, but he wasn’t sure if he didn’t either.

  Maybe he could just accept it. That sounded like the best idea. Nathan took back the soap so he could return the favor, really making sure Tom was clean.

  “You’re far away, Nathan. Deep where I can’t reach you.”

  “Hmm? I was focusing on you.” He thought so, anyway. “I was thinking how well you take care of me. You honor me.”

  Tom’s face broke into the most beautiful smile, and he hugged Nathan tight, the water streaming over them. “Thank you. I can’t believe I came here and found you.”

  “I’m so glad you did.”

  Tom rested their foreheads together, both of them breathing in sync. “Me too. My brave mate.”

  “Am I brave?” He was definitely fishing for compliments.

  “The bravest.”

  He laughed, preening a little bit, enjoying this silly, romantic play. It felt like a luxury, as if he’d never had anyone who treated him so well….

  He supposed he hadn’t, or he would know. Right?

  They mated for life.

  He knew that.

  He couldn’t have left another mate behind.

  “Breakfast?” Tom asked, and he nodded.

  “Yes, please.” He rinsed them both, popping the bubbles in Tom’s chest hair.

  “Silly beast.” Tom couldn’t seem to let go of him, hands sliding on his skin.

  “Not a beast! Not right now.” He had to laugh. “Now I’m a gentleman.”

  “You are. Who’s about to get dressed and eat. We should run into town and get you better shoes soon.” Tom finally turned off the water and gave him a big, fluffy towel.

  “Shoes are hard to wear. You don’t think so?” Nathan thought he’d always felt that way.

  “I grew up wearing cowboy boots. I’m used to them. I like to go barefoot more since I was bitten. I think it might be the wolf in us.”

  They dried off, but oh, it was still cold outside the shower.

  “Are you a cowboy?” He kept gravitating toward Tom’s heat.

  “Not so much. I mean, as much as any Texan, I guess. More of a redneck, really.” Tom laughed, the sound a bit self-conscious. Oh, that would never do.

  “You’re mine.” He nudged Tom’s jaw. “You saved me. You save lost beasts like me. I never saved anything.”

  “No? I think you saved yourself. I was just here to help you recover.” He got a kiss for his trouble, though, Tom pressing up against him for more than warmth. “Brr. We should get dressed, huh?”

  “Yes. The blue shirt for you. I like that one.” He handed Tom jeans and the heavy flannel. He grabbed his clothes, gifted from Tanner, curling up into soft layers.

  Tom slipped into the clothes, so handsome it made his heart swell. He wanted to howl with it and spin in a circle.

  Tom blinked, blushed, then bowed his head. “Thank you, mate.”

  “You’re welcome.” He took Tom’s hand. “Feed me.”

  “Anything you want, love. Anything.”

  Chapter Nine

  TOM put his napkin on the table, groaning as he patted his belly. “Oh, Glenda, that was marvelous.” She’d presented them with french toast, heated syrup, berries, bacon, sausage, and offered scrambled eggs.

  She wiggled, clearly pleased if the way her hair snakes kind of… cooed was any indication.

  “It was amazing. The bacon is my favorite.” Nathan kept going cross-eyed as he watched the snakes writhe, which he guessed was better than him looking into Glenda’s eyes and going all stony.

  “More coffee?” Glenda asked.

  “Please. How is, er, is it Yardley?”

  She giggled. Stoic, stolid Glenda.
Giggled. “He’s coming back down next week. I’m very excited.”

  “Good for you!” A gargoyle was the perfect match for a gorgon. Right?

  “Yardley is a great name. I’m looking forward to meeting him.” So polite, his mate.

  “I think you’ll like him,” Glenda said. “He’s great at Scrabble.”

  Tom blinked, not sure how that made Yardley likable to a wolf, but who was he to judge?

  “I love to play Scrabble. I like crossword puzzles too.” Nathan blinked. “Huh.”

  “We can play, then!” Glenda sounded happier than Tom had ever heard her.

  “We can. I would play with you anytime. Anytime.”

  “Thank you! I’ll get that coffee.” Glenda kind of… danced off.

  “I think you made her very happy,” Tom said.

  “I’m glad. I like that. Honestly.” Nathan beamed at him, eyes so happy.

  “I’m tickled.” He was so glad Nathan was making friends with his friends.

  Ed fluttered in with the coffeepot. “Feather molting emergency in room two. Glenda had to go help.”

  “Oops.” Nathan almost didn’t giggle.

  “I know! I mean, who doesn’t take care of their feathers?” Ed lowered his voice. “I think he had a bad breakup.”

  Tom winced. “That sucks, man. I can’t imagine.” He’d never had a breakup as a wolf. Did they shed more?

  The mess would be intense. Tom shook his head, feeling bad for the guy. “Well, if he needs company, let us know.”

  “I’m not sure he’s in a space to have apex predator company, guys.”

  “Oh. Right.” He and Nathan were also in the first blush of new love. Probably not what the man needed. Tom just hated to see someone hurting.

  I love that about you. Nathan’s thought brushed through him.

  He had to smile, had to reach out to touch Nathan’s leg under the table. He vocalized softly, letting Nathan hear his pleasure.

  Nathan smiled for him, and Ed snorted. “Okay, you two lovebirds. I have to run into town. Tanner’s letting me take the truck! Be good.”

  “Are you going to find something wonderful?” Nathan was fascinated and horrified by the idea of town. Tom could feel it.

  “I hope so. I want to get something for you. Maybe you could come! I—Tom might drive.”

  “Mate?” Nathan looked to him, wide-eyed.

  “I would love to, but only if you want to, sweet. If not….” Tom trailed off a moment. “If you need me to drive, Ed, Nathan can stay here and keep Tanner and Glenda company. Only if you don’t want to come, love.”

  He thought maybe Ed was a little afraid to drive today.

  “I’ll come with. I want to see things.” Oh, sweet, brave mate.

  “Well, then, let’s go! We wanted to get Nathan shoes anyway.”

  “Ew. Shoes.” Nathan’s eyes rolled, but his mate smiled.

  “We’ll get you something soft. I swear. Can you go get the coats, Nathan?” Tom wanted a moment with Ed.

  “Of course. I’ll be right back. Two shakes.”

  “Thank you.” Tom turned to Ed. “Is it the snow?”

  “And the truck.” Ed wrung his hands. “I need practice, and I’m just a little scared. My last car was a tiny thing.”

  “Fair enough. That truck is solid.”

  “It is. I promise, I’ll do better. Don’t tell Tanner?”

  “Of course not, birdbrain,” Tom said fondly. “It’s our secret. I promise.”

  “Thank you.” Ed bobbed a little. “Tanner has been so good to me, and I hate to disappoint him.”

  “I understand that. He and Carter saved me.”

  “They did? They’re such good guys.” Ed beamed, never even doubting him a moment.

  “They did. Now you’re helping to save Nathan.”

  “Coats.” Nathan came back in, handing Tom his outerwear. “I brought you your wallet too.”

  “Thank you.”

  His mate was remembering more every day.

  He took a kiss before they all bundled out into the truck. The drive down into town wasn’t long at all, and the town itself was pretty small. Perfect for Nathan’s first outing.

  Nathan took everything in, his nose twitching madly.

  They parked between the grocery store and the feed store, where he hoped to find Nathan shoes.

  “I’ll be in there with Tanner’s list.” Ed flapped at the grocery. “Come get me.”

  “Be careful,” Nathan muttered.

  “You okay, sweet?” He wanted to take Nathan’s hand, but this was all new. Town. What if someone was mean?

  Where on earth had that thought come from?

  He glanced at Nathan. Maybe there. Nathan had pulled his coat collar tight up around the scars. Oh. Poor baby.

  Tom smiled at him. “Ready.”

  “I am. Shoes that are soft.”

  “Right. If they’re not, we don’t get them. Okay?” He did let his fingers linger on Nathan’s wrist.

  “Okay. This is… new. I like new.” Nathan lifted his chin, so brave. Determined.

  He loved that his mate didn’t let anything keep him down for long. Nathan met every test and passed it with flying colors.

  He rested his hand on the small of Nathan’s back and led them into the little feed store. He knew they had moccasins there. He knew it.

  They wandered in, Nathan staring in wonder at everything.

  He wanted to offer Nathan one of everything, every sensation, everything. Hell, Tom wanted to give him ice cream and hugs and keep him safe.

  “Look, Tom. These have fur inside.” Nathan had the right idea.

  “Right? They’re a little low at the ankle for the snow, though.”

  “Oh. Oh, yes. Do they have fuzzy boots here?”

  “I think they just might. I bought mine at REI, but I think we can make it happen.” He perused the racks. They had some boots with soft linings that weren’t too stiff. Nathan would have to wear them in, but they’d do.

  “What do you think of these? They’ll get softer as you wear them, and we can get you cushy socks.” He would get the mocs too, once they tried everything on.

  “Maybe? I can try if you think they’ll work.”

  “Just when the snow is high. We can have the others for when it’s not so cold. Excuse me,” he called to an employee. “Can we get a measurement?”

  “Of course. Sure. What am I measuring?”

  “Feet.” He grinned. “Unless you have someone who does that.”

  “I’ll get her.” The kid winked before scurrying off.

  “Mouse?” Nathan asked.

  “Vole, I think.”

  “He didn’t want to touch my feet.”

  “Nope.” Tom wrinkled his nose.

  Nathan snapped his teeth together. “Too bad.”

  “Be good.”

  “I’m trying.”

  Tom snorted, which was when a very broad lady came out from the back. “Did you need a Kleenex, hon?”

  “No, no, I’m good.” He was gonna bust a gut.

  “Wolves.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Nathan gave her a toothy grin, totally unashamed.

  “We’ll try to be good.”

  “You’d better,” she said. “I’m a gnome. I know everyone. I can get revenge.”

  Tom raised his eyebrows. “We’re in trouble now.”

  “We’re good guys. We’re friends of Tanner’s.”

  “Yeah? Bears.” She sniffed, but the corners of her mouth were quivering as she clearly tried not to smile. “Are you wearing slippers?” she asked, looking at Nathan’s feet.

  “Yes. I need shoes and boots, please. Soft ones.”

  “Got it. Was there a fire or something?”

  “Lost his luggage on the way here,” Tom said.

  “Have a sit. I’ll measure your feet. These things run small.” She sat on a rolling stool, motioning Nathan to a chair.

  “I don’t think small is good. I need room for my toes.” Nathan wiggled
said toes.

  “That’s why we measure. So I know what size to go up to!” She patted Nathan’s knee, and Tom thought she was as charmed as everyone who met Nathan.

  Nathan dipped his head, beaming at her. “Oh, I like you. That sounds perfect.”

  “Marnie.”

  “Pardon?” Nathan blinked.

  “My name is Marnie. Okay, put your foot flat here.” She slid a metal plate under Nathan’s foot.

  “It’s cold!” Nathan laughed happily.

  “Oops.” Marnie didn’t sound sorry really. She kinda grinned, in fact.

  “Everything is cold here,” Tom pointed out.

  “Only in the winter. In the summer it’s lovely and warm.” Marnie winked. “We all go underground and let the fae work.”

  “They do like it warm.” Tom had learned so much about the different types of paranormals, as Fallon called them. Funny how he’d never seen one until he’d been bitten.

  “They’re spoiled that way. They turn to ice. Silly beasts.”

  “Really?” Nathan shivered.

  “Okay, other foot.” She moved the tray over.

  “Are they different? Feet?”

  “They can be, sure.” She measured Nathan’s other foot. “I know this sasquatch whose right foot is a full inch longer than his left.”

  “That’s pretty big, an inch.”

  “Not for a sasquatch,” Tom pointed out.

  “It does mean he has to buy different-sized shoes, though. Now, when he fuzzes out, he just goes barefoot.” She chortled.

  Tom stared down at her and then he started chuckling, the sound turning into full laughter.

  “I know!” Marnie laughed too, leaving Nathan staring back and forth between them.

  “What?”

  “Barefoot. Bigfoot. Sasquatch….” Tom just hooted.

  Nathan blinked and then began to laugh softly, tickled.

  Tom nodded, wiping his eyes. Oh, that was good. He did love to laugh.

  “Very nice, boys. You want moccasins and boots to try on?”

  “Please, ma’am.”

  “I’ll give you a few types of each to try.” She stood up and got down a bunch of boxes, then handed them to Tom.

  “Cool. Okay, let’s start with moccasins, huh?” Tom opened boxes, starting with the size he thought would fit. Nathan approved of the looser pairs and one pair of the boots. That was perfect.