“Sure, I’ll wait for you both outside.”
Kelan walked the sheriff to the door while Luke and Mark went back to Luke’s bedroom to put on their boots. When they returned to the living room, Kelan was standing by the window, waiting for them.
“Mark, why don’t you grab your belongings while you’re at Marnie’s and bring them back here? No sense in you paying at a guest house when you can stay with us. Until this whole mess is sorted out, I think it would be safer for us to stick together.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Of course not, you’re family now.”
“Luke?” Mark asked. He was grateful for Kelan’s offer and happy the man considered him family, but Luke’s opinion was the only one that mattered to him.
“I’d like you to be here,” Luke said in a quiet voice.
“It’s settled then.” Kelan headed for the door. “Have you got a car at Marnie’s?”
“My truck is in the shop near the guest house. Actually, I was supposed to pick it up by now. We can call in there when we’ve finished with the sheriff.”
“Good. I suppose I’d better change the tire on my own damn truck. Call me if you need me. Oh, and I don’t want either of you to mention what happened here last night, okay? This is wolf business. Whoever is behind all of this is gonna have me to deal with.”
“Whoever?” Luke sputtered. “It’s obvious this has got something to do with Joe. It’s too much of a coincidence for both your truck to be shot at and Mark’s room to be trashed on the same day Joe caught Mark and me together and fired him.”
“Look, we don’t know that for certain, Luke, and until we’ve got proof, we can’t go around accusing people. So say nothing to the sheriff, you hear?”
“Fine,” Luke groused.
“Come on, best not keep the sheriff waiting,” Mark said, tugging Luke towards the door.
The ride to Marnie’s took about twenty minutes. Sheriff Ferguson made small talk on the way over. Luke and Mark weren’t required to add much to the conversation—apparently the sheriff liked the sound of his own voice.
When they arrived at the guest house, the sheriff stopped to talk with Marnie while Luke and Mark went to take a look at the damage to his room. They were met with complete chaos. Clothes were strewn all over the bed, most ripped to shreds. Books, toiletries and some of Mark’s personal possessions littered the floor, many having received the same treatment as his clothes.
Mark picked up a photograph of him and his sister which had been torn in two. He sighed, throwing it back on the floor.
“I’m real sorry Mark,” Luke said in a quiet voice. “This is all my fault.”
“What? How do you figure that?”
“If you’d never met me, none of this would have happened. You’d still have a job right now and your things wouldn’t have been touched. You’d be better off without me.”
Mark grabbed Luke and forced him to meet his gaze.
“Don’t you ever say that,” Mark fumed. “I never want to hear you talk like that again Luke, understand? You’re my mate, you’re more important to me than a damn job or a few lousy possessions. Those things can be replaced. You can’t.”
He slanted his mouth over Luke’s and kissed him long and hard, preventing Luke from arguing back. He grabbed Luke’s ass roughly and pulled him tight against his body.
“Ahem.”
The sound of the sheriff clearing his throat at the door brought Mark to his senses. Reluctantly, he parted from Luke’s mouth. Mark was getting used to seeing Luke blush but the sight still made him smile.
“Does anything appear to be missing?” the sheriff asked, entering the room.
“No sir, not that I can tell. I didn’t have much here to be honest. ‘Most everything I own is at my sister’s place.”
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Sheriff Ferguson said, raking a hand through his grey hair. “Why would anyone bother breaking in here and then not take anything?”
“Well, there isn’t really anything here worth taking,” Mark said. “At least, nothing of any monetary value.”
“Mmm, still, it’s odd. Unless of course this was done as a warning, or to teach you a lesson maybe. I think I’ll go and have another chat with Joe Walker. You boys need a lift home?”
“No sir, we’re good. My car is in the shop just near here. Luke and I were on our way to pick it up.”
“At Bob’s place?”
“Yes sir.”
“Okay. Can I reach you here if I have any more questions for you?”
“Mark is going to be staying at the ranch with Kelan and me, Sheriff,” Luke said.
The sheriff nodded, scratched his head once more then put his Stetson on before replying, “Very well. Good day to you boys. Tell Bob I said hi.”
The sheriff left the room, closing the door behind him. When Mark heard his footsteps walking away, he picked up a few of his belongings and held them to his nose in turn. The smell was faint but he was able to confirm the one thing that had been playing on his mind. He frowned.
“I can only smell one wolf,” Mark said. “But it doesn’t smell like either of the wolves that were at the ranch last night.”
“I don’t care what Kelan says. This has got to be something to do with Joe—it’s too much of a coincidence for it to be anyone else.”
“I agree, Luke, but Kelan was right. We can’t just go around there accusing him, not without proof. That wouldn’t achieve anything.”
“I guess so,” Luke said. “But if they try anything like this again, they’ll have me to deal with. I won’t let anyone mess with my man.”
“Your man?” Mark said, pulling Luke into his arms.
“Damn straight. You’re mine now. There better not be anyone else.”
“Never baby, I’m afraid you’re stuck with me now.”
“Good. That’s just how I want it.”
Luke lifted up on his toes and kissed Mark gently on the lips. One kiss turned into two, which turned into another. Both men were panting, their cocks hard as steel and starting to ache when they finally pulled apart.
Neither man said anything, just stared into one another’s lust-filled eyes, breathing hard. Luke got to his knees and unbuttoned Mark’s pants, staring up at his mate with a wicked glint in his eye and a grin to match. He wasted no time in releasing Mark’s cock and sliding it into his mouth, sucking Mark all the way down to the base until his nose was buried in the thick covering of blond hair.
Mark groaned as he looked down at his little mate, watching his cock slide in and out of Luke’s hot, wet mouth for the first time. He couldn’t believe Luke had never been with a man before, he sucked cock like a pro.
“Oh god, Luke, good.” Luke groaned around his prick, and the vibrations it caused heightened the sensations Mark was feeling, making him thrust his hips forwards into Luke’s mouth, wanting more. He was already so close to coming, he knew this wouldn’t last very long at all. Luke kept sucking enthusiastically, pulling back to lick around the head and trace the long vein with his tongue before diving back down for more.
“Can’t… Luke… Coming,” Mark stuttered, holding onto Luke’s head for leverage.
Luke went wild, sucking harder and faster, pulling Mark’s orgasm closer with each slide of his tongue and scrape of his teeth. Mark knew it was all over when he looked down and saw Luke quickly undo his own pants, releasing his cock just in time before it erupted into his hand, covering his mate with his own hot, sticky seed.
Mark threw his head back and roared out his release, emptying himself into Luke’s eager mouth. Luke swallowed every last drop, pulling back to lick at the head, capturing the last drop of cum and cleaning him before letting Mark’s cock slip from his lips.
When Mark looked down, Luke was staring up at him with a look of wonder and amazement. His cheeks were flushed and his pretty, pink lips were swollen. He blinked a few times before grinning at Mark and chuckling.
“Wow, that was incr
edible,” Luke’s blush deepened and he lowered his eyes. When he spoke again it was in a quiet voice. “Was it okay?”
Was it okay? It was the best damn blow job Mark had ever received. He pulled Luke to his feet and slanted his mouth over Luke’s, kissing him passionately, tasting himself on Luke’s lips. When he pulled back, he nipped Luke’s bottom lip playfully.
“It was better than okay, Luke, it was mind-blowing. Perfect, baby.”
“I’m glad.” Luke’s cheeks filled with heat at the compliment.
“Come on, let’s get this over and done with and get out of here while I still have the mind to,” Mark said. “Or the only place we’ll be going is back to bed.”
Luke groaned but he didn’t argue. Mark knew the sooner they were done, the sooner they could get back to the ranch. And then he would get Luke back into bed. The thought sent shivers of anticipation down his spine. Even though he’d just come, he could feel his cock try to harden again.
Luke helped Mark pack anything that was still whole and they threw the rest in the trash. When they were finished, Mark settled up with Marnie, informing her he wouldn’t be staying any longer. He arranged to pick up his belongings later when they got his truck then they set off on the short walk to Bob’s.
The garage was only about a ten minute walk from the guest house. They were halfway there when a truck pulled over on the side of the road in front of them. A man Mark didn’t know stuck his head out of the window and called out to Luke and his mate groaned.
“Hey Luke! Need a ride?”
“Who’s that?” Mark asked, as they approached the truck.
“It’s Joe’s son, Ethan,” Luke said in an aside.
“Oh, really? Well this should be interesting.”
Ethan grinned at Luke as he approached the driver’s side window, his eyes roaming salaciously over Luke’s body. Mark caught the look and bristled. He felt a growl form in his chest but he held it in with much effort. He did find himself unconsciously stepping closer to Luke’s side, though, arms crossing over his chest.
Ethan was handsome and from where Mark stood he could tell that the man was built too. Mark took an instant dislike to him. He’d never considered himself a jealous person before, but he definitely felt possessive over Luke—he couldn’t seem to control the emotion.
There was more to it than plain ole jealousy, though, Mark realised. There was something off about Ethan that he couldn’t put his finger on, something about his scent… It could have just been the cold, mean look in the man’s eyes. Mark wasn’t surprised—he was Joe’s son after all.
“Ethan,” Luke nodded to the large wolf.
“Luke, good to see you again. You need a ride?”
“No thanks, we’re only going to Bob’s place.”
Ethan’s eyes fell upon Mark for the first time. He looked Mark over from head to toe before dismissing him.
“You sure? It’s no trouble.”
“Actually we were enjoying the walk,” Mark said, reaching down and taking hold of Luke’s hand.
Somewhere in the back of his mind Mark was aware of how petty that must have looked, but he didn’t care. Luke was his and he wanted Ethan to know it. Luke blushed but he didn’t let go of Mark’s hand, instead he gripped it tighter in his own.
“Ethan, this is Mark, my mate,” Luke said.
This time Ethan didn’t even look at Mark, just shook his head and kept staring at Luke.
“So I heard,” Ethan said. “I’m disappointed, Luke. I thought you could do much better for yourself than some two bit farm hand.”
“Actually he’s a foreman,” Luke said, his face suddenly red with anger. “Not that it matters to me what he does.”
“Not anymore, he ain’t,” Ethan sneered. “Anyway, if you want to know what it’s like to be with a real man, give me a call sometime.”
This time Mark did growl. He stepped forward a few paces putting Luke behind him. He wasn’t going to let anyone talk to his mate like that, however big they were. He balled his hands up into fists, anger seeping out of his every pore. He felt his teeth itching his gums, threatening to elongate.
“Oh look, the wolf is pissed,” Ethan chuckled. “You need to get a leash for your new pet, Luke.”
“If you’ve got a problem with me, why don’t you step out of the truck so that we can discuss it?” Mark invited, hands shaking with anger.
“I wouldn’t start anything with me if you know what’s good for you,” Ethan spat.
“Cut it out, Ethan,” Luke said. “Stop baiting him. Just go, leave us alone.”
Ethan’s eyes fell on Luke. His mouth curled up into a smile but the look was anything but warm or friendly.
“This is your last chance, Luke. You can still come with me. I won’t hold this against you.” He gestured to Mark.
“Never,” Luke said, with firm resolve.
“You mean you’d choose this mutt over me? Bad choice, Luke. You’re gonna live to regret this, you both will. That’s a promise.”
Ethan put the truck in drive and screeched away from the kerb. Mark was still shaking with fury when Luke moved in front of him and wrapped his arms around his body.
“Hey, calm down. He’s gone now,” Luke soothed. “The man’s an asshole, Mark, don’t let him get to you.”
“Don’t tell me to calm down. The man just threatened you. I feel like going after him and ripping his goddamn throat out.”
“Look, he might be a dick but I don’t think he’s dangerous. He wouldn’t hurt me. He’s all talk.”
“I hope you’re right, because if he touches one hair on your head, I swear he won’t live to see another day.”
Chapter Six
When Mark and Luke reached the garage, Bob was just sliding out from under a rusty old truck. He wiped his hands on a rag and shook both Luke’s and Mark’s hands in turn.
“I heard you boys had a run in with Joe yesterday,” he said, his mouth turned up in a slight grin.
“Wow, news sure travels fast in this place, don’t it?” Mark noted.
Bob chuckled. “Had me a few drinks in town last night when Joe’s hands came in. They were bragging about the fact Joe threw you off his ranch.”
“Dan and Lyle?” Mark asked.
“Yeah, those are the two. Nasty pieces of work if you ask me. I wouldn’t pay any mind to what those two say.”
Mark could feel his fury rising to the surface once again. When Luke stepped forward and took hold of Mark’s hand, Mark could feel the tension leave his body. Bob’s eyes widened when he noticed the action.
“So it’s true. You boys have mated.”
Luke straightened his back and looked Bob straight in the eyes.
“Yes sir, we have.”
Bob’s smile broadened. “Well, that certainly gives an old man like me hope. Come on, your truck is ready.”
Mark and Luke were both shocked by Bob’s statement. Seemed they had more support in town than they’d realised.
* * * *
They called back to Marnie’s to collect what was left of Mark’s belongings and then made their way back to the ranch. Kelan’s truck was gone from the yard when they pulled in but a dusty old Chevy sat in its place.
When they got out of the truck, Luke noticed a small, female wolf walking down the steps of the porch.
“Marianne?”
“Luke! Hey, I didn’t know you were home. How’s things?”
“Good, very good. Marianne, I’d like you to meet Mark, my mate. Mark, this is Marianne, an old friend of ours.”
“Your mate!” Marianne squealed. “Wow, congratulations. Pleased to meet you, Mark.”
Marianne shook Mark’s hand enthusiastically. Mark was surprised she didn’t even raise an eyebrow at the fact he was a man.
“Good to meet you too,” he said with feeling.
“There must be something in the water,” she said, giggling. “I’ve met my mate too.”
“You have? Well hell. Congratulations to you too.”
Marianne blushed. “Thanks, Luke. Actually that’s why I came here. My mate, John, is beta of his pack in New Mexico, so I’m gonna be moving there with him. I wanted to tell Kelan myself that I’ll be leaving the pack.”
“Oh well, Kelan just had some errands to run so he shouldn’t be long if you’d like to come in and wait.”
“I can’t, I was just on my way to work at the hospital. Could you get Kelan to call me this evening?”
“Of course. Say, have you told Cody your news?”
“No, not yet. It’s all happened so fast, I haven’t had the chance.”
“Marianne and Cody were best friends growing up,” Luke clarified to Mark. “They used to get in a whole heap of trouble together. Made Pop insane.”
Mark chuckled.
“We didn’t get in that much trouble, Luke,” Marianne said, her blush deepening. “Have you spoken to Cody recently?”
“No, not for a while. I’ll definitely have to call him now, though. Catch him up on all the news.”
“Yeah, me too. Well I’d better be going or I’ll be late for work. Tell Kelan I’m sorry I missed him.”
“Will do.”
Mark and Luke waved Marianne off then got Mark’s belongings out of the truck and took them into the house. They deposited everything in Luke’s bedroom then went down to the kitchen to make some lunch.
Mark insisted that Luke not go to any trouble so Luke took some cold cuts out of the fridge and set about making a salad to go with them.
“Mmm, this is good Luke,” Mark said, practically inhaling his food. “I didn’t realise I was so hungry.”
“Well you did miss breakfast,” Luke said, making short work of his own plate.
When they were finished eating, Luke carried their plates to the sink. He had just started the water when Mark snaked his arms around Luke’s waist. He turned around in Mark’s embrace and placed a tender kiss on his lips.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Luke said.
“Yeah me too, Luke. There isn’t anywhere I’d rather be right now.”
Luke kissed Mark again, opening his mouth wider when Mark licked at the seam of his lips then slipped his tongue inside. Luke slid a hand down and palmed Mark’s erection through his jeans. Mark grunted and thrust his hips into Luke’s hand.
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