Believing in the Traitor

by Charlie Richards

  “His name is Roland and he’s a shifter,” Treatise corrected softly, squeezing his shoulder gently.

  Walter paused in walking, causing Treatise to stop and turn to look at him. “Roland was pretty aggressive, from what I’d heard. Ryker convinced Bud that the only way to calm him was to geld him... so he did.”

  “F-Fuck,” Treatise muttered, rubbing a hand over his chin. “I’d heard that Roland and Tobias had a few problems to overcome before mating but I never would have imagined that!”

  Feeling the blood drain from his face, Walter knew he paled. “I won’t speak of it again.” He should have known it wasn’t common knowledge.

  “That would be best. Thank you,” Treatise responded. Suddenly, a smile that looked decidedly blood-thirsty curved his lips. “At least now he can claim restitution. That will be satisfying for him.”

  “Uh, who him?” Walter couldn’t help being confused. “What’s restitution?”

  “Tobias and Roland. Both. Either,” Treatise replied. “When one has been wronged, reparations equal to the loss or injury can be demanded. Although, I can only imagine what suitable restitution for a crime like that would be.”

  “I’ll say,” Walter whispered. “But how will he get restitution from Ryker?” Another thought occurred to him, and he felt his pulse spike. “Would he ask it from me?”

  Treatise growled softly, frowning. “Of course not. You were not involved,” he responded gruffly. “We have Ryker in custody.”

  “C-Custody? Like a prisoner?”

  Shrugging, Treatise turned and once again began leading the way down the hall. “Tomato, tomato.”

  Chapter Six

  Treatise didn’t look forward to the conversation he’d have to have with Tobias later. His second had a temper on occasion, although it had been tempered by Roland of late. He prayed that wouldn’t change.

  Hiding his concern with a smile, Treatise explained the layout of the large estate. He wanted Walter to be able to find his way around on his own... eventually. At the moment, his task of helping his mate rehabilitate was a double edged sword—always aroused and not being able to do shit about it.

  Learning that Walter remembered that Treatise had claimed they were mates was a blessing. He looked forward to taking his lover back to his room. His mate responded so passionately to his touch. He wondered what it would take to convince his sexy human to move into his own rooms with him.

  “This is the dining hall,” Treatise explained, opening the door. “There is a buffet served for two hours, starting around thirty minutes after nightfall, then again a couple of times during the course of the evening. Times change according to the month of the year and when evening hours are. They’re posted on signs outside each door.”

  Closing the door behind them, Treatise heard Walter gasp. The sound of talking hushed a bit, turning to whispers. Treatise glanced around and noted everyone looking at them.

  Treatise focused on Walter and discovered a pale, wide-eyed mate. He knew their clutch made an impressive sight. There were gargoyles of many different shapes and sizes, and most of them were staring directly at Walter.

  Resting his hand on Walter’s shoulder, Treatise raised his voice and called, “Everyone, this is my mate, Walter Blackhorse. Don’t overwhelm him with introductions all at once.”

  Just that quickly, a round of hearty congratulations roared through the room.

  Pleased by the response, Treatise guided Walter toward the buffet tables. He helped him fill a plate of food, enjoying his human’s expressions of pleasure and anticipation. While Treatise figured he gave Walter too much, piling more and more on the plate he carried, he couldn’t help liking the amused look on the man’s face.

  The meal went well, in Treatise’s opinion. They’d both eaten way too much. Occasionally someone would stop by their table and introduce themselves. Everyone was friendly.

  Treatise watched as Tobias approached. He tensed a little upon seeing Roland walking slowly behind the second, almost hiding behind him. That is until Tobias wrapped his arm around the shoulders of his mate, tucking him against his body.

  Roland pressed into his gargoyle lover, looking for all the world like a scared teenager. Walter must have finally noticed the approaching couple, for his hand paused with his tea cup lifted halfway to his lips.

  Tea. That had been a surprise. His beautiful human was a tea drinker.

  “Hello, Walter,” Tobias greeted. “It is good to see you growing stronger.”

  “Thank you,” Walter replied softly. His gaze flickered between the pair. “This is truly an amazing place. Your cooks are wonderful.”

  “You should see the gardens,” Roland whispered. “Have you been outside, yet?”

  “I have not,” Walter told him.

  “My apologies,” Tobias stated. “This is my mate, Roland.”

  “We’ve met,” Roland whispered. “But you probably don’t recognize me.”

  Walter glanced toward Treatise, and he gave his human an almost imperceptible nod. Turning back to face Roland, he offered a small smile.

  “Actually, I may not have ever seen you in this form, but I do know you,” he admitted. “You are the lynx.” He took a deep breath, then stated, “I am sorry for what happened to you. I had no idea that you were—” Walter stopped, his voice fading as he waved his hand and indicated Roland’s human form.

  For the briefest of seconds, Roland’s lips pinched. He jerked a nod. “I know you didn’t.” He offered a tremulous smile. “Truth be told, you made the place better.”

  Walter grimaced, lowering his gaze to his tea cup. He wrapped both hands around it as he jerked a nod. Still, he couldn’t seem to lift his head.

  Treatise rubbed Walter’s back. He hated the scent of guilt rolling off the man. Having spoken with him for hours on end, he knew beyond any doubt that Walter hadn’t known about paranormals. Still, that didn’t seem to assuage the man’s conscience.

  He didn’t know what would. Time, maybe?

  Tobias settled in one of the chairs across from them, Roland in a second one. “So, is this your first foray outside of your rooms?” Tobias asked, obviously trying to change the subject, to move past the awkward moment.

  “Afraid so,” Walter replied. His lips curved into a wry smile. “My physical trainer is one hell of a task master. Lots of exercises and massages, time soaking muscles in whirlpools. That kind of stuff.”

  “Is that all?” Tobias rumbled, his tone clearly teasing. “Such tough therapy.”

  Treatise rolled his eyes. “Cut it out,” he grumbled. “No need to embarrass him.”

  Tobias laughed, earning smiles from Roland and Walter.

  Treatise led the way to the exit of the dining hall.

  Walter moaned before grumbling, “Why did you let me eat so much?”

  Chuckling, Treatise held the door open, grinning as he watched Walter slowly make his way past him. He released his hold once his mate was through. Falling into step beside him, he noted how much slower Walter was moving on the way back than on the way to the hall. He wondered if that was due to fatigued muscles or to being sluggish from a full stomach.

  Either way, Treatise managed to bite his tongue before offering to carry Walter. Something told him his mate wouldn’t appreciate that.

  “Where are they taking those trays?”

  Stopping beside the side staircase they needed to head up, Treatise glanced in the direction Walter jutted his chin. He spotted the retreating figures of Tristan—an alligator shifter—Vane—a gargoyle enforcer—and Caladon—a boa constrictor shifter.

  “That’s Tristan, Vane, and Caladon,” Treatise told Walter. “They’re taking those meals to Bud, Canaan, and Ryker. I told you we had them. We set up a number of the downstairs rooms with bars on the windows.”

  Walter stood still, watching them disappear, and Treatise watched Walter. A myriad of expressions crossed his mate’s face. Finally, he turned to look at him, sadn
ess and confusion etched on his features.

  “So, you really are holding them prisoner.”

  Treatise nodded once. “We are. This is war, my mate,” he murmured, hoping his human would understand. Forcing a smile, he added, “Their accommodations are far better than what Bud kept his prisoners in.”

  Walter scoffed, a small smile curving his lips. “I hope you get what you want from them,” he said before turning and starting up the stairs.

  “Actually, all we really want is to be left alone,” Treatise admitted. “We want to live our lives without the threat of hunters or mobs coming after us. We want to find our mate, fall in love, and some of us want to raise children.”

  Treatise hadn’t missed how Walter had eaten a slice of toast heavily coated with cinnamon. Roland had slipped it onto his plate. Walter had looked at it questioningly for an instant, then followed Roland’s gaze toward Matthew, who was Vane’s mate and a visibly pregnant human male. Walter’s eyes had widened and he’d eaten the toast.

  “Do you want kids?” Walter asked once he was halfway up the stairs. He glanced over at Treatise as he turned to start up the second half of them. “Someday, I mean?”

  Treatise shrugged, following as Walter kept moving. “Someday, perhaps,” he admitted. Taking a chance, he added, “At the moment, all I want is to hold my mate and begin bonding with him.” Seeing the way Walter looked over his shoulder at him in obvious surprise, Treatise held his gaze. “After that, I want the chance to learn everything about him and maybe even fall in love. Just call me a romantic at heart.”

  Walter scoffed lightly. “I don’t think any of those things are too much to ask for,” he murmured, smiling. “Although, it could definitely label you as a romantic.”

  Barking a laugh, Treatise nodded. “Get up those last steps, my mate. We have things to discuss.”

  “Actions speak louder than words.”

  Treatise felt his brow ridges shoot up upon hearing those muttered words. Watching Walter’s retreating back, he knew he hadn’t imagined them. He hurried to catch up.

  “Is that so?” Treatise growled, joining him on the top of the landing. “You looking for action?”

  Walter’s face flushed pink, but he responded. “I think discussing is overrated. Don’t you?”

  “I guess we have done a lot of talking over the last several days, haven’t we?”

  Treatise watched Walter nod once.

  Gripping the back of Walter’s neck, Treatise guided him to a stop. He leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to his soon-to-be lover’s mouth. Scraping his canines lightly over his human’s thin bottom lip, he didn’t miss the way Walter shivered.

  Pulling away, Treatise urged him the rest of the way down the hall. By the time they reached the room, he noticed the slight sheen of sweat on his human’s brow. No matter how much his mate wanted to begin bonding, his muscles needed care even more.

  However, that didn’t mean they couldn’t do a little of both at the same time.

  “Come on,” Treatise urged. “Into the bathroom. Time to relax those muscles.”

  Walter turned to face him after closing the door. “But, I thought—”

  “Don’t worry, my mate,” Treatise cut him off. “While I would like nothing more than to lay you down on your bed and make love to you, I will not put my own desires above your recovery.” He winked and gave Walter an appreciative once over, liking the toning that had begun in his arms and chest. “Besides, I mean to join you in that big jetted tub. There are ways to begin our bond in there that I think you’ll rather enjoy.”

  Walter’s face flushed. His mouth ohed. He nodded jerkily.

  “O-Okay.”

  Treatise headed toward the bathroom, calling over his shoulder, “Come then. I will start the water.” He heard the tapping and scuff of his mate’s canes and feet, so quickened his own step.

  Reaching the bathroom, Treatise jerked open first one drawer, then a second one. He spotted what he wanted and picked up the tube. Turning toward the tub and crossing the distance, he set the tube on the lip, then leaned over and started the water.

  Hearing Walter enter, Treatise straightened and turned. He watched uncertainty flicker over his mate’s face. Wanting to help relax him, he beckoned him forward.

  “Come here, Walter,” Treatise urged. “Let me help you out of those. I know your muscles must be trembling.” Seeing the denial in Walter’s eyes, he smiled. “It is not weakness to accept help from your mate. Please, let me help you.”

  Walter eyed him for a couple of seconds, then jerked a nod. “Right.” He gave him a rueful smile. “I can hardly keep hold of my handles, my hands are so tired.”

  “Sit on the edge of the tub, then,” Treatise commanded. “That way you won’t have far to go.”

  Obeying, Walter limped a few more slow steps forward. Treatise wrapped his arm around his shoulders, helping him down, so he didn’t fall. Then, he eased the crutches from his arms and set them aside.

  Treatise knelt on one knee, then pulled Walter’s socks and sneakers from his feet. Pushing them aside, he reached for the hem of his human’s shirt, but the fabric was already sailing over his head. He took a second to admire his narrow shoulders, tone form, and long legs.

  Walter cleared his throat. His fingertips toyed with the button of his fly, drawing Treatise’s attention. When his human didn’t pop the button, he noted the scent of unease pouring from him.

  Looking up at Walter’s face, Treatise noticed his flushed neck and cheeks. “I don’t have to join you, if you do not wish,” he offered, concerned he had pushed too hard.

  “It’s not that.”

  “Then what?” Treatise pressed. “Please, know that you can tell me anything.”

  “I’m sorry I’m not ripped like you,” Walter mumbled, his cheeks darkening. “Too many waffle fries and cheeseburgers.”

  “Ah, my mate,” Treatise rumbled, moving his hands to Walter’s waist. “Please don’t think that of yourself. I find you extremely handsome and appealing.” Seeing the disbelief in Walter’s eyes, he growled low in his throat. He told of his desires, hoping to make his mate understand. “I want to make your body sing with pleasure. A few extra pounds around the hips only means I will be able to grip you better when I pound into your tight ass and massage your prostate. I will make you scream.”

  Gaping, Walter just stared down at him.

  “Actions speak louder than words,” Treatise whispered, reminding him of his earlier comment. “Let me show you, my mate.”

  Walter swept his gaze over his face. “You mean that. Don’t you?”

  “I do.”

  Nodding his head, Walter opened his fly.

  Treatise took advantage. He gripped the flaps and pushed them open and down as much as he could. Spotting the head of Walter’s half-hard prick peeking up at him, he paused and licked his lips.

  Glancing up at Walter’s face, Treatise saw that his mate still appeared uncertain. He reigned in his desire to swallow the pretty flared head and wrapped his right arm around his human’s waist. He lifted him an inch, then used his other hand to push his jeans down to his hips before setting him back on the side of the tub.

  Finally, Treatise gripped the jeans and eased them down and off. He stood, then placed one hand on his shoulder to steady him before placing his second hand under his right thigh. Careful to keep his mate steady, he lifted his leg and swung it over the side of the tub. He grabbed his second thigh and did the same to that one.

  “How’s the water temperature?” Treatise asked.

  While Treatise tried to always have it as close as he remembered, he liked to double check.

  “Pretty good,” Walter murmured, although he seemed more interested in peering over at him. “I know I like it hot. We can adjust it if you don’t like it.”

  Treatise had thicker skin. He could stand far hotter water than a human, but he didn’t bother mentioning that. Instead, he gripped the ties to hi
s loincloth and untied them. He tossed it aside, then stepped past him and into the tub.

  Upon hearing Walter’s gasp, Treatise turned and faced him. There wasn’t a damn thing he could do about his erection, and he knew his mate was getting a hell of an eyeful. His erection was thick and long, almost ten inches, and currently jutted up from his groin, so hard it practically tapped his abs.

  “There is no fucking way that could possibly fit inside a man.”

  Chapter Seven

  Walter cringed as soon as the words were out of his mouth. Still, he’d spoken the truth. He couldn’t imagine how the long hard shaft protruding from the gargoyle’s groin could fit up his rectum.

  Over the last couple of days, Walter had touched himself there. He’d rubbed the pad of his finger over his opening. Once, he’d even dipped the tip of his finger inside him.

  He hadn’t really understood the allure.

  However, then he’d remembered that first massage. He’d remembered the feel of Treatise’s hands on his ass cheeks and his fingertip sliding down his crack. Having lost himself to the throws of orgasm, he couldn’t rightly say if it had been having Treatise touch him there, the pleasure of it, or if he had just been so far gone as it was. He’d come hard, though. Harder than he ever had.

  “Just relax, Walter,” Treatise murmured, reaching for his hips. “I will fit inside you when you are ready, just as you will fit inside of me.” He smirked, then added, “It will just take plenty of lube.”

  Walter nodded as he allowed Treatise to pull him forward and help him slide into the tub. Allowing the bigger male to push and pull him, he eventually found himself seated in front of the gargoyle, his back pressed to the larger male’s chest. Treatise wrapped his arms around him, spreading his palms over his chest and stomach.

  At first, Walter sucked in his stomach. He couldn’t help his intimidation. Hell, all the gargoyles he’d seen were ripped.

  However, soon Treatise’s petting hands relaxed him. He sighed when he felt the gargoyle’s clawed fingertips scrape over his nipple. Feeling the claws of his other hand slide down into his pubes, he groaned and arched, pressing his back into Treatise’s chest.