As Matthew worked him, he reached blindly for the lube. Finding it, he popped the cap, then pulled his face away so he could drizzle some first on Vane’s wet hole, then on the fingers of his right hand.
While Vane hadn’t become tense, he still remained less responsive than Matthew wanted. Time to give him that promised bliss. “Relax,” Matthew urged. “You’ll like this.”
Matthew replaced his tongue with his forefinger, sinking the slicked-up digit into Vane’s hole. He felt around and quickly zeroed in on what he wanted…Vane’s prostate. Massaging his gargoyle’s gland, Matthew finally got the reaction he wanted.
“Fuck!” Vane swore as he arched his back and searched for more contact.
Grinning, Matthew gave him what he sought. As he finger-fucked his lover, he leaned over his back and murmured, “Oh, yes, Vane. That is the idea.” He slid a second finger in beside the first, continuing to peg the gargoyle’s gland each time. “Soon, this is gonna be my dick,” he stated gruffly.
At that idea, Matthew’s own need caused his control to slip, and he rutted his dick between Vane’s thighs. His balls pulled tight and he quickly reached down with his free hand and squeezed the base of his prick.
Sighing, Matthew knew he had to speed things up just a bit.
Matthew slid in a third finger. When Vane grunted, he reached under his lover and gripped the gargoyle’s thick shaft. The hard flesh jerked in his grip and his lover once again started rocking, thrusting his dick through Matthew’s grip only to rock back on Matthew’s fingers.
Matthew allowed Vane to pleasure himself for a few seconds. Hell, he could hardly deny himself a few seconds to view the sexy sight of his gargoyle reveling in the pleasure he gave him. Soon, Matthew’s own ever-tightening balls reminded him of where his dick needed to be before he unloaded.
“You ready for me?” he asked, too turned on to care that he sounded as if he begged.
Damn, it’s supposed to be the other way around.
“Hell, yeah,” Vane snarled. “Do it, mate. Fuck me now.”
Okay, demanding works.
Matthew slid his fingers from Vane’s chute. Wrapping his slick fingers around his own shaft, he gave it one tug, then two, slicking himself up, then he guided his cock head to his lover’s hole. When his sensitive glans pressed against his lover’s stretched opening, a shiver of excitement coursed through him.
“Now,” he whispered, and thrust.
Groaning gutturally, Matthew shivered as the body beneath him gave way and he sank into the hot, slick hole. Pressure clamped down on his shaft, and he willed himself to still his hips.
Except, then, he heard Vane’s growled words of hell, yeah, give it to me, mate and all bets were off. Matthew’s strained control snapped. He rocked, forward and back, sinking deeper and deeper into the intense heat of his lover’s body.
His balls pulled tight and—too long denied—Matthew knew he’d come embarrassingly fast. Wanting his mate to join him, he wrapped his arms around his lover and once again found Vane’s cock with his right hand. His fingers had just enough lube that he could strip his gargoyle’s dick without fear of friction.
Matthew jacked his hips, adjusting his angle so he pegged his lover’s gland with each thrust. Vane shuddered beneath him, grunting and rocking, matching Matthew’s aggression as their skin slapped together. His balls tightened that last little bit and he could hold off no longer. Matthew unloaded in his gargoyle’s ass, coating his lover’s rectum with his seed. Thrusting through his orgasm, he slid his shaft through his cum, reveling in the increased warmth and slickness.
Wanting his lover to come with him, Matthew lowered his head and bit into Vane’s flesh, just below his shoulder blade. Vane snarled and bucked, his cock jerking in Matthew’s grip. Seconds later, the gargoyle’s cock pulsed, his body shuddered, and his chute clamped down on Matthew’s dick.
Matthew jerked his head up, just remembering to unclamp his jaw, and cried out hoarsely as his balls forced one more spurt from him. Exhausted and flying high on endorphins, he collapsed onto his lover’s back.
Vane slumped onto the bed with a groan.
Humming, Matthew mumbled, “You okay?”
“Yeah,” Vane turned his head and shifted his hips a bit. “Except, I’m in the wet spot.”
Chuckling, Matthew pressed his hands into the side of the bed and pushed, flopping sideways. This time, Vane’s grunt seemed to be caused by Matthew’s softened prick sliding from his ass. Matthew encouraged his lover to roll with him, until Vane lay on his back. Matthew repositioned himself, lying half on top of his lover.
“I’ll clean us up in a few minutes,” he promised. “I need to hold you for a bit first. Missed you so much.”
He hadn’t meant to say that last part, but when Vane leaned up and kissed his head, then said, “I missed you, too,” Matthew didn’t regret it. Vane wrapped his arms around Matthew and snuggled him close. “What are you doing here? It’s—” He rotated his neck and peered at the clock on the nightstand, “almost five in the morning.”
Matthew smiled. “Do you have any idea how long it takes to drive from Salt Lake City airport to here? It was the only last minute redeye we could make.” His smile faded. “No more leaving after fights. We talk things out, okay?”
Vane cupped Matthew’s jaw and pressed a sweet kiss to his lips.
“Promise.”
Smiling, Matthew settled his head back on Vane’s chest. Content in his gargoyle’s arms, the flight and drive, followed by the amazing sex, quickly caught up with him. Sleep claimed him.
Chapter Twelve
Vane stared at the entrance to the curiosity show. “I’m not sure I can do this.”
He, Matthew, and Einan stood outside the gates to the curiosity show that he knew held Roland, as well as a couple of other shifters. He didn’t know if the owners knew what their cages actually contained, but he did know he needed to get them out. Except, now that he stood outside their gates in human form, fear paralyzed him.
That morning, Vane had gone through molt—which, surprisingly, hadn’t been as painful as he’d thought it’d be. Of course, when he considered the torture he’d endured as a hatchling, the pain of changing into his human form for the first time had been mild.
Now, according to the mirror—and Matt’s comments—Vane appeared to be a six foot six, deeply bronzed skinned Native American. His black horns even turned into a thick head of shoulder-blade length, black hair. While Matt said he had broader shoulders and more muscle than a classic Native American, if anyone ever said anything, he could explain he enjoyed body building…which probably wouldn’t be questioned considering his thick arm and leg muscles.
Vane sure as hell hoped they wouldn’t end up in trouble with Tobias when the second woke from roost, but Cornelius and Matt had convinced him this could work. From what Vane had heard, Cornelius had had to do some fast talking to convince Einan to escort them out here. Then, the heavily pregnant rhino shifter had been pissed as hell when he’d learned he couldn’t join them at the show, but on that point, Einan wouldn’t budge.
Vane had found out that morning that Leroy Wilde had joined Matthew and Cornelius on their adventure to track them down. The human nurse would prove useful once they rescued the shifters.
First, however, Vane needed to get his shit together and get in there. Tugging on his arm yanked Vane out of his panic-induced stupor, and he followed Matt behind their rented SUV. His mate cupped his jaws and met his gaze.
Vane took strength from Matt’s calm, soothing tone as he listened to his mate say, “You can do this, handsome. I understand why this would be difficult, but you’re strong. Just remember, you’re not alone.”
“I’m not alone,” Vane mumbled.
Matt smiled. “That’s right. We’re here, and we’re gonna help your friend.”
Nodding, Vane grimaced. “I’m okay. I can do this.” He’d do this for his mate, for himself, and for Roland. He neede
d Matt to know he could rely on him, and it was time for him to fulfill his promise. Straightening, Vane lowered the sunglasses from his forehead, placing them over his eyes, and stated, “I’m ready.” Hell, all he had to do was stand there and look intimidating since he and Einan were supposed to be Matt’s bodyguards.
Matt glanced around, then leaned up and pecked a kiss to his lips. Smiling, he murmured, “I believe in you.”
Vane’s system flooded with warmth and he stared in shock for several seconds. Matt pulling away drew him out of his shock. “I love you,” Vane blurted.
Grinning back at him, Matt nodded. “I know, and I you.” He winked. “You think I’d follow just any guy across several states?”
Before Vane could think up a response to that, Matt turned and headed around the vehicle. Einan slapped him on the shoulder and said, “Let’s go, Romeo. Showtime.”
Vane nodded. Straightening his shoulders, he followed his lover and his fellow enforcer through the gates. He glanced at the people milling through the area, doing his best to ignore the signs for what shows were inside each enclosure.
Matt walked up to one of the security guards. In Vane’s opinion, the human had a little more girth than one would expect from someone expected to run after mischief makers.
With a smile that didn’t meet his eyes, Matt addressed the guard. “I’m looking for Bud Wallice.” He pointed at the walkie-talkie attached to the man’s belt. “Tell him that Mister Prentiss is here to see him about the twenty-four foot boa.”
The guard actually blanched at the mention of the record breaking snake that Vane had found listed for sale. It was how he’d located this possibility to begin with. Then, last night, he and Tobias had managed to slip into the park. They’d discovered not only Roland, but that the boa was a shifter, along with several others, including an albino alligator.
“Yeah, right. Okay, sir,” the guard replied, reaching for his walkie-talkie. Lifting it to his mouth, he mumbled, “I gotta tell you. I’ll be happy to see the snake gone.” Pressing the button, he spoke into the device, “Ryker. Walter, here. Come back.”
“What is it, Walter?” A bored male voice sounded through the device. Evidently, this guy wasn’t as formal as the front guard.
“I have Mister Prentiss here near the two headed llama exhibit. He’s asking about the snake for sale. Is Mister Wallice available?”
“I’ll get him and meet you at the boa’s aquarium. Escort them there.”
“Yes, sir,” the guard, Walter, said into the device. He returned his focus to their trio. “This way.”
“Don’t like snakes? Or don’t like this one?” Matt asked, keeping his tone mildly interested, yet still cool.
Walter shrugged, looking for all the world like he was attempting to hide a shudder. “Just don’t like anything that could swallow me whole,” he finally responded.
The guard’s scent screamed lie. Judging by the slight lift of Matt’s brow before his mate could control his features, Vane guessed his lover felt the same way. He wondered if Walter had seen something that made him guess that the snake was more than just a snake.
Once again, Vane fell into step behind Matt. Einan flanked his mate’s other side. After several minutes, they reached a large, shed-style structure that looked very similar to every other building that made up the exhibit area.
Walter waved at the pimple-faced, skinny teen manning the ticket stand. “Don’t let any other people in until we come out, Rudy,” Walter ordered. “Mister Wallice should be here in a few minutes.”
Rudy immediately straightened at his post and nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Matt followed Walter, and Vane forced himself to follow his mate.
Vane entered the darkened interior and immediately had to make a right turn. After ten paces, he made a left turn, which opened into the main exhibit space. A dirty velvet rope—which had probably been red at one time—was attached to the wall on the left. It stretched toward the back, then cut left. Vane knew the set-up was designed to create a walkway, keeping the patrons moving along the outside of the enclosure, allowing them to see the exhibit from all sides before exiting near where they’d entered at the front.
Even though a massive aquarium filled the space in the middle, Vane shivered. He could imagine, all too well, the space his friend would be kept in…a barred, twelve-by-twelve foot cage. No privacy, a space hosed out once a week—maybe, and put on display for people to stare and jeer at.
Giving himself a mental shake, Vane refocused on his surroundings. Inside the massive aquarium, the green and brown boa constrictor stirred. Lifting his head, the snake flicked out his tongue, attempting to scent them through the glass.
Seconds later, Bud Wallice arrived, and Vane found himself forced to stand impassively. He listened as Matt made arrangements to pick up the snake that evening. He even confirmed that a number of Bud’s people would be on hand to aid in moving the massive serpent from his normal cage—a much larger space in the reptile holding building—to a large box truck, which Matt would provide.
By the time they walked out of there, a deal made, Vane knew the shifter was stressed. Hell, the boa had curled into a tight ball under a large tree trunk. Knowing the shifter still watched, Vane did the one thing he could and—trusting from the snake’s actions that he could read lips—he mouthed, patience, brother.
“You ready for this?”
“Yep,” Vane replied, answering Einan as he peered through the window. He watched the large box vehicle pull up close. “Let’s get this snake loaded.”
After Einan parked the SUV, Vane stepped out, then held the door open for Matt. Once his mate had exited, he shut the door and dropped into flanking position. Bud was waiting at the back gates along with Walter and Ryker.
“Hello, Mister Wallice,” Matt greeted coolly. “Everything is in order?”
Damn, but did his mate look fine acting the aloof business man. The charcoal gray suit certainly didn’t detract from his lean form at all. Einan elbowed him, refocusing Vane’s attention.
“Of course. The snake is just as you left it,” Bud told them, with a watery smile. “We thought it best to only move it once this evening. Less taxing on the workers since it takes so many of them.”
Vane just bet. He hoped the shifter had enough strength for the commotion he needed the shifter to cause. When he’d been held prisoner, he’d been kept malnourished, especially after the owners realized just how strong he’d become.
The group made their way back to the building they’d entered earlier that day, the darkness of night made shadows between buildings deep. When they arrived, Matt frowned. “You agreed to have eight men on hand to assist. I only see four.”
“Well, Dozer has been so relaxed today,” Bud immediately hedged. “I didn’t think the extra people would be necessary.”
Matt’s eyes narrowed, a decidedly dangerous glint entering his eyes. “Mister Wallice, I paid for the snake and the services necessary to move him with the least amount of stress. More men means more hands to hold him up and keep him straight. That means less stress on the boa’s muscles.” Matt’s voice lowered, taking on a hard, cold edge. “If you wish to sell this snake tonight, call your men in. Otherwise, I walk. I will not arrive at my destination tomorrow and find a sick animal. Do I make myself clear?”
Bud held up his hands, his smile decidedly slimy. “Okay, Mister Prentiss. My mistake.” He glared at Walter, as if this were his mistake. “Call in the guys on the south side. Hurry up, now.”
“Yes, sir,” Walter immediately responded, grabbing his walkie-talkie and making the call.
They waited. Matt made his displeasure known with his scowl and narrowed eyes. He pulled out his cell phone and spoke into it, telling the driver of the van to pull through the gate and gave rather impressive directions to this booth.
“Hey, wait a minute,” Bud called, closing the distance. “You can’t just bring a truck in—”
Vane s
tepped forward. He put himself partway between Bud and Matt, crossing his arms over his wide chest and glaring at the human.
Bud’s gaze flicked from his bulging muscles to Matt and back again.
Matt slowly lifted a brow. “You are holding up my time-table, Mister Wallice. Bringing my van here to the cage will keep me from being too far behind.” Tipping his chin up, he asked, “Surely you cannot object to that.”
After swallowing hard, Bud jerked a nod. “Yeah, I guess.” He turned away and slapped Walter on the shoulder…a little too hard, considering the way the guard stumbled forward a step. “Head to the east end and tell the men to start making rounds.”
Vane surreptitiously watched the man go, all the while wishing he could pick up his phone and warn Tobias. The second was somewhere in the complex with Sapian and Greg. They were the ones who were supposed to capitalize on this distraction and free the shifters. Hopefully, because they were paranormals, too, they’d be willing to come along quietly.
Watching some human guard—whose name he hadn’t caught—open the top of the aquarium, Vane struggled to keep his irritation in check. He gritted his teeth as he watched a second guard lower a stick with a hook into the aquarium and shove aside the log under which the shifter had been curled up.
“Be careful,” Matt snapped, obviously taking the same offense Vane did upon seeing the snake slither and wriggle off the hook.
“Get ready to catch him,” the first guy commanded just as he got the hook under the thickest part of the big snake and lifted. “Fuck, I always forget how heavy he is.”
The second guard immediately grabbed the end of the pole and used his weight to lever the huge snake out of the tank. Vane exchanged a look with Einan and quickly stepped forward to grab the serpent just behind the head.
“Easy, snake,” he muttered, although he was uncertain if the shifter would respond.
Calming a Demon Heart Page 10
