Secret Chemistry (Shifters)

by Kat, Chris T.

  “Hey, have an interesting ride?” Robin asked innocently.

  Jay blushed and ducked his head. Tim rolled his eyes before saying, “Wipe that innocent smile off your face.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “This is embarrassing. Will everyone know what we’ve been up to? I don’t know if I can manage to keep my face from flaming,” Jay admitted, grimacing.

  “I doubt it. You’re already doing a bad job when it’s only me, and I’m harmless.” Robin grinned.

  “Robin, stop it. No humiliating my mate, got it?” Tim growled. He guided Ally between Robin and Jay, effectively separating them.

  Robin pouted at Tim, “Hey, no fair! He’s family now. I get to tease him as much as I want. That’s a law.”

  “It is?” Jay asked uncomfortably.

  “No, it isn’t. Robin is making this up.”

  “You didn’t have to tell him!” Robin grinned.

  He walked next to Ally, patting her massive neck, which earned him playful nudges in his midriff from the big horse. He fed her a peppermint treat, then ducked swiftly under her neck to get to Starlight and feed her too. Starlight showed her approval by snorting while Tim scowled at his little brother.

  “What? I didn’t do anything!”

  “No, you just happened to disobey your brother. Let me tell you that he dislikes disobedience greatly,” Jay quipped.

  “He does? Tell me all about it.” Robin’s eyes lit up in mischief.

  Jay’s eyes responded with a wicked twinkle.

  “Are you ganging up on me?”

  “Us? Never!” Jay and Robin replied in unison.

  Tim groaned. “Damn, I’m in trouble, huh?”

  Jay laughed, the sound sending warmth through Tim’s body. Smiling, Tim looked at him, taking in the twinkle in Jay’s eyes, how it dominated his whole face, lighting it up. A sharp slap on his thigh pulled him from his admiring thoughts. Irritably, he exclaimed, “Hey!”

  “I just rescued you. Seriously, Tim, you looked like a lovesick puppy.”

  Tim narrowed his eyes. “Did I?”

  Robin’s eyes widened in understanding at the same time Jay shouted, “Run!”

  Robin whirled around and took two steps forward before he squealed. Tim looped an arm around Robin’s torso and lifted him, belly down, in front of him on the horse.

  “Tim! At least let me sit up!”

  “You’re doing fine where you are,” Tim replied, keeping one hand on the small of Robin’s back. “Don’t kick. Ally doesn’t like it.”

  As if in confirmation, the big horse whinnied. Robin stopped struggling and hung limply over the horse’s neck. “We have visitors! Walter isn’t impressed with you anyway, and you treating me like this won’t magically turn you into his favorite person!”

  Jay’s face fell. “What do you mean with he isn’t impressed? He doesn’t know Tim.”

  “He didn’t say outright he doesn’t like him, but it’s obvious he thinks of Tim as a threat to you.”

  Tim reined in Ally. As he hauled Robin up in a sitting position, he glanced from Robin to Jay and then over to Ralf and Walter, who were waiting for them at the railing of the pasture. Sourly, he said, “Great. Things are just getting better and better. As if it wasn’t complicated enough already.”

  Out of the blue, Robin asked, “You’ll go away with him, won’t you?”

  Startled, Tim stared at him, for the first time noticing the wetness in Robin’s eyes. His first impulse was to soothe him by telling him what he wanted to hear, which had nothing to do with the truth. Swallowing hard, Tim nodded slowly.

  Robin drew in a shuddering breath as he leaned against Tim’s chest. “I’ll miss you.”

  Jay observed them. “You’ll still see each other. It’s not a farewell.”

  Robin wiped his eyes, glanced from Jay to Tim, then asked, “How much does he know?”

  “Everything.”

  “Then you should understand it is a farewell. Tim will protect you, no matter what, but you two might have to hide. I’m sure old Raven sensed the alpha coupling too.”

  A shocked gasp escaped Tim’s mouth. In a high-pitched tone he said, “Alpha coupling? I don’t know what—”

  “Oh, cut the shit. It’s a miracle there was no cascade of falling stars. Even though the elders deemed you unsuitable as alpha, you can’t hide your true nature. You found your mate, you claimed him, and he does not smell like a wolf. He’s a hybrid, ergo he’s in deadly danger, ergo you’re leaving,” Robin stated.

  Silence stretched out between them, only to be broken by a whistle from Ralf. The horses walked toward Ralf and Walter while neither Tim, Jay, nor Robin seemed to know what to say. Still out of earshot from Ralf and Walter, Tim said, “I had no clue you’re a senser.”

  Robin grimaced. “Raven is still alive, so why should I reveal my secret? Dad would have a fit.”

  “Why?” Jay asked.

  “Because Robin is supposed to become alpha of our pack since I’m not allowed to,” Tim started.

  “So?” Jay prompted.

  “Sensers can’t be alphas. Alphas are dominant, protective, natural leaders. Sensers are, um, well, not like that,” Robin stammered.

  “Sensers are the opposite. They are submissive, gentle, affectionate, and clingy. Sometimes they have healing powers,” Tim added.

  “Maybe it’ll be a good thing you’re going away,” Robin snarled, embarrassment clear in his body posture.

  “Will it?” Tim asked rhetorically.

  Jay darted a sympathizing glance over at Robin, who slumped back against Tim’s chest. Tim barely heard Robin whisper, “No. No, it won’t.”

  Twenty-Five

  ROBIN slid down from the horse, avoiding Ralf and Walter’s eyes, and rushed toward the house, where Paula waited for him on the porch. Tim watched her glance from him and Jay to Robin before she decided to follow Robin inside. Heaving a sigh of relief, Tim dismounted, handed Ally’s reins to Ralf wordlessly, and walked over to Jay.

  Walter was already there, holding Starlight’s reins while Jay pulled his feet out of the stirrups. Walter whispered urgently to his son, leaving Jay with red cheeks and a hanging head.

  Walking up beside Starlight, Tim patted Jay’s left thigh lightly. “Swing down, I’ll help you.”

  Irritably, Mr. Cox said, “He’s well able to get down from a horse, Mr. Evans.”

  Tim shot him a flat look. “It’s Tim, and he’s not used to riding such a big horse. He’ll be sore. I’ll help him down.” As an afterthought and to lighten the atmosphere, he added, “It’s all included in the showing around.”

  Walter raised an eyebrow inquiringly but stepped away. Tim was sure he saw the ghost of a smile on Walter’s face. Good, or at least an improvement!

  Jay swung his right leg over Starlight’s broad back. Tim more or less lifted him down from the horse, put him on his feet, and helped him gain his footing. He also shielded Jay’s face from Walter’s view. Which was a good thing because Jay couldn’t suppress a wince as well as a pained gasp.

  You okay, Jay?

  I think so. My father is mad at me for staying away for so long.

  I figured that.

  Perceptive, aren’t you?

  Rascal.

  Jay grinned. Tim loosened his hold on Jay’s hips and smiled down at him. From the corners of his eye, he discovered Walter looking worried but trying his best not to show it. Tim felt a sudden surge of camaraderie with Walter—worrying about Jay was something they had in common.

  Ralf laid a hand on Walter’s shoulder, asking, “How about we let those two tramps unsaddle and groom the horses? By the way, Jayden, did you enjoy your ride?”

  Flustered and blushing anew, Jay answered, “Yes, sir, I did. It was a… unique experience.”

  Tim coughed while Ralf managed to keep a straight face. “I’m sure it was.”

  Walter’s gaze flickered from his son to Tim over to Ralf and then back at Jay. Curtly, he demanded, “Yo
u want to buy the horse?”

  “I… yes?”

  “Jayden, don’t answer a question with another question!”

  Tim fought hard against the urge to growl, but nonetheless he stepped closer to Jay. He didn’t like the way Walter spoke to his mate. Not one single bit.

  He was so concentrated on holding the growl inside he hardly registered one of Jay’s hands coming up behind his back, lightly stroking. The urge to growl stopped as soon as Jay touched him. Tim glanced at him in gratitude.

  Jay straightened up, pulled his hand away from Tim’s back, and took the reins from Walter’s hands. Smiling at him, he said, “Sorry. Yes, I’d like to buy her, but aren’t you the one who always tells me I have to ride a horse a few times before buying it?”

  Walter shrugged. Gruffly, he replied, “It’s okay this time.”

  Which translates to “I want to get you away from here as soon as possible.” It’ll go down great when we tell him I’ll come with you as your boyfriend.

  Jay jerked in surprise. Tim, stop! Don’t talk to me like that when we’re around my dad!

  Whoopsie!

  Tim!

  Shh, no talking telepathically. Order from my mate.

  Jay shifted from one foot to the other. Ralf rescued them by beckoning Walter Cox over toward the house. “How about we start on the formalities while the boys get the horses ready?”

  Walter nodded, though he was obviously disinclined to entrust Jay to Tim’s care. Jay, probably sensing Walter’s reluctance, pushed Starlight’s reins into Tim’s hands and hugged Walter. Tim tensed, and without consciously thinking about it, he listened in on Jay’s whispered words to Walter.

  “Thank you, Dad. Now, stop worrying. Everything’s fine.”

  And you, stop acting like a freaky, wild animal ready to tear my father’s throat out.

  Tim jumped and almost lost the grip on Starlight’s reins as she reared in surprise. “Shh, girl, it’s okay,” he crooned. To Jay, he said, “Jay, come on, the horses are waiting.”

  Yes, master.

  Weren’t you the one who didn’t want us to converse like this with your father around?

  Jay took Starlight’s reins again, crooking a mischievous smile at Tim. “I really thought you’d snap his head off. You look dangerous when you scowl. I think my father suspects something. Uh, that we didn’t only ride the horses, I mean. He’s a bit old school, you know, and wants me to date and do that stuff before”—Jay glanced over his shoulder to make sure Walter was out of hearing range—“having sex. It probably wouldn’t go over well if I told him about us being mates and all that.”

  “Probably not.”

  They quickly unsaddled the horses, exchanged their bridles for halters, and picked out the hooves.

  “Tim? How upset is Robin? Because he looked plenty upset even though he tried to cover it. I don’t want to be seen as the one who took you away from your family,” Jay confessed.

  “He’s really bad at hiding his feelings, isn’t he? I can’t get over it that he’s a senser and didn’t tell any of us.”

  Tim shook his head, put the hoof pick back into a box, and led Ally toward the pasture. Jay followed with Starlight, stroking along the big neck and flank. They removed the lead ropes, gave the horses a pat, and watched them stroll up to the other horses.

  “Tim, you’re evading answering me. Yet again, I might add.”

  “Can’t get anything past you, huh?” Tim countered. He looped one arm around Jay’s shoulders and pulled him close to his side. “Robin is upset. Hell, I’m upset. However, you’re not the one forcing us apart, some stupid, prejudiced assholes are. I enjoyed Robin’s company for nineteen years already, I watched him grow from baby to man, and I—”

  Tim stopped talking. He wouldn’t have been able to go on even if he wanted to. A big lump was wedged into his throat, making it hard to breathe, let alone talk. Trying to blink away the sudden flood of tears, Tim became aware of Jay’s body pressed flush against his own. Instinctively, he rubbed his nose into the juncture of Jay’s collarbone, inhaling his mate’s now-soothing scent.

  For a brief moment, he wondered how Jay’s scent could either drive him crazy with desire or soothe away the hurt, depending on what he needed. He hadn’t ever heard about this ability in mates—it had to be a specific to Jay.

  “Oh, Tim, I’m so sorry,” Jay squeezed out. “Are you sure there isn’t any other possibility? Your family means as much to you as my father means to me. Can’t we keep our mating bond a secret by living in a long-distance relationship for a while?”

  Tim’s mood changed from a bone-deep sadness to anger so quickly he felt dizzy. The quick mood change had the advantage of dissipating the lump in his throat and allowing Tim to growl, “No way. Do not even think of this as an option!”

  “Why not? It would solve several problems at once, and we already survived eighteen years of separation. We—”

  “No!” Tim shouted.

  He cupped the back of Jay’s head with one hand while he rested the other on Jay’s ass.

  “Tim, why won’t you even consider it?”

  “Because I’ll never let you out of my sight again, I told you that much already. Yes, I’m upset about having to leave my family, but I can’t be without you anymore. This topic is closed now.”

  Loosening his hold on Jay, he laced their fingers together and towed him toward the house. At one point, Jay tried to dig his boots in, but one forceful tug from Tim forced him to follow Tim. Sarcastically, Jay ventured, “I want to reopen the topic, oh dear master.”

  “Request denied.”

  “That’s not fair!” Jay exclaimed.

  Tim tugged again, sending Jay stumbling right into his chest. He caught Jay easily and tipped his chin up with a finger. “Us being apart from each other is nothing that will ever come up for discussion again. Are we clear?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’re allowed to call me master anytime, though.” Tim bent down to kiss Jay on his lips.

  A cleared throat caused them to jump apart guiltily. Jay zeroed in on the source, his pupils dilated in anxiety. Tim stepped in front of him, shielding Jay with his body, ready to protect what was his.

  Paula scrutinized them for a long time. Eventually, she forced a smile on her face. “Hello, Jayden. Did you enjoy Tim’s company?”

  Jay walked around Tim and nodded. “Yes, I did, ma’am.”

  Paula relaxed. “What a polite young man. Come on, you two, get inside and wash up. Lunch will be served in ten minutes. We invited Jay and Walter to eat with us and also to stay overnight. Tim will help you to load Starlight in the trailer tomorrow morning and drive her to your home.”

  Stunned, Tim and Jay exchanged a glance, then nodded their affirmation. Paula pushed her wheelchair toward the door, then stopped. In a conspiratorial voice, she said with a wink, “I’d advise you not to hold hands inside. Walter might not be as understanding about your connection as we are.”

  Taking in Jay’s flushed face, Tim muttered, “Thanks for the advice, Mom.”

  LUNCH was tense, although everyone was polite and respectful. Tim thought they were all treading on eggshells. He had made sure to be seated next to Jay, and Walter had done the same. Jay squirmed uncomfortably in his chair, seemingly wanting to be anywhere but here.

  Paula observed Jay and Tim the whole time while Robin stayed uncharacteristically silent throughout the meal. Only Ralf was truly relaxed; he was also the only one who was oblivious to the tension in the room. He engaged Walter into conversation about horses, tournaments, and whatever else popped in his mind, completely ignoring the signs of Walter’s disinterest in talking.

  Tim was glad when lunch was over, and everyone else—except Ralf—seemed to feel the same way. Robin opted to help Paula in the kitchen while Tim, Jay, Ralf, and Walter went to the living room. Tim sat down in an armchair, and without really thinking, pulled Jay close and onto his lap. Jay curled up against Tim’s body, the day’s revelations taking their toll
on him.

  “Jayden!” Walter uttered, sounding scandalized.

  Jay, remembering where he was, jolted up from Tim’s lap, the sudden movement causing him to hiss in pain and clutch his ass with both hands.

  “I knew it! The minute he laid eyes on you, I knew he’d try to get his way! Which he obviously did, and I can’t believe you let him do…. Jayden, this is unbelievable, and before you say it, I don’t care how old you are! He’s a stranger! We’re going home right now!” Walter rushed to Jay’s side, darting his gaze from Tim to Ralf, a look of utter disbelief on his face.

  Tim knew the man was only protecting his son, but his wolf howled. Someone was trying to take his mate away. Again.

  Tim couldn’t have that. Blood pumped in his ears, fur prickled on his back, and a threatening growl rumbled in his chest.

  Walter stopped, widening his eyes in shock. Jay turned to him, pleading, “Dad, it’s okay, really, it is. I can explain—”

  “No! That man took advantage of you. I don’t know why you went along with it, but it stops right now. We’re done here. Do as I say.”

  Jay shook his head. Walter’s expression turned from disbelief to anger within seconds. He grabbed Jay’s biceps and pulled. “You will not stay here and you will not see him again! I can’t believe you had sex with a stranger!”

  Jay blushed fiercely. It was the last straw for Tim. He shifted and lunged, ready to kill whoever attempted to take Jay away from him.

  Tim! Don’t!

  Twenty-Six

  TIM was already sailing through the air, intent on Walter’s throat, all reason be damned. Peripherally, he saw Robin rushing into the living room with Paula rolling behind him. Everyone shouted, the mixture of words fueling Tim’s fury.

  Walter pushed Jay aside, taking the full brunt of Tim’s assault. Tim’s teeth dug deeply into the defending arm Walter managed to hold up in front of his face. Walter stumbled backward and crashed against the coffee table, sending glasses and magazines on the floor with his impact.

  Tim clamped his teeth together more tightly, shaking the arm here and there, completely losing himself in the sensation of blood oozing into his mouth. Walter screamed in pain. Kicking with his feet, he struck Tim hard in his belly. Tim grunted and loosened his grip on Walter’s arm. Someone grabbed him from behind, trying to pull him away from his prey.