by Carol Lynne
Suni laughed and picked Jarek up. “I know, but indulge my Alpha nature, please?”
Epilogue
Two Years Later
Suni slipped his hammer into the tool belt on his waist and turned to Hakan. “Do you think it’ll work?”
With his hands on his hips, Hakan shook his head. “I don’t know. But we’ve done all we can. The rest is up to them.”
With the second phase of tree houses finished, Suni hoped some of their sky brothers would come home to roost. They’d built almost two hundred homes for the bird shifters. Not only had it been an important project for Hakan, but the entire community had put their backs and convictions behind the undertaking.
Suni knew Hakan had an interest in seeing the shifters make a home at Refuge that went beyond his duty as Guardian. “You think Takoda will come?”
“I hope so, but I won’t hold my breath.”
“Do you still love him?”
“I’ll always love him. He sacrificed himself so I could become what I was meant to be. I just wish he could get beyond the hurt to see the true love that’s staring him in the face.”
In the two years Suni had been part of the community, he’d only met the small crow shifter once. He’d learned it was Takoda who had helped him get word to Hakan the day he’d first stumbled upon Jarek on the mountain. The meeting between Suni and Takoda had been short, but Suni wanted to thank the man for what he’d done, along with Enapay.
Although a Takoda sighting, in any form, was rare, Enapay seemed to hang around the community more and more. He’d actually become a pretty good friend to Suni and his men. “I think I can get Enapay to move here.”
Hakan shook his head. “Enapay will continue to visit, but he’ll never stay without Takoda.”
“Maybe he’ll find someone else?” Suni glanced at Hakan and shrugged. They both knew that wouldn’t happen.
Hakan’s head fell back as his eyes began to roll. Suni stepped away from The Guardian to give Hakan a bit of privacy for his impromptu meeting with Father Sky. Suni knew from being around Hakan and Ryker that it happened only on rare occasions.
A truck pulled up and honked, drawing Suni’s attention. He turned and waved as Ryker and Jack walked toward him. A look of distress on Ryker’s face alerted Suni that something was seriously wrong.
“What’s going on?” Suni asked.
Ryker wrapped his arms around Hakan’s waist, and carefully lowered his mate to the ground before answering Suni’s question. “One of the park rangers from Yosemite called. They’ve found over a hundred dead birds in the past hour. According to Steve, a ranger from Mount Rainier also called to report a similar occurrence. Steve went out in the truck, and that’s when he started watching them drop from the sky.”
“Shifters?”
“Both.”
Suni’s thoughts immediately went to his new friend. “Have you heard from Enapay?”
“No.” Ryker suddenly rushed toward Hakan. “He’s coming out of it.”
Hakan blinked several times before he could focus on Ryker. “You heard?”
Ryker nodded.
“According to Father, it’s not nature killing them. Someone is releasing toxic gas specifically designed to kill off the bird population.”
Suni’s gaze went to the tree houses they were trying to finish. “Can you communicate with them?”
“I can call them, but I can’t make them listen.” Hakan looked like he was moments away from an emotional breakdown.
Because he’d worked side by side with Hakan on the tree house project, Suni knew how much guilt The Guardian carried over his people. The news that someone was most certainly targeting them had to be absolutely devastating to Hakan.
“Why don’t you get Hakan home. I’ll start pulling in people to help finish the houses and ready them in case some of the shifters find their way to Refuge.”
With Ryker’s help, Hakan managed to get to his feet, although Suni could tell the emergency conversation with Father Sky had taken most of The Guardian’s energy.
“I’d appreciate that.” Hakan put a hand to Suni’s shoulder before making his way to his SUV.
“Keep me informed if you hear anything. I’ll get teams working around the clock if I have to.”
Ryker helped Hakan into the passenger seat. Before driving off, Hakan leaned out the window. “You’re a good friend to the sky shifters, Suni.”
“This is Refuge. It’s what we’re here for.” Suni waved as the SUV drove away. He turned to Jack. “How many volunteers do you think we can get our hands on? If what I think is about to happen happens, then we’re not going to have enough housing. The dorms are three quarters empty, but I still don’t know if it’ll be enough. We’ll need not only tents for the sick, but more doctors as well.”
Jack rubbed the back of his neck. “I can get as many volunteers as we need. The doctors might be a little more difficult, but I can get them. What I really think we need to find is some ornithologists.”
Suni nodded. Getting scientists in that actually knew and studied birds might help them figure out what had been used on them in the first place. “Okay. You start making phone calls, and I’ll put out a call for volunteers. I’m gonna run to the supply barn and see what we have available to furnish these houses with. Hopefully we'll have at least the bare essentials.”
Before Jack was even in his truck, Suni shifted and ran in the direction of his house. It was promising to be a long couple of days.
* * * *
Jarek yawned as he tamped down the soil around his newly planted flowers. He sat back on his heels and removed his gloves to wipe the sleepy tears from his eyes. It had been almost two days since he’d slept, two incredibly long days since they’d first received word of the chemical clouds that had begun to kill the bird shifters, but he was trying to hold out for his men.
Go to bed.
Despite his exhaustion, Jarek chuckled at Mica’s concern and lay back in the grass. Not without the two of you.
Suni will be home soon. It’ll be another couple of hours for me.
We’ll wait.
Love you.
The deep rumble of Mica’s voice in his head always excited Jarek. It didn’t matter how tired he was, he never seemed to be too tired for sex. He ran his hand down his body and slipped it under the waistband of his jeans.
With his cock in his hand, Jarek began to pleasure himself. I need you. It’s been too long.
He could hear Mica’s pained groan. I’m in a meeting, and the others are starting to stare.
Jarek reluctantly removed his hand. Okay. I’ll be a good boy…for now. I love you. Come home soon.
As soon as I can.
Jarek tucked his hands behind his head and gazed up at his house with a sigh of contentment. Although his dream house was a little larger than he’d planned, it was perfect for the three of them.
After another round of yawns, Jarek decided to close his eyes for a few moments while he waited for Suni.
* * * *
“Hey, sleepy head.”
Jarek rolled to his side and snuggled against Suni’s warmth. “You’re home.”
Suni nuzzled Jarek’s neck, kissing and licking. “Why’re you out here instead of inside?”
Jarek tilted his head to the side. “I was gardening while I waited for you and Mica.”
Suni stood and helped Jarek to his feet. “Have you eaten?”
Jarek shook his head. “I started a big pot of stew, but I haven’t had any.”
Suni chuckled. “It’s July. Did you think we’d need warming up when we got home?”
Jarek stuck his tongue out at his mate. “I thought the two of you would like something nice and filling to eat. And since I had no idea what time you’d get home, I decided to go with something that only gets better the longer it cooks.”
He was halfway up the steps when he was scooped off his feet and into Suni’s arms. “I’m sorry. Thanks for thinking about us.”
“I thi
nk about you guys all the time. It’s my job.”
Suni carried Jarek into the house and deposited him on the sofa, coming down on top of him. “And you do a great job of it.” Suni leaned down and kissed him.
Jarek was reluctant to open at first, wanting a few more moments of pouting time, but he just couldn’t resist the sweep of Suni’s tongue across his closed lips. It had been a long couple of days. Suni had been right. The sky shifters were beginning to trickle in, some sick, some just scared.
Jarek broke the kiss and gazed into the blue eyes of his mate. “Did Dr. Sparrol arrive?”
Suni nodded. “He got in a couple hours ago. Sam seems like a good addition. He’s already pulled up his shirt sleeves and gotten to work.”
“Any word from Enapay or Takoda?”
“Nothing from Takoda. Hakan finally located Enapay in Montana. He’s on his way there with the private jet. He believes there must be something wrong with him if he hasn’t been able to make it to Refuge.”
Jarek’s stomach rumbled, reminding him just how long it had been since he’d last eaten. Suni narrowed his eyes and Jarek gave his mate an apologetic smile. “I want to wait until Mica gets home.”
Suni stood and pulled Jarek to his feet. “Mica would be furious if he knew you were hungry and didn’t eat. We can sit with him later, but you’re not waiting.”
Jarek let Suni lead him into the brightly lit kitchen and set him at the table. It had taken him weeks to figure out how to cook with modern appliances, but all the burnt dinners had been worth it. He loved his kitchen and couldn’t imagine ever cooking over a campfire again.
He watched Suni work and smiled. His mate still went to see Dr. Whitehall every other week, but his social anxiety disorder was so much better. Jarek had compromised and agreed to have their home built outside of town, but they were still close enough for Mica to do his job.
Soon after he’d accepted his rightful place as King of the Cougars, Suni had met with the entire cougar population at Refuge. He stood back from the crowd with Jarek and Mica flanking him, but at least he’d been able to finally talk in front of his people.
Suni had shared his opinions with the cougars. He explained that cougars were a solitary animal by nature, and he didn’t feel they needed a true Alpha like the pack shifters did. He agreed to settle any disputes that arose, but refused to dictate everyday behavior to the cougars like Maquay had done. His understanding of his own people won the shifters over almost immediately.
There were still a few who didn’t approve of Jarek and Mica being mated to their king, but they were small in number and generally kept their opinions to themselves.
Suni set a plate of stew and some silverware in front of Jarek. “You want milk?”
“Sure,” Jarek answered. He picked up the saltshaker and liberally sprinkled his food.
“How many times do I have to tell you not to use so much of that stuff?” Suni asked, setting two glasses of milk on the table.
“And how many times have I told you to butt out. I’ve lived too long without properly seasoned food. Now that I’ve discovered its joy, I choose to indulge myself.” He finished the mini-tirade off with a wink. It was an ongoing battle between Jarek and his mates, one he refused to back down on.
Suni shook his head and sat down. He lifted a spoonful of stew to his lips and blew on the steaming concoction of meat, potatoes and carrots in thick brown gravy.
“How’s Daniel?” Jarek asked, changing the subject.
“Worn out. He’s had a lot of success in healing the sky shifters, but with each one, he becomes more and more drained of energy. Ryker has him taking long naps every few hours to try and help him stay healthy, but I know he and Hakan are both worried about him.”
“What’s the count so far?”
“One hundred and sixty-seven when I left, but those are only the ones who’ve shown up in their human skin. Hakan thinks there could be at least another hundred taking shelter at Refuge but refusing to shift.”
Jarek swallowed a bite of food. “Mica’s home.” Seconds later, Jarek heard the front door open. “We’re in the kitchen.”
Mica came into the room with a worried expression. He stopped and gave Suni and Jarek a kiss before going to the cabinet for a plate. “Hakan called. He found Enapay and Takoda in a cave at Glacier National Park. Takoda’s too sick to fly, and Enapay refuses to leave him.”
Jarek’s chest tightened. He knew how much Enapay loved Takoda. “Does Hakan think he’ll be able to get Takoda back here in time?”
Mica brought his plate to the table and sat down. “He’s not sure. According to Hakan, Takoda isn’t showing the same signs of illness as the others who’ve been brought in. I guess Enapay wasn’t with Takoda when it happened.”
“So they don’t know where he was when he was exposed?” Jarek asked.
Mica shook his head. “They haven’t seen any signs that Glacier was one of the parks targeted. They don’t even know how Takoda got to the cave where Enapay found him.”
“And Takoda’s not talking?” Jarek set his spoon down, no longer hungry.
“He can’t. He’s been unconscious the whole time.” Mica took a large bite of food and moaned. “Damn. This is good.”
“Thank you.” Jarek glanced at Suni with an I-told-you-so expression before carrying his plate to the sink.
“You didn’t eat much,” Suni grumbled.
“I’ve had enough for now.” Jarek went to stand behind Suni’s chair. Even though they gave each other a hard time, Jarek couldn’t imagine his life without him. He ran his hands from Suni’s shoulders down his chest, stopping to rub and pinch at his mate’s nipples.
“I love you,” he whispered in Suni’s ear. Now that his belly was no longer growling, he was hungry for something else. He licked a trail from Suni’s ear down his neck.
Suni scooted his chair back and pulled Jarek into his lap. “Are you trying to tell me something?”
Jarek took Suni’s hand and placed it over the hard ridge trapped behind the fly of his jeans. “I think this will tell you all you need to know.”
Suni pushed Jarek to his feet and quickly rid him of his jeans and underwear. He pulled Jarek back onto his lap facing Mica. With Jarek’s legs on either side of Suni’s, Mica was getting quite a show.
Mica moaned around a spoonful of food as Suni began to stroke Jarek’s cock. “I still owe you for teasing me earlier,” Mica reminded Jarek.
Jarek leaned back against Suni’s chest as he rubbed his own nipples through his t-shirt. “I’d be happy to let you pay me back.”
Suni’s hand stretched out toward Mica. With another moan, Mica took Suni’s fingers into his mouth, getting them nice and wet. Suni’s fingers slipped free of Mica’s mouth and made themselves at home in Jarek’s hole.
“You want me to fuck you, baby?” Suni asked.
Jarek nodded, enjoying the fingers in his ass. “I want you to fuck me hard, and then I want to ride Mica.”
Mica groaned and carried his and Suni’s plates to the sink. He opened a drawer and removed a bottle of lube. “We’ll have to go into the bedroom when it’s my turn. Last time we damn near broke the kitchen furniture.”
Jarek laughed. Mica was right, they had nearly rocked the legs right off the table. He moaned as one of Mica’s slicked fingers joined Suni’s. He knew he was stretched enough, but his mates always worried about hurting him.
Jarek yelped as Suni surprised him by standing up. “What’re you doing?”
Suni nipped the back of Jarek’s neck. “As desperately as I need you, we’d be using the table for toothpicks by the time I’m finished with your ass.”
Jarek smiled, wiggling his ass around the fingers still lodged there. “Then by all means, do what you have to do. Never let it be said I stood in the way of a good hard fuck.”
Although their world had been turned upside down in recent days, Jarek was glad to know some things would always stay the same.
About the Author
An avid reader for years, one day Carol Lynne decided to write her own brand of erotic romance. Carol juggles life as a full-time mom and a full-time writer. These days, you can usually find her either cleaning jelly out of the carpet or nestled in her favorite chair writing steamy love scenes.
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Extinction
Professor of Environmental Science/Wildlife studies at UNLV, Jack McBain has spent his adult life trying to track a legend overheard during his youth. Born and raised in the Canadian Province of Newfoundland, Jack remembers his grandparents telling stories of a race of people eradicated by European settlers in 1829. According to the legend, the Beothuk people didn’t die out as first thought, but were transformed into wolf shifters.
