by Lynn Hagen
“Better than a welcome mat.” Kyle grinned. “Or guard dogs.”
Nikoli shrugged. “From time to time the spells have to be reworked. They weaken over time. The trespasser is supposed to feel untold pain if they try to break in, but there have been breaches over the years.”
Kyle grimaced. “Sounds…painful.”
“The spells are meant to protect us.” He grabbed Kyle’s hand and led him farther down the hall. “There’s one spell that’s cast over the entire mountain. It compels anyone who gets close enough to turn back. If that doesn’t work, then the pain part kicks in.”
“You really don’t like visitors, do you?”
They stopped at one of the doors, and Nikoli swung it open. Kyle stepped inside as his jaw dropped once again. Instead of a bed, there were tons of silky, large pillows centered in the room. The bedroom was designed in what Kyle guessed to be something like a room would look in India. He wasn’t sure since he’d never been to India.
One side of the room was wallpapered. The background color was tan, and there were palm trees and sand decorating the paper. There were tables of various sizes that held tons of candles. There were two large gold dishes that smoked slightly, and the scent of some sort of dark wood filled the room. “This is…wow.”
Nikoli set Kyle’s bag to the side. He came up behind Kyle and wrapped his arms around him. “Winged beasts were created, not born. When we were exiled, we had no home, no sense of anything. Over the years, some have identified with different cultures. Although the woods bring me a sense of peace, I love how my room is decorated. The pillows are more comfortable than a bed to me.”
Kyle automatically leaned into Nikoli as he glanced around. He wasn’t so sure the pillows would be more comfortable, but he’d give them a try. His heart sped up when Nikoli’s hand slid up his chest.
“Why don’t we try them out, zaterio?”
Chapter Three
Strong, sure hands slid under Kyle’s shirt and pinched his nipples. He moaned, leaning heavier into Nikoli’s chest. He felt his mate’s erection pressing into his lower back. He wanted to stop and think things through, but his body had other ideas. Kyle’s cock was hard as nails, and it felt as if he needed to get fucked in the next five minutes or go crazy.
If this was anywhere close to what Nikoli felt, Kyle didn’t understand how Nikoli hadn’t fucked him into oblivion as soon as the heat surfaced. Kyle hadn’t been this turned on in a very long time, and it was killing him to take things slow.
Nikoli’s hands slid down Kyle’s chest to disappear under his pants and then wrap around his shaft. Kyle hissed, pushing to his toes as his head lulled to the side.
“Your skin is so soft,” Nikoli whispered into his ear. “Yet you’re so hard for me. Silk and steel.”
Kyle lifted his arms when Nikoli released his cock and pulled his shirt upward. The fabric was tossed to the floor. His mate unfastened his pants. As his pants were lowered, Nikoli kissed his exposed skin. Kyle jerked and moaned when his mate licked one cheek and then the other before spreading them and circling Kyle’s puckered hole with his tongue.
Oh hell. Kyle wasn’t going to survive this. Not when such a masterful tongue was invading his hole. He stood there shaking, trying to work his pants past his shoes so he could spread his legs wider.
Nikoli stood, and Kyle wanted to protest. He didn’t want Nikoli to stop licking him.
“Finish taking your pants off and then get on the pillows.”
It took Kyle seconds to kick his shoes off and then finish undressing. As he did, Nikoli slid his jacket down his arms and tossed it aside. His dark eyes watched Kyle like a predator watches its prey. The intense stare made Kyle nervous. “Are you going to get undressed?”
“Yes.” But Nikoli didn’t make a move to undress. Kyle headed over to the pillows, and just as his mate had said, they were heavenly soft. It felt as if Kyle had just lain down on fluffy clouds.
He devoured Nikoli with his eyes as his mate removed his shirt. Damn, the man’s pecs were pure perfection. His chest had a light sprinkling of hair, and Kyle was dying to run his fingers through it.
It wasn’t until Nikoli removed his jeans that Kyle nearly lost his nerve. The thickest erection he’d ever laid eyes on sprang free. Holy mother of pearl. Kyle’s mouth watered at the same time his hole clenched.
“You look worried.” Nikoli crawled up the pillows to rest beside Kyle. “Come here so I can help you relax.” He patted his chest. “Sit right here.”
Chewing his lower lip, Kyle straddled Nikoli’s wide chest. He pressed his hands against his mate’s pecs and moaned.
“I love that sound.”
Nikoli wrapped his hand around Kyle’s waist and pulled him closer before taking Kyle into his mouth. Kyle had died and gone to heaven. That was the only way to describe how Nikoli made him feel. There was no bedpost to grab hold of, so Kyle had to hold the lower half of his back as he thrust forward.
Nikoli grabbed Kyle’s hips and lifted him slightly, taking Kyle’s cock farther down his throat. Wow. The man was strong. He held Kyle’s body with no problem as he licked and sucked and teased the slit on the head. Kyle bent backward, closing his eyes as he enjoyed every touch, lick, and sound Nikoli made.
You shouldn’t be doing this. You should be running as far away as you can. He’s a dominant male, moron. Think! But Kyle couldn’t think. Not when his dick slid in and out of Nikoli’s mouth. Not when his body felt as if it had gone up in flames. All his blood had fled his brain, pooling at his groin. Anything logical had evaporated like a thin wisp of smoke. Kyle only felt now, and damn if being with Nikoli didn’t feel good.
Soon he felt his cum working its way from his balls. Kyle panted harder, his legs quivering. “Close.”
That single word seemed to spur Nikoli on. He sucked Kyle’s cock to the back of his throat and then deeper. With a swirl of his tongue, Nikoli had Kyle crying out, his seed spilling down his mate’s throat.
Nikoli thoroughly cleaned him before easing Kyle back down to his chest. But Kyle didn’t stop there. He slid down until he was lying on top of his mate. The room slowly came back into view as Kyle panted. He lay there with his head on Nikoli’s chest, using his tongue to play with the hair as two wet fingers slipped inside of him.
Kyle stiffened.
“You have to relax, my little impala.” Nikoli used his free hand to tuck his fingers under Kyle’s chin and lift it. “Scoot up and kiss me, Kyle.”
Kyle moaned at hearing his name on Nikoli’s lips. He made the word sound so naughty. The man’s voice was deep and husky, only adding to the eroticism.
Moving up Nikoli’s chest, Kyle hungrily ate the man’s lips as Nikoli pumped his fingers in and out of Kyle’s ass. Kyle parted his legs even farther, needing those fingers to go deeper. He cocked his head to the side. Kissing Nikoli was like a dream. The man knew what he was doing, and with every thrust of his tongue, every lick across Kyle’s lips, Kyle’s need to have the man inside of him grew.
“Need you, now.” Kyle pushed up, his eyes fluttering closed as Nikoli’s fingers worked inside of him. “Nikoli, please.”
“On your back.”
When Nikoli removed his fingers, Kyle slid off. He watched as his mate got up and retrieved a small jar. His bobbing cock still made Kyle’s mouth water, but tasting the man would have to wait. He was desperate to have Nikoli inside of him.
“What’s that?” he asked when Nikoli returned and lowered to his knees, jar in hand.
“It’s oil I traveled a great distance to acquire. It not only works better than lube”—Nikoli’s voice dropped back to that husky pitch— “but it’s supposed to help relax the muscles.”
Kyle knew exactly what muscles Nikoli was talking about. Curious, he spread his legs. “I’ll let you know if it works.”
Setting the jar on the floor, Nikoli dipped his fingers into the oil and then slid them over Kyle’s puckered hole. It felt as if Nikoli was spreading silk over his skin. It had a sweet
scent to it, and to Kyle’s amazement, he actually felt his backside loosen slightly.
Using the rest of the oil on his fingers, Nikoli slicked his cock and then scooted until he was between Kyle’s legs. Lifting Kyle’s legs over his arms, he yanked him closer, the head of his cock pressing against Kyle’s entrance.
The head popped inside, making Kyle moan. Nikoli lowered Kyle’s legs, and Kyle wrapped them around his mate’s waist. Nikoli dropped to his hands, staring into Kyle’s eyes. That made things feel so much more intimate, as if Nikoli was not only claiming his body but Kyle’s soul as well. He felt branded by that look as his mate swiveled his hips, driving his cock deeper.
Kyle lifted his bottom half, trying to keep up with the pace, when he noticed wings spread out behind Nikoli. He stilled for a moment, his gaze traveling along the wide span, staring at the soft-looking white feathers. He reached behind Nikoli and ran his hand along the length. They were so soft that they tickled Kyle’s palms.
Nikoli shuddered. “You can finally see them?”
With a nod, Kyle asked, “Are they sensitive?”
“Right now? Very.”
Kyle smiled as he used both his hands to trace the feathers. Nikoli jerked and shivered, his eyes hooding. Fangs extended seconds before his mate sank them into Kyle’s neck. A fine dusting began to fall, as if it was snowing inside the room, but Kyle realized the faint dust was coming from Nikoli’s wings that began to flutter furiously.
Kyle cried out, ribbons of cum erupting between them. He sucked in a deep breath when he saw the image of Nikoli’s creation, Nikoli standing guard in front of a beautiful palace and then his mate falling through a veil with so many other men that Kyle couldn’t even count them. He saw Nikoli’s loneliness and felt his soul-deep need to find the one chosen just for him.
And as he watched Nikoli’s life play out in his mind, he also saw his own life as well. The two colorful streams raced alongside each other. Kyle’s birth, his happy childhood, his awkward teenager years, and then the day he’d met Kirk. Kyle felt tears stinging his eyes as he watched a replay of the abuse he’d suffered through. He wanted to shut it out, but closing his eyes didn’t help.
Nikoli’s soft murmurs brought Kyle out of the darkness. Their two streams collided at the end, entwining together, binding them for all eternity.
With a low and deep growl, Nikoli moved faster. He pulled his fangs free, licked the wound, and then buried himself deep as he came.
Kyle lay there for a moment, trying to catch his breath before he started shoving at his mate’s chest. “I need air. Please,” he begged.
His body still buzzed with his climax, but his chest felt as if it had been ripped open. Kyle stumbled to his feet, pressing his hand against his sternum. He couldn’t get the images out of his head.
“I have you.” Nikoli wrapped his arms around Kyle and held him tightly. “Just let it go, my little impala. Release the pain, let the memories fade away.”
“I can’t.” No matter how hard Kyle tried, he couldn’t make the image of Kirk go away.
“Then let me help you.” Nikoli led him to a tapestry on the wall. Moving it aside, his mate revealed a door. He pulled a lever on the wall, and then the door slid aside. “Come with me.”
“But we’re naked.”
“No one will see us.”
Nikoli led him up a set of steps. The next thing Kyle knew, they were standing on top of the mountain. The sun was fading, streaks of pink and blue painting the sky. The view was breathtaking. Nikoli moved behind Kyle and embraced him. They stood there so long that the sky darkened, showing a spectacular black canvas with bright diamonds scattered everywhere.
“Feel better?” Nikoli finally asked. He pressed a kiss to Kyle’s neck.
“Much.” And it was the truth. Just standing there being held had helped Kyle in ways he’d never thought possible. He still couldn’t believe that he’d had sex with Nikoli, let alone allowed the man to claim him.
But having sex with his mate had been as easy as breathing. Being with Nikoli had felt so natural, so good, and so right. He’d thought he would regret letting Nikoli claim him, but in truth, Kyle didn’t. He just didn’t.
“How long has it been since you left him?” Nikoli rested the side of his face against Kyle’s. His arms were still wrapped around Kyle, cocooning him in what felt like a safety blanket. His secret was out. Nikoli had seen Kyle’s sordid past when they bonded.
“Five years.”
“And you’re afraid he’s still hunting for you?”
Kyle nodded. “A few times he almost caught up with me. That’s why I’ve never stopped moving.”
He felt Nikoli’s jaw flex against his face. His whiskers scratched Kyle’s skin, but the abrasive feel was comforting. “He won’t get anywhere near you, zaterio.”
“Can we change the subject?” Kyle asked. Skimming the surface of what he had survived wasn’t helping Kyle to forget.
Nikoli turned Kyle in his arms. They stared into each other’s eyes—light blue and dark brown—before Nikoli grinned. “Wrap your arms around me.”
Doing as his mate asked, Kyle squealed when Nikoli flew into the air. This time Kyle saw the man’s expansive wings. He couldn’t put into words how he felt as Nikoli soared higher, holding tightly to Kyle as he banked left and the two touched down on a cliff’s edge. There was grass under their feet, so Kyle let go and sat, pulling his knees to his chest, simply enjoying the view.
Nikoli sat next to him, both staring out at the starry sky. Before his mate took him back to the castle, they made love as the moon shined down on them. This time it was slow, gentle touches, kisses, and thrusts.
In that moment, Kyle’s heart opened up for the first time in his life. He looked up at Nikoli and knew he would never be able to live without his mate.
“Seriously?” Kyle stared at the helmet Nikoli held out to him. “You want me to get on the back of a motorcycle?”
“I highly doubt he’ll wreck,” Morgan said as the two stood next to each other. “I’m trusting my life to Renato’s skills.”
“Bitch, please.” Kyle crossed his arms over his chest. “I heard you upstairs whining that motorcycles weren’t safe. You’re not fooling anyone. You’re just as scared as I am.”
“You allow me to soar to great heights with you, but you’re afraid of a motorcycle?” Nikoli asked.
“Is that a euphemism for sex?” Morgan scrunched his nose. “I don’t think I’m old enough to hear this.”
Kyle felt heat rush over his face as he glared at Morgan. “He means when he takes me flying.”
Morgan turned to Renato. “Why haven’t you taken me flying?”
“Just put it on.” Nikoli thrust the helmet toward Kyle. “Trust me, okay?”
With a heavy sigh, Kyle took the helmet and placed it on his head. Nikoli strapped it in place before they mounted and Nikoli took off. The ride wasn’t so bad. That was, until they hit the open road. It seemed his mate had an affinity for speed. Kyle held on for dear life as Nikoli and Renato raced down the highway.
They slowed when they reached the outskirts of Pride Pack Valley. Kyle glanced around the town, admiring how quaint and homey it felt. Nikoli pulled in front of a place called Theo’s Tavern and Grill. Kyle hadn’t gotten out while staying with Zeus, and now that he was in town, he wanted to explore it.
His stomach rumbled when he removed his helmet and inhaled a lungful of the food smell spilling out from the tavern.
“They have the best food,” Nikoli said as he held his hand out, Kyle using it for leverage to dismount. Nikoli got up and sat his helmet on the seat, so Kyle did the same. Kyle felt all warm and fuzzy when his mate slung his arm over his shoulder and walked him inside.
Sad truth was Kyle had never been on a date in his life. The excitement that rushed through him was better than any high he’d ever felt—except when Nikoli took him flying.
The four took a seat at a booth. The place had a U-shaped bar, with televisions scattered a
bout, mounted on walls and playing various sports. The place was dark oak and metal. It had a vibe to it that Kyle loved.
A slim man with chestnut brown hair and pretty brown eyes hustled to the table, setting down napkins and handing over menus. “Hi. I’m Lucas, and I’ll be your waiter.”
Kyle scented that their waiter was human. He was also stunning with his arched brows and sculpted cheekbones. The guy should’ve been a model instead of a waiter. “I’ll start with a Coke.”
The rest of the men ordered their drinks as Kyle picked up his menu. His entire life he’d been picked on because he was gay. It was nice to be in a town that didn’t care. Brac Village had been the same way. Queer friendly. Kyle peeked up from his menu to look Nikoli over and smiled. He knew without a doubt that he’d finally found a town to settle down in.
As Kyle smiled, listening to Morgan tell some story, he glanced toward the bathroom. His insides froze. Kirk was standing there.
Chapter Four
Kyle went completely still, his smile frozen on his face as he stared into those icy-cold blue eyes.
“Hey.” Nikoli squeezed Kyle’s knee. “What’s wrong? You look pale.”
Kyle looked at Nikoli, ready to tell his mate that his ex had found him, but when he looked back toward the bathroom, Kirk was gone. Had he imagined the guy standing there? What if he had and he said something to Nikoli and it turned out that Kyle was seeing things? What if he wasn’t seeing things?
Talk to me, kitten.
I thought I saw him by the bathroom. Kyle sent a mental image of Kirk to Nikoli.
His mate’s eyes narrowed. “Excuse me,” Nikoli said as he got up and headed in that direction. Kyle’s stomach clenched as he watched his mate walk away.
“Is something wrong?” Morgan asked. He had a look of concern in his eyes.
With a shake of his head, Kyle picked up his menu. They were having such a great time, and he didn’t want the mood of their lunch date to change. From what Kyle had heard of Renato’s past, it was a rare occasion when the guy smiled. While they’d been sitting there, he’d laughed with Morgan. Kyle refused to wipe those smiles away.
