Warren leaned forward and placed the teacup on the wooden coffee table. Sitting back against the cushions of the sofa, he continued to gaze at Matthew as if he were waiting for some significant change to take place at any second, when Matthew remained silent, he grinned. “Okay, but we work together, got that? I’m just going to do a little eavesdropping on those two. I don’t want you doing anything without me, do we have a deal?”
Matthew nodded in agreement. “Well, I suppose we’ll be going into work a little earlier today.” He attempted to rise from the sofa, but Warren’s hand darted out, catching him by the wrist. He turned, looking at him.
“What?” he asked curiously, but with a hint of anticipation.
“Matt, sit down, we need to talk.” Warren watched Matthew closely as the other man settle back into the cushions of the sofa.
“About what?” Matthew asked innocently.
“About us. We’ve known each other for like”
“Ever.”
“Yeah, it sure feels that way. We’ve really been through some heavy shit together and you’ve really been there for me at every turn.”
“Well, yeah, Warren, we’re partners… we’re supposed to be there for each other.”
“Matthew, you’ve meant more to me than just a partner. I think we’ve passed the whole buddy-cop phase years ago. There’s something deeper between us. It’s profound and undeniable… at least, I can no longer deny what I’ve been feeling. I know you’ve been feeling it, too, have been for a long time.”
“What are you saying?” Matthew asked as he stared into Warren’s beautiful gray eyes.
They were finally having the conversation that he had fantasized about for the last few years. He only hoped that it ended the way that it always did in his fantasies.
Warren cleared his throat as he shifted his position on the sofa. “I’m saying that I love you. I’ve been in love with you for some time now. I haven’t acted on my feelings because I wasn’t so sure if taking that chance was the right thing to do. We’re great partners and friends, that doesn’t always mean we’ll make great lovers.”
“Doesn’t mean we won’t.”
“That’s true. Another thing that’s held me back is I’ve never been in a relationship with a human before. Also, I felt that you weren’t really ready to accept me as your lover.”
“What made you feel that way?” Matthew asked, wondering what could he have possibly done to make Warren fear such intimacy with him.
“You didn’t question me about my nature. Once you found out about what I was, it seemed as though you wanted to stay in the safe zone.”
“Ahh, that’s true. I do have to share some fault in that. But you have to consider the way I found out, Warren. You didn’t trust me enough to tell me on your own. A wall did go up between us that day, but I’ve worked very hard breaking it down,” Matthew said, moving closer to his partner.
“I know you have. When you started asking me about my nature, I knew then you were accepting me. The fear of rejection I had started to waver.”
Matthew chuckled. “You thought I’d reject you?”
Warren nodded. “I mean if I were to tell you I was in love with you and wanted you, and you said ‘no’, that would just make our partnership awkward.” He laughed nervously, hoping he didn’t just accomplish that very thing.
Matthew could no longer contain the smile that was now spreading across his face.
“This is going to make you laugh, or maybe not. But I’ve had the same feelings, too. I’ve never dated a shape-shifter before. But that’s why I wanted to learn as much about your world as I could. Because I wanted to become a part of it, I want to be with you. I was afraid to be the first to make the move because I thought you’d reject me.”
Warren did laugh. “Aren’t we two idiots?”
“Well, we certainly haven’t been smart about this, that’s for sure,” Matthew agreed.
Warren grew serious as he inched closer to Matthew. “Are you sure?”
Matthew nodded as he moved even closer to Warren so that their thighs were touching. “What about Adrian?”
“Adrian and I should have never been. I believe we are better as friends than we will ever be as lovers. I’ll tell him tonight. It’ll be something he’ll have to get over,” Warren said, finally making up his mind to end his relationship with Adrian once and for all as for the past few months, they were growing more at odds with each other. It was time to move on.
“This seems sudden, I mean” Matthew could no longer hide his mounting desire no more than he could hide the growing bulge in his crotch.
“Matthew, this isn’t a decision I made five minutes ago. This is something I’ve been thinking about for a while now. I want to be with you, too.”
Matthew smiled. “I just wanted to make sure.”
Slowly, he reached up, taking Warren by the back of his neck and drawing their heads nearer until their lips were almost touching.
“God, I’ve wanted you for so long!” he panted as his soft full-shaped lips pressed passionately against Warren’s.
Warren's arms encircled Matthew, bringing him closer. Matthew broke their kiss and slowly began planting gentle kisses along Warren’s neck, his fingers worked on the buttons of Warren’s white shirt, unbuttoning each one then sliding the shirt off his lover’s broad shoulders. Hungrily, his lips suckled Warren’s pink nipples, teasing the sensitive flesh with his tongue and teeth. Warren’s nipples grew hard in Matthew’s mouth as his lover’s soft, wet tongue flicked over their tips. Matthew tortured one nipple then the other until Warren was squirming beneath him. Satisfied with his response, he trailed his tongue over Warren’s firm, muscular torso going lower, dipping playfully into his navel.
“That feels so good,” Warren moaned and panted as he rested his head on the back of the sofa, relishing the sensation of Matthew’s wet tongue flickering over his flesh. Warren grew harder and harder between his legs as he anticipated Matthew’s next move. Sweat began to dampen his forehead and his breath quickened as Matthew continued to undress him by unbuttoning his jeans.
Matthew chuckled softly.
“I’ve wanted to do this to you for years,” he confessed.
Warren gave him a wolfish grin. “Just one more thing we have in common.”
He kicked off his shoes as Matthew slowly unzipped his pants, pulling them down past his powerfully shaped legs, and tossing them onto the floor. Now completely naked, Warren looked down, watching with bated breath as Matthew drew closer to his throbbing erection. He inhaled sharply as Matthew’s lips covered the tip of his hardened flesh. Warren laid his head back, releasing a long shuddering moan as Matthew took more of him. His hands gripped Matthew’s silky hair, tangling his long fingers in the dark brown curls.
So excited he was to finally have Matthew in this way, his body responded to his lover’s skillful mouth faster than he wanted it too. Warren began to feel his climax and he thrust his hips upward in time with Matthew. Faster and faster, Warren’s thrust increased until his orgasm ripped through his body, exploding and releasing pleasure throughout his entire being. He quaked uncontrollably on the sofa as Matthew drained him completely, taking all that he had to give. Slowly, Matthew pulled away, smiling. Warren pulled him closer, kissing him deeply, sliding his tongue between his lips.
“That was amazing,” Warren said after releasing him. He ran his fingertips along Matthew’s face. Lovingly, his thumb traced over Matthew’s lips, nose and eyelashes. “You are so perfect to me,” he confessed passionately.
Matthew flashed him his pearly whites, it was his sentiment as well regarding Warren.
Warren rose from the sofa, taking Matthew by the hand.
“Come on,” he led him upstairs, towards his bedroom.
Once inside, he closed the door behind them with his foot. He stepped closer to Matthew, kissing him teasingly over his face. Next, he ran his tongue down the length of Matthew’s neck as the other man moaned in pleasure. Warren
began pushing Matthew toward the bed kissing him along the way. When they reached the king-sized bed, he playfully, but gently pushed Matthew onto the blue cotton sheets then crawled onto the bed like a stalking predator, his gaze never leaving Matthew as he came closer, climbing on top of him until he covered Matthew completely. He brushed his lips along Matthew’s, his tongue darting out, licking Matthew’s bottom lip. Warren’s hand come up, gripping Matthew’s plaid shirt, swiftly, he ripped the shirt open, sending buttons across the room.
“Whoa!” Matthew gasped as he looked down at his ruined shirt. Warren removed the remains, tossing it in chair by the window. Leaning down, he pressed his mouth against Matthew’s neck, sucking gently before trailing hot, wet kisses over his shoulders, nipples and abs. His hand gently massaged the hardness through the denim fabric causing Matthew to groan softly as he began grinding his hips. Warren smiled as he unbuckled Matthew’s pants, pulling them off completely after removing his boots and tossing them on the floor. He leaned forward. Teasingly, he began to kiss and lick the insides of Matthew’s thighs, working his way towards the hardness of Matthew’s crotch.
“You’re torturing me,” Matthew’s gasped, his breath coming quicker as he grew more excited.
“I’m savoring you,” Warren replied as he nuzzled his face firmly in the thick patch of soft hair, breathing in Matthew’s masculine scent. He opened his mouth wide and Matthew inhaled deeply as Warren envelope him. He relished the heat Warren’s mouth radiated. The slippery feel of Warren’s tongue sent tingles throughout his limbs, causing him to quake. All of Warren’s desires were being unleashed as he concentrated on pleasuring Matthew. His eyes remained closed as he worked over his lover with complete abandon until Matthew’s moment had come. He quickened his rhythm, smiling to himself as he listened to the excitable and ecstatic sounds emanating from his lover as he bucked and pumped violently beneath him. Warren’s head bobbed slowly as Matthew’s orgasm faded and his body ceased to spasm. Warren pulled away, and laid next to him, his fingers traced patterns over the surface of Matthew’s flesh, bringing forth sporadic tremors.
Several minutes passed in silence before Matthew spoke. “Warren?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
Warren raised his head, gazing into the brown softness of Matthew’s eyes, he smiled. “I love you, too.”
“Warren, I want”
“Shhh.” Warren pressed a finger to Matthew’s lips.
Without saying a word, he climbed on top of Matthew, positioning himself between Matthew’s thighs. He hooked his arms underneath his lover’s legs, bringing Matthew’s calves to rest on his shoulders. Warren kissed Matthew tenderly at first then his kisses grew more urgent, fiery. Regretfully, he pulled away and leaned over, reaching into his night stand drawer. He removed a bottle of lubricant and squeezed the contents into his palm. Tossing the bottle aside, he slipped his hand between Matthew’s legs, parting his cheeks. Matthew moaned and arched on the bed as Warren’s fingers slipped inside his most sensitive spot. Pleased by Matthew's reaction, Warren slowly replaced his fingers with himself, reveling in the heat surrounding him. Matthew wrapped his arms around Warren’s neck, pulling him closer, his hips pushing forward, bringing Warren deeper into him. He gasped as Warren’s thickness filled him completely.
“Warren...” Matthew panted passionately as his lover began thrusting forward.
Warren’s rhythm satisfied both of their longings. He gazed into his new lover’s face as he continued to stroke inside of him. Matthew panted breathlessly as a spasm rippled through his body. Warren responded to him by pressing his lips firmly to his as he drove deeper. Warren eyes closed tightly, enjoying the friction of their lovemaking and the heat of Matthew’s desires as it heightened his pleasure. As they continued, both men began to feel a familiar sensation boiling in their groins.
The sensation began to spread throughout their limbs, tightening their muscles, causing them to increase their rhythm until their orgasms coursed through them with the intensity of a tidal wave. Warren held Matthew close as he continued to push forward until there was nothing more to give before he collapsed breathlessly on top of Matthew. Both of their bodies shivered in each others' embrace. They lay still joined on the bed, tangled in a mass of sweaty limbs and soaked bed sheets as the remains of their union floated away. After a few moments had passed in silence, Warren withdrew and rolled onto his back next to Matthew. His hand found Matthew’s, bringing it to his chest. Matthew felt Warren’s rapid heartbeat and smiled because it matched his own.
“Are you sure you want to be with me?” Warren asked.
Matthew looked at him. “I’m sure. Besides, it’s a little late for any doubts, don’t you think?”
“Yeah… well, life with me is going to have its ups and downs.”
Matthew sat up, becoming more serious. “Don’t you think I’ve thought about this? I’ve been asking you questions about your nature, I’ve watched you, studied your mannerisms. I know what you are...” Matthew paused, wanting to form his words perfectly so that Warren would know how serious he was about starting a relationship with him. “... I accept everything about you. I love you, Warren. I’ll take the good with the bad.”
“We’re going to have to be careful, Matthew, when we make love… I don’t want you to get infected.”
“I know. But I can’t worry myself by obsessing over that, Warren.” Matthew brushed a few strands of hair from Warren’s eyes. “You are my best friend, and more importantly, the most loyal and caring person I know. So yes, I want to be with you, more than anything. I may not be a shape-shifter, but I still believe that I’m your mate,” he said.
Warren was speechless as he gazed at his partner, now lover. Finally, he nodded.
“I almost feel like this is a dream, but I’m so glad that it’s not,” he said as he lifted himself to kiss Matthew once more tenderly on the lips, before letting himself fall back onto the mattress.
“You ever have a dream this intense, make sure you tell me what you smoked before you went to sleep,” Matthew joked.
Warren laughed outright. After a minute or so, he settled down.
“What time is it?” he asked
Matthew looked at his watch.
“Twelve-thirty, I guess we should get going, we’re on a mission,” he said somewhat sadly.
Warren nodded. “You know you could still stay here, you don’t have to get involved.” He didn’t want Matthew to feel obligated to help just because they were lovers.
“No, I want to… trust me, I want to. I’m not too thrilled about going to work on my off day, but it’s important that we do,” Matthew said as he climbed off the bed, heading towards the bathroom.
“I second your notion about going to work on our off day,” Warren said as he watched Matthew walk away, soon he heard the shower running. He lay on the bed and thought about Matthew and him together. He smiled. Then he thought about what he was going to tell Adrian, and the smile faded from his lips. “He’ll just have to get over it. I hope he understands,” he whispered to himself before climbing out of the bed and joining Matthew in the shower.
Matthew turned around just in time to see Warren climbing in behind him.
“I thought you might need someone to wash your back,” Warren said then he remembered the many times when Adrian had used the same excuse to sneak into the shower with him to have more sex. He chuckled at the thought.
“Well, since you’re back there…,” Matthew replied, handing Warren a wash cloth.
Matthew turned around and Warren rubbed the soapy cloth over his back. Matthew did the same for him. The two playfully bathed each other until, finally, Warren spoke up.
“We better get out of here before we start something,” he joked as he opened up the shower door. Matthew turned off the water and they climbed out and dried off. Warren replaced Matthew’s ruined shirt with one of his own and they dressed quickly.
In the car, on their way to the precinct, Matth
ew looked at Warren.
“Okay, so how are we going to spy on them?” he asked.
“Well, I’ve been tuning out a shit-load of conversations all along, this time I’ll focus my superhero hearing on them,” Warren said with a chuckle.
“‘Superhero hearing’, eh?” Matthew repeated sarcastically.
“Yeah, if I find out that they are up to no good, I’ll tell Xander. I didn’t say this to Xander, but I suspect we may be thinking the same thing. Nicole is still alive, so are the leopard and vampire. My guess is that the people who kidnapped them are waiting for the full moon, the Lunar, which is a few nights from tonight. I suppose this is what we will call gaming for big game hunters,” Warren speculated.
“Holy shit, I hope not. We really don’t have a minute to waste, do we?” Matthew asked concerned.
Warren shook his head. “No, but it was a good minute that we did waste, as a matter of fact, we didn’t waste it at all,” he threw Matthew a smile.
“And as I recall, it lasted a lot longer than a mere minute,” Matthew responded in kind.
“Ah, good times,” Warren said, thinking back on the pleasures of their lovemaking.
The two finally made it to the precinct. Warren parked the car in the garage and they climbed out. They were in luck, the two officers were there, one was talking on the phone and the other was looking over papers. Warren and Matthew walked to their desk and pretended to do work. Matthew scanned through files on his computer as he inconspicuously darted glances towards the two men. Warren pretended to write up reports as he tuned his hearing towards them. Ryan had finished his conversation and was now talking with his partner about sports. As the hours passed, both men grew tired, but they continued to put up pretenses, determined to gather what information they could. Just when it seemed like the day would go by without any results, Ryan’s cell phone began to ring. He pulled it out and looked at his caller ID, with a satisfied grin he rose from his seat and walked out of the area. Warren nodded to Matthew as he rose from his seat and followed Ryan who left the building and headed out towards the parking lot. Warren stood in the doorway of the precinct, listening. He heard Ryan telling a man on the phone to bring one hundred thousand dollars... cash. The man on the telephone was displeased with the idea that the price was raised for the drop, but agreed. Ryan told him where and when to pick up the “package” before ending the call. Warren turned, walking back to his desk. He looked at Matthew and then he jotted something on a piece of paper and handed it to his partner who took the paper and read it.
The Royal Flush (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles(Book Three)) Page 12
