by Lisa Oliver
“I get that, I really do, but your human half won’t claim me. He’d rather live without you than be with me.” Jon sure hoped it was salt spray on his cheeks. He wouldn’t cry in front of a majestic beast like Dirk’s dragon.
“Not anymore.” Jon found himself carefully placed upright, his shoes sinking in the sand. Then with a giant roar, the dragon flapped his wings and then shimmered and a stunning, naked Dirk stood in his place.
“I’ve been such a fool,” Dirk muttered pulling Jon close. “Can you ever forgive me?”
Chapter Eleven
Dirk was dead tired and hungry enough to eat a carcass. He probably stunk like month old laundry and his ass had goosebumps from the chilly air coming in from the sea. He had no idea where they were, or if he had the strength to fly them back to town, but thanks to his dragon’s help during his “missing” days, he knew, deep in his soul, if he let Jon go he’d regret it to his dying day. Now he had to wonder, as the warmth from Jon’s body seeped into his, how could he have been so stupid as to think he could walk away in the first place?
“You’re cold,” Jon said, pulling away and taking off his jacket. “It won’t fit you, but drape it over your shoulders.”
“You do care,” Dirk said as he draped the cloth around his neck. It smelled deliciously of Jon and despite his weakened state, Dirk’s body responded. “Does that mean you’ve forgiven me?”
“Oh, Dirk.” Dirk found himself pulled back against Jon’s body and he pressed his nose in Jon’s neck. “You’re rude, insulting, and arrogant. You haven’t said one nice word to me since we’ve met, till now. You ran away from me when you scented me; you insulted me to my friend. You told me to get out of your hotel suite and said you never wanted to see my face again.”
“Does that mean you don’t forgive me?” Dirk wrapped his arms around Jon’s waist and pulled them closer together.
“It means I need a minute to get my head around your complete one eighty. You heard what Raoul said. You father and the lady you were meant to marry are seriously looking for you.”
“And we’ll go back and face them, together, after I’ve claimed you.” Dirk didn’t want to think about what was to come. He was too busy enjoying the here and now. He bent his head, determined to taste those full lips that tortured his dreams and promised to be even more heavenly in person. For a second, Jon hesitated and then tilted his head. Dirk moaned as their lips touched for the first time. He was sure he needed the use of a toothbrush and tried to keep his kissing light but Jon was stronger than anyone he’d kissed before. Dirk’s need to dominate pushed forward and he gripped Jon’s head in both hands, their tongues dueling in his mouth and his mate’s.
His mate! Dirk cursed himself to hell and back. Jon’s scent and taste flooded his body and he pushed forward, seized with a desire he’d never had before. It went beyond a simple rut; the feelings he usually had when he was with someone. He wanted to consume Jon; hold him close enough not even air could pass between them. He wanted them as one, so tightly bound no one could ever come between them.
Hell bent on his goal, Dirk hadn’t realized his teeth had dropped until Jon pushed him back. “I am not,” Jon panted as he rested his hands on his knees. “I am not going to be claimed on a fucking beach. We need to find some place where we can have some privacy.”
Of course. Dirk looked around. Unfortunately, there were a few problems with Jon’s request. His nakedness, for one thing, and the fact he didn’t have a clue where they were. The fact that his cock was fit to burst, didn’t help matters.
“Here,” Jon started taking off his clothes and Dirk’s mouth dropped open. His mate’s powerful build had been hidden under his clothes and although he wasn’t as ripped as Dirk knew his body to be, he was still worth drooling over. There was something about the innocence of Jon’s face compared to his body built for sin that ticked boxes Dirk didn’t know he had.
“Try not to rip the seams as you put this on. Hopefully, you’ll get a few buttons done up. My pants should fit you; they might just be a bit short, but my boots should cover that. We have roughly the same sized feet.”
“What are you going to wear?” Dirk took the shirt, resisting the urge to press it to his nose.
“My fur,” Jon shook his head, a small smile tugging his puffed lips as he undid his pants. “You can’t get us a motel or a taxi naked or in your dragon form. So, you take my clothes, my wallet is in the pants, and I’ll be your service dog until we get somewhere private. There are some benefits to being a domestic canine, you know.”
Dirk blushed, hoping Jon wouldn’t notice in the dark. He struggled with Jon’s shirt; it was about three sizes too small although he managed to get it on without ripping any of the seams and took the pants when they were offered. Blushing for a different reason this time; Jon had a delightful patch of curls around his substantial dick, he slipped them on, keeping an eye on his mate.
Flexing his arms, Jon dropped to all fours on the sand. His body shimmered and the shift was over in a blink. Instead of a sexy man, there was now a gorgeous, definitely larger than usual, German Shepherd. His dark fur blended perfectly with the night sky although his legs were tan and there was a patch of lighter fur on his chest. He stood at least three feet tall, which had to be taller than most, and Dirk estimated he weighed at least a hundred and fifty pounds. Jon’s ears pricked up and he sniffed the air before Dirk found himself flat on his back on the ground, being thoroughly examined by a very wet nose.
“Er…good doggie?” Dirk had never owned a pet and he wasn’t sure what the protocol was. Jon bunted his hand and he stroked down the dog’s long back, amazed at the strength in his form. Keen eyes, the same shade as Jon’s blue, peered at him from a dark, narrow face. Dirk could almost swear the dog was grinning at him.
“I probably should finish getting dressed,” he murmured as Jon’s mouth got perilously close to his groin. “Do you think you can let me up now?”
Jon barked and sprang back, sitting on the sand with his tail wagging and his tongue hanging out. He really was a beautiful animal and Dirk cursed the day he thought someone like Jon could ever be considered inferior. If anything, Jon had the edge over him in that he did blend in when shifted. Struggling up, not helped by the soft sand, Dirk pulled on Jon’s boots which were still warm and patted the pants pockets to make sure Jon’s wallet was safe. Jon didn’t appear to have his phone with him, which Dirk thought was a good thing. Less likely for people to track him that way.
And it was the thought of people looking for him that had Dirk brushing the sand from his clothes and heading towards the berm. There was an urgency in his movements. His gut told him that if he didn’t claim Jon soon, he might never get another chance. His father had always been a fair man but he was a stickler for tradition. No matter what the dragons decided between them he could still cause them both a lot of trouble. But once the claim was done, nothing could break it. Dirk was counting on that to wear his father down.
A bright neon “Motel” sign just a hundred yards down the road was like a gift from the Fates. Striding down the road, his faithful companion at his heels, Dirk just hoped they didn’t have a no dog policy. Jon was too big to hide under his borrowed shirt.
Chapter Twelve
Jon as a dog had a spring in his step. His mate recognized him; brushed his delicious hands through his fur and was now finding them a place where they could claim. Be claimed. The dog wasn’t fretting about details. His mate was huge and imposing, powerful and strong, yet the Shepherd recognized a kindred spirit buried inside the human form. One who loved cuddles and play time; a warm rug by the fire and soft pillows on the bed. The differences in their human personalities didn’t register as he trotted happily beside his mate, his tail wagging as he stayed alert for any possible dangers. His mate was big in human form, too, but the Shepherd was well aware dangers lurked for those who walked on two legs. He wouldn’t let anyone get close to his precious mate.
Which is why he only growled
a little bit when Dirk was busy securing them a room for the night. The human behind the desk was wary and his breath smelled of gin. But he took the cash Dirk handed him, sticking it in his pocket, not the till, Jon noticed. But then Dirk called him, holding up a key, and the Shepherd followed happily, eager for what was to come. He only gave a passing thought about peeing on the reception door; the doggy version of a fuck you. Instead he stuck his nose in the air and trotted out with his tail held high.
The room smelled of disinfectant and bleach, but the sheets and bed itself were relatively clean. The Shepherd sniffed around the room, making sure there were no hidden dangers as his mate disrobed, folding his borrowed clothes carefully. Feeling Jon push; wanting to shift back, the Shepherd took one last inhale of his mate’s scent and then let go; allowing Jon to take over again. Dirk’s eyes widened as Jon’s human form appeared; their cocks pointing at each other as Jon got to his feet.
“I need to shower,” Dirk said, swallowing hard, his eyes glued to Jon’s groin. “I’ve been a bit lax with my personal hygiene lately.”
Jon suppressed a smile. Nervousness was pouring off Dirk in waves. “Take all the time you need,” he said gently. “I can get dressed and go and find us some basic toiletries if you like. I need a toothbrush and paste. I noticed a shop just down the road.”
“Yes. No. Shit!” Dirk slapped his hand over his mouth as an inhuman growl erupted. Understanding what Dirk was going through, Jon stepped forward, resting his hand on Dirk’s shoulder; his whole body aware of Dirk’s nakedness.
“I’m not going to be more than five minutes,” he said, keeping his voice low, addressing the dragon more than Dirk. “I promise I will come straight back. Claiming requires supplies when it’s between two men. We don’t have anything here.”
It was as though someone had sucked all the air out of the room, and then just as suddenly it was back and Dirk visibly relaxed. “Please be quick,” he said. “With one set of clothes between us, I can’t let my dragon out here. I’m bound to break something.”
“You enjoy your shower.” Jon leaned forward and licked the edge of Dirk’s ear. “Make sure you clean yourself everywhere.” Another gulp and Dirk hurried into the bathroom, closing, but not locking the door behind him. Chuckling quietly, his heart lighter than it’d been in a long time, Jon quickly got dressed and went to find the things they needed.
/~/~/~/~/
I don’t know if I can do this. Dirk stepped under the water, frowning at the tiny bottles of soap and shampoo provided. By everywhere, does that mean…? He shivered under the water as his ass clenched. Bending backwards to duck his head under the water, Dirk closed his eyes, his dragon flooding his memory of what a claiming would be like. Apparently, his dragon was keen on their sex going both ways and Dirk struggled to understand what his animal half was telling him as he shampooed his hair.
Our mate wants to claim us, too. The dragon preened with the very idea. We will do this then no one will break us apart.
Both ways? Dirk wasn’t so sure. What he knew about sex between men would barely cover a postage stamp. He’d never actually given their claiming sex any thought outside of the dreams he shared with his dragon. His face flushed as his helpful animal half flashed a highlight reel through his mind.
Can’t be too difficult, right? Just like a woman except a different hole.
Nothing like a woman, his dragon reminded him, showing him some other pictures he’d forgotten. Dirk tried to tap into the confidence he knew he had in his dream world. He remembered strength, no holding back, a world full of passion and…and…love.
Jon will love us, his dragon invaded his thoughts again. He just doesn’t know us yet. But he wants us and we must let him claim us.
Must? Dirk wasn’t so sure. His dragon was a far stronger animal than Jon would ever be and while he knew his superior attitude wasn’t going to win him any favors, it was difficult letting go of a lifetime of training.
Must. His dragon was adamant about it. We will wear his mark with pride.
He could bite us without…you know. Dirk rinsed the shampoo from his hair. He heard the motel door open and knew he had to hurry.
We will take him into our body as part of the claiming. Then we will fill him. It’s what we do.
Dirk didn’t have time to question that statement as Jon’s head popped around the door. “Can you leave some hot water for me? I’ve been in the office all day and could do with a quick wash.”
Tempted to tell him he could have the shower now, Dirk managed to grunt “five minutes”, grateful when Jon disappeared again. We want him. I’ve accepted that. But who knew we needed to get so clean everywhere just to enjoy some sweaty sex? Shaking his head, Dirk got busy with the soap.
Chapter Thirteen
Jon didn’t know what he expected as he came out of the bathroom, drying his hair, but he came close to choking on his tongue when he saw Dirk sprawled across the bed naked and reading the back of the lube package. The reading part was cute. Jon knew Dirk was nervous about their claiming. But the rest of it – damn, Dirk was put together nicely.
He could study that face for hours. Dirk wasn’t pretty; there was no softness in the angular planes of his face. His high cheek bones were separated by a straight nose. His keen, dark eyes were topped with eyebrows that rose in a sexy curve. His lips came together in a perfect straight line, framed by carefully trimmed dark hair. Even his ears, something Jon didn’t usually notice, sat primly against his head, their tips only slightly sharper than normal. Damp black hair that held a wavy curl as it fell around his face; Jon knew not one lock of it would dare fall across his face.
As for the body attached to that face? Jon dropped his towel and climbed on the bed. He wanted a closer look. Long muscled legs – yum. A broad chest, strongly tanned and thick pectorals, decorated with broad flat nipples that pebbled under his gaze. There was something else; something Jon couldn’t quite make out, but Jon focused on what he could see and feel. Dirk’s nervousness was mind related; his body was attuned to every move Jon made.
“Interesting reading?” He asked, moving close but resisting his compulsion to touch.
“I’ve just never had to…you know.” Dirk waved the lube in his hand.
“Never done anal with a woman?” Jon could be direct even if he didn’t want to know the answer.
“Didn’t see the need.” Dirk’s cheeks took on a fetching pink color.
Jon didn’t want to think of the implications behind those words but then, within a blink, he found he didn’t have to think at all. He hissed as Dirk’s body covered his and there was no disguising his eagerness. “Never felt like this,” Dirk muttered as Jon tilted his neck to make room for his mate’s hot mouth. “Never felt this urge to completely meld with another person’s body and never let go.”
Jon agreed. He’d had sex. He wasn’t a virgin, by anyone’s standards. But his cock was threatening a revolt if it didn’t get some action soon and that was new. He was usually a take it or leave it sort of guy. Hooking his leg over Dirk’s, Jon put his hands to good use. The ends of his fingers tingled as they ran over Dirk’s skin. Not a hint of hair anywhere; just smooth skin that rippled under his touch.
“I don’t know what I’m doing,” Dirk confessed against his neck.
Running his hands down Dirk’s back, Jon grabbed onto the globes of his ass. Just like the rest of his mate, hard and solid, they were the epitome of buns of steel. “I can show you. Claim you first. Then you can have your turn.” Because there was no way Jon was leaving the motel until he’d felt Dirk’s spunk run out of his ass.
Dirk froze, just for a second, then Jon’s front chilled as Dirk rolled onto his back. “Do your worst,” he muttered.
Well, there’s a vote of confidence.
/~/~/~/~/
I want this. We need to do this. Why in the hell can’t I relax? Dirk’s mind was a jumbled mess. Claiming involved sex. He understood that. The pair would exchange bites. That part was easy. Apparently,
it allowed the animal halves of a couple to bond at the height of intimacy between the human forms. Spunk and blood, his father told him centuries ago. In bonded pairs, the bite healed but the act itself was enough to signify the animal halves accepted each other. In mated pairs…Fuck, I’ll have a scar. Every time I shift people will see it. Jon will wear one too, though….
“I’m not doing a very good job of holding your attention,” Jon commented drily. Dirk felt an unnatural urge to apologize but as he opened his mouth to do so, a groan fell from his lips instead as the head of his cock was suddenly engulfed and sucked like a lollipop. Sucked firmly by someone who knew what he was doing and if the humming around his length was any indication, someone who enjoyed it.
His legs falling open, Dirk closed his eyes and sunk into the heady feeling of being pleasured. The pressure on his length was perfectly firm; the way Jon nibbled and licked under his crown made his knees tremble. In that moment, Dirk would have given away the greatest treasure in his hoard provided Jon didn’t stop. But Jon wasn’t sucking for treasure. A foreign finger brushed over an area Dirk had only given cursory notice to before and as he tensed at the different sensation, Jon renewed his sucking efforts.
I have to see. Opening his eyes, Dirk grabbed a pillow, stuffing it under his head. Jon kneeled between his legs, a golden tanned beauty, with his hair flopping over his face as he bobbed up and down on Dirk’s dick. As Dirk watched, entranced, Jon’s eyes flicked up and he winked, his lips stretched wide and covered in spit. There is no way I’m giving this up, Dirk thought as he felt his ass being breached.
I want this, I want this. The steady mental chant kept Dirk grounded as he rocked between the finger and Jon’s sinful mouth. When one digit became two, Dirk fisted the covers with one hand and brushed his hand over Jon’s head with the other. Jon moaned his encouragement which sent tingles through Dirk’s hardened length. Oh, yeah, do that again. Jon’s hair was still slightly damp but silky soft as Dirk threaded it through his fingers.
