For the Love of Caden

by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

“I am sorry I hurt you, my love.” Caden speared his tongue inside tasting his own release.

  Kellan sighed in pleasure; the perks of being a werewolf meant that pain was fleeting. His body was already recuperating and the warm tongue bath almost put him to sleep. Warm lips moved up his spine accompanied by a hot tongue and hands massaged the globes of his ass. Kellan turned his head and met with Caden’s lips, their mouths opened to each other and Kellan moaned as his mate finally kissed him. Deep, languid kisses, tongues rubbing, searching and Kellan was rolled onto his back.

  “I missed you.” Kellan caressed Caden’s face softly.

  “I wanted to come back to you,” Caden ran his fingertips down Kellan’s cheek. “I have missed you in my arms.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me, Caden? You had to know I’d change you. We’re mates.”

  “That is precisely why I did not.” Caden kissed Kellan’s lips softly. “I accepted my fate; I was willing to happily live with what time I had left. I did not want to be in a hospital and when the accident happened I thought God was going to give me a quicker route.” Caden laughed softly. “And then there you were,” Caden smiled as tears slid down Kellan’s face. “I thought, how unfair can God be to give me someone so beautiful? As it turned out, God had plans of his own.” Caden wrapped his arms around Kellan. “You did not change me, Kellan, and you should not blame yourself for those who did. I am forever grateful to Wayne and Dakota.”

  “Not Carson?” Kellan chuckled softly.

  Caden shook his head. “He lit the fuse, Dakota and Wayne set it off. I feel so much power coursing through me.” Caden tipped his head. “And voices.”

  Kellan nodded. “Wayne’s line of werewolf is much, much stronger than my own. You’ll have to talk to him about dealing with it.” Kellan closed his eyes as Caden’s lips descended on his own, soft moans escaped his lips. His eyes flew open. “What?”

  “I did not say anything.” Caden arched a brow.

  “You said you love me.” Kellan smiled.

  “You heard me,” Caden licked a path across Kellan’s neck. “You are tired my love; please, close your eyes and sleep. Everything is all right now, we are together.”

  Kellan relaxed and closed his eyes as Caden’s soft breathing lulled him to sleep.

  ~~ Kellan woke up to a warm breath across his neck. Caden’s arms were wrapped around him protectively. Kellan sighed and closed his eyes. Thank God, Caden was still in human form. It’d taken him a while to go to sleep last night, worrying about Caden shifting back to wolf form. The warm arms around him convinced him otherwise. Kellan turned over slowly and looked into the peaceful face of the man he loved. His plan with Nicholas worked perfectly, just as he hoped it would. Knowing Caden had a vicious dominant side; he’d used it against him and gotten his mate back. Kellan chuckled at the memory of Caden walking out of the house naked as the day he was born, ready to take Nick out.

  “It was not funny.” Caden opened his eyes. “Ooops forgot you can hear my thoughts. Yes it was. It was hilarious.” Kellan smiled wide.

  “Another man kissing you is not funny,” Caden growled playfully and bit Kellan’s lip.

  Kellan chuckled as Caden flipped him on his back, straddling him. “Well, I knew you had a dominating side, I just didn’t know how strong it was.”

  Caden took Kellan’s hands and pinned him to the bed, threading their fingers together. He leaned over and brushed his lips across Kellan’s. “Are you all right with it?”

  “Mmm, yes, I love how forceful you are.”

  Caden sat back and smiled. “Oh yes?”

  “Ohhhh yesss.” Kellan pulled him down.

  ~~ An hour later they emerged from the room, dressed and famished. Kellan’s legs were wobbly as he entered the kitchen. Caden had almost fucked himthroughthe bed. He smiled at all the men at the table and took a seat next to Nicholas. There was a low growl and Kellan looked up to see Caden staring at Nick.

  “Honey, it was just to get you to shift. Nick is like a brother to me.”

  Nicholas smiled wide. “I get it, Caden. Kellan’s right, though, it’s not like that. I’m still waiting to find my mate.”

  Caden’s shoulders relaxed and he sat down with a sigh. “Sorry, I don’t know why I reacted like that.”

  “It’s your dominating side,” Dakota sipped his coffee. “Sam has one, too, but we both know who the top wolf is in our marriage.” Dakota giggled.

  Sam sat back in his chair and threaded his fingers together behind his head. “Yup, it’s me.” Sam laughed and then grimaced when Dakota kicked him under the table. “Ow.”

  Xander shot a look at Jagger.

  “What? I didn’t say shit.” Jagger zipped his lip.

  “It’s not always about who the stronger wolf is,” Wayne sipped his coffee. “It’s about the man that you are. Kellan is a strong, domineering man; Caden is,” Wayne raised a brow, “extremely stubborn.”

  “I agree with that statement.” Evangeline stood at the kitchen entrance smiling.

  Caden stood and made his way over to her. He took both her hands in his and tried to smile. “I am sorry I growled at you.”

  “It’s all right darling, which is why I smacked you.” Evangeline giggled. “I wish I could have taken a picture of you just then.”

  “Me, too,” Dakota laughed. “It was priceless.”

  Caden looked at Evangeline closely. “You are all right with all of this?”

  “Of course I am, I’m just so happy you’re cancer free Caden.” Evangeline smiled at Kellan. “You have a very good man at your side.”

  “I know,” Caden looked over his shoulder at Kellan. “He puts up with a lot.”

  Kellan chuckled. “Trust me, if that’s the worst you got, it isn’t shit.”

  Caden turned his attentions back to Evangeline. “Are you all right? Have you been taken care of?”

  “Yes, I have.” Evangeline smiled at Alexander.

  Caden followed her line of sight and smiled wide. “Well, Doctor Romasko it is good to see you. I do appreciate you keeping my condition to yourself.”

  “Please, call me Alexander. It’s my job as a doctor to keep your condition between us, Caden. It was hard to keep it from Kellan.”

  “Yes, I really didn’t appreciate that.” Kellan sat back crossing his arms.

  “Too bad,” Caden smiled wide. “Suck it up.”

  Scott chuckled and took another bite of toast. “Yep, you guys are perfect for each other.”

  There was a knock on the door and they all looked at each other. Kellan frowned as no one moved.

  “Okay then, I’ll get it.” Kellan pushed his chair out and made his way to the front door. He opened it to see Claire with a large bag. “Good morning, Claire. What have you brought us this morning?” Kellan inhaled deeply. “Almond croissants!”

  Claire chuckled. “Yes, I can tell how much you all love them.”

  “Well come on in.” Kellan moved aside and allowed Claire in the house. “Let me just get that for you.” Kellan took the bag and stuck his face in it.

  Claire laughed. “I am so glad you all enjoy my pastries. I have never had to make so many. I added a few loaves of French bread as well.”

  “Well come on in, everyone’s in the kitchen.” Kellan led the way and smiled as he walked back into the kitchen. As soon as he put the bag down it was ripped in half and the men devoured the pastries.

  “Oh my,” Claire smiled. “I am thinking I should have brought more.” Claire’s eyes fell upon Caden. His face almost glowed and his cheeks were pink. “Caden? You look…so healthy.”

  “Evangeline has started me on a new treatment.” Caden looked at Evangeline with a raised brow. “Isn’t that right, dear?”

  “Yes, and he’s responding very well.” Evangeline smiled. “Why don’t you have a seat, Claire? Would you like some coffee?”

  “Yes, that would be lovely.” Claire sat down looking at all the men at the table. It was like looking at an all-male review, they were all
breathtaking. “I am glad to see you all looking so happy.”

  “And well fed,” Dakota smiled. “Thanks to you.”

  Wayne coughed quietly. “Excuse me? I made the stew.”

  “With the ingredients Claire brought.” Dakota pointed at him with his croissant.

  “Yes. Thank you very much, Claire.” Wayne smiled taking her hand. “We appreciate all that you have done for us.”

  Claire blushed and smiled. “Of course, I could not let you all starve.”

  Caden watched the exchange with a smile. Claire obviously found Wayne attractive. His eyes fell upon Conner; the younger man’s face showed his feelings for Wayne. Caden cleared his throat and sat down at the table next to Kellan.

  ~~ After Claire went back to the bakery, Caden sat at the table full of werewolves and smiled.

  “So, what are the plans now?” Caden kissed Kellan’s hand.

  “Well some of us have to get back to work.” Jude sat back in his chair. “We’ve already taken almost two weeks off.”

  “Sorry,” Caden looked at them. “I do appreciate you all taking the time to come out and help.”

  “It’s not a problem.” Scott smiled. “You’re family Caden, and that’s what family does.”

  Caden looked at Kellan with a wide smile. “Family, it has been a long time since I have had a family.”

  “Well how about we all meet up in Denali next week?” Wayne bit into the flaky croissant and moaned. “Oh God, that is good.” He closed his eyes chewing.

  “Sounds good.” Jagger sat back drinking his coffee. “Some lessons still need to be learned.”

  “Can’t wait.” Kellan laughed.

  Mateo coughed and looked at Sam, Troy and Josh. “You know we need to let two more people in on this.”

  Troy nodded and looked at Sawyer. “James and Derek need to be made aware.”

  Wayne looked at Archer and Alexander. “Well? They are both government officials, what are your thoughts?”

  Archer chewed his croissant and furrowed his brows. “If Sam and Troy trust these men, I believe we should as well.”

  Alexander nodded his head in agreement. “I am with Archer.”

  “Then it’s settled,” Wayne looked at the table. “We bring them to Denali.”

  Josh rubbed his hands together. “Oh, this is going to besomuch fun.”

  ~~ Over the next few days the house cleared out and Caden and Kellan were left alone. They spent countless hours making love and walking the beach hand in hand talking about life. Kellan wanted to know everything about Caden’s condition and was surprised at how little time Caden had left before the change. Kellan was furious at the thought that Alexander had known and refused to tell him.

  “Kellan, he had no choice.” Caden pulled Kellan into his arms.

  “That’s a load of crap!” Kellan pulled away. “You would have died, how is that right, Caden? Were you ever going to tell me at all or were you just going to pass away by yourself? How could you eventhinkthat was okay?”

  Caden took Kellan’s hand. “I was going to tell you, I swear I was, but then when I found out that you were a werewolf and you had the power to save my life,” Caden shook his head. “I felt as if I would be selfish if I allowed you to spare my life. People die every day, Kellan, and they do not have that luxury.”

  “You’re lucky Carson bit you,” Kellan growled. “If you died,” Kellan shook his head. “I would have…I don’t know what I would have done. A part of me would have died with you; you are my mate, Caden. You have no idea what that means, your pain is mine. We are connected in a way others never will be.”

  Caden pulled Kellan back into his arms and rested his head on his chest. The heartbeat was strong and Caden sighed. “I love you so much; let us not speak of things we cannot change. We are together now.”

  Kellan wrapped his arms around him and smelled Caden’s soft hair. “I love you, more than life itself Caden Fournier.”

  Caden looked up. “Then show me.”

  The windows were open and a soft breeze blew into the bedroom, billowing out the curtains and bringing in the smell of ocean air. Caden’s fingers were wrapped in his lover’s hair as they devoured each other. Legs entwined, bodies moving, Caden’s body floated on a wave of pure ecstasy as Kellan made love to him. He had never felt such love, and his face was wet with tears as Kellan held his face and kissed him. The taste of Kellan, the feel of him inside his body, Caden was on an overdose of pleasure as they rocked together, skin against skin, lips pressed together. Caden’s body, now pumping with lupine blood was on the verge of an explosion; Kellan’s final thrust sent him over the edge, almost screaming.

  “Kellan….”

  “I love you, I love you so much Caden.” Kellan exploded, his release filling Caden.

  Kellan slumped on top of Caden and kissed his neck, he’d wanted to bite him so many times, mark him, but he was afraid Caden would revert back to his lupine side. He knew he was being stupid, but after days of not having Caden in his arms, the fear wouldn’t leave him.

  “I’m in control now, Kellan,” Caden whispered. “I will never leave you again.”

  Kellan broke down and felt strong arms come around him holding him tight. They lie quietly, just holding one another until they both drifted off, Kellan still buried deep inside his mate.

  ~~

  The Alaska air hit James Pruitt like a whip to the face. He’d been in Arizona for so long; he’d forgotten what cold was. Being invited out to Denali National Forest was strange to say the least, but he went with it. When Mateo Esposito called, you didn’t ask questions. James shielded his eyes from the sun as a limo pulled up in front of him. A blonde kid got out of the backseat and smiled.

  “James Pruitt?”

  “That’d be me.” James smiled.

  “Preston Dalton.” Preston put his hand out.

  “Welcome to Alaska.” James shook his hand and got into the limo. “So, how do you fit into this little meeting, Preston?”

  Preston smiled wide. “You’ll be finding out very soon, Mr. Pruitt.”

  “Please, call me James.” James looked out the window.

  “So, are you friends with the Derek guy?”

  James’ head snapped back to Preston. “Excuse me?”

  Preston arched a brow. “Um, we picked up some huge guy named Derek this morning.”

  James sat back in the seat, Derek was here? James felt his pulse racing. He hadn’t seen Derek in a little over four months. He’d gotten the occasional phone call from him, usually at two in the morning and they spoke for a little over an hour each time. It was never on a personal level, it was always about work, but James could tell Derek was calling to hear his voice. Being a world away was taking its toll on the General.

  “You could say we’re friends.” James smiled. Preston blushed. “He’s gorgeous.”

  “That’s what I hear.” James smiled. He’d never

  told anyone the truth about his visit to the fortune teller, the truth would come out when the time was right. So far she’d been right on with the rest of them. Sam had his man with eyes like the stars; Troy, the emerald eyes; Josh with his surprise love. He didn’t know what the fortune teller had told Derek and he’d never asked. As they pulled into the park, James smiled at his men waiting for him with big smiles. The limo stopped and James got out looking over his guys, he hadn’t known them as long as Derek had, but they’d become family to him. “Miss me?”

  “Hell yes, we did.” Josh chuckled, grabbing James and hugging him.

  “I can’t breathe, Josh.” James wheezed. “Ooops, sorry boss.” Josh smiled wide.

  “Welcome, to Denali.” James looked around, snow was still on the ground and it was June. The wind was bone chilling and James rubbed his arms, his teeth chattering. “Jesus, it’s cold.”

  “This is warm,” Sam smiled. “Come on in and let’s get you some coffee.”

  James smiled as Sam put an arm around him. Compared to the men who worked for him, he w
as short. At five foot ten, they all towered over him. Derek was six foot four and weighed in at a whopping two hundred thirty pounds. All muscle. James weighed in at a measly one hundred eighty. They walked into the warm cabin and James’ eyes immediately made contact with Derek’s. He rose from the couch and walked over to James.

  “James,” Derek put his hand out. “It’s good to see you.”

  James took the offered hand and felt it swallowed by Derek’s massive size. “I was surprised to find out you were here. I thought you were still in the sandbox.”

  “Leave is a wonderful thing.” Derek smiled still holding James’ hand. “Let’s sit.”

  They both sat, and James sucked in a breath as a black wolf wandered into the living room. It sat down in front of them and tilted its head to the side, grey eyes looking them over.

  “Um, guys?” James motioned to the wolf.

  “Oh,” Sam smiled and sat down rubbing Dakota behind the ears. “Derek, James, this is my husband, Dakota.” He knew it was going to be hard to accept and they had all agreed this was the best way.

  “Okay,” James said slowly. “I’ve seen pictures of your husband, Sam, and he had two legs, not four.”

  Josh came around the couch with a robe and hung it in front of Dakota, just enough to cover his lower body when he shifted. “Do your thing, Dakota.” Josh chuckled.

  James felt his hand being squeezed, as the wolf in front of them shook; in seconds a man stood in front of them. James sucked in a breath when the pressure on his hand became unbearable.

  “Derek, my hand.” James whispered, his eyes never leaving the man in front of him.

  Derek sat back, jaw hanging open. “Well, fuck.”

  “Well,” Mateo leaned against the door frame. “I’m impressed, no screaming or running.”

  “He,” Derek looked at Sam. “He…”

  “Is a werewolf, Derek, just like me and Troy.” Sam smiled, helping Dakota into his robe.

  “Troy?” Derek looked over at Troy, who was grinning from ear to ear.

  “Yup, Sawyer had to change me after my ex decided I needed a bullet in the chest.” Troy smiled, sitting down next to Derek and James. “Are you guys going to be okay? I mean if anything, this shit gives us an edge in our jobs.”