For the Love of Caden

by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

  “The water is turning cold.” Caden smiled.

  “It is?” Kellan pulled Caden around and wrapped his arms around him. “What’s for dinner?”

  “Rack of lamb.” He laughed softly as Kellan sucked in his bottom lip.

  “God, I’m so spoiled.” Kellan picked Caden up and stepped out of the shower. Grabbing a towel, he started at Caden’s feet and made his way up. Kellan stopped at Caden’s leg; the scar was completely gone. “I know I shouldn’t be surprised but I am. I’ve never been present before when someone was changed.”

  Caden looked down at his leg. “It is odd not to see the scar; it’s even odder to know I’m not dying anymore.”

  Kellan stood up and took Caden’s face in his hands. “No you’re not, and I’m so fucking grateful for that. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” Caden wrapped his arms around Kellan’s neck. “I have whipped cream in the bedroom.” Caden waggled his eyebrows. “Rawr.”

  ~~ With dinner done, Kellan lie on the bed a sticky and sweaty mess. As always, Caden’s dominant side had fucked him into a near coma. Not that he was complaining; he loved Caden’s rough side. Besides, Caden found new ways to play with whipped cream. He licked the sweat from Caden’s neck and kissed the rapid pulse. He got a chuckle and a sigh.

  “What is it, baby?” Kellan bit Caden’s earlobe and sucked it in, licking it.

  “I’m just so happy. It should be a crime to be this happy.” Caden closed his eyes, it hadn’t hit him yet and now it was. He was alive and he was going to stay that way for a long time. The tears came before he could stop them and he felt strong arms holding him closer.

  “Hey, it’s okay.” Kellan looked into Caden’s eyes. “This is going to take some time to get used to. I’ll remind you every day that life is a precious gift and you have many more years to enjoy it.”

  “And I will spend it with you.” Caden sighed and wrapped his arms around Kellan. “How did I get so lucky?”

  “A semi-driver fell asleep behind the wheel.” Kellan smiled.

  “Is that what happened?” Caden propped himself up on his elbow. “I always wondered why the man didn’t stop.”

  “Yep, and because of that I ended up on that bridge and I found you in your car.” Kellan caressed Caden’s face. “You looked like a sardine in a can.”

  Caden growled and jumped on top of Kellan, pinning him to the bed. “You will pay for that.”

  “And pay and pay and pay….” Kellan grabbed Caden around his waist.

  “I have not forgotten what you said.”

  Caden smiled, getting off the bed.

  “What did I say?”

  “You said you would watch the show with me.” Caden grinned, putting in the first disc.

  “Now?” Kellan sat up.

  “Yes.” Caden jumped back on the bed, settling into Kellan’s arms. “You must watch this; the doctor is such an ass.”

  Almost twelve hours later Kellan was exhausted. He’d cried so hard he didn’t have any tears left. He felt like a gigantic girl. Wiping his nose and eyes, he looked over at Caden, who was still crying.

  “Do you see what I mean? He is left all alone!” Caden blew his nose.

  “I see it, babe.” Kellan kissed Caden’s forehead. “That will never happen for us, I’ll be with you always.”

  “I love you.” Caden kissed Kellan’s lips, wrapping his arms around the man he loved.

  “And I you.”

  ~~ Saturday had the Northern pack at Wenatchee National Forest. They were joined by Preston, Tucker and Wesley from the Denali pack.

  Evangeline had come with them and now stood watching Alexander getting undressed to shift. She let out a low whistle at Alexander’s body.

  “Well, you work out.” She winked.

  Alexander blushed.

  Scott laughed and pointed at his alpha. “Oh shit!

  Look! Alex is blushing.”

  Jude smacked Scott on the back. “Leave him

  alone man.”

  They all turned at the sound of an approaching

  vehicle and smiled when they saw Troy’s black Ford

  pulling up, loaded with the Queets pack.

  “Hey, guys!” Preston ran over to them and

  stopped. He bent over and put his hands on his

  knees. “Oh, hell.”

  “Shit,” Sawyer stepped back with Xander and

  Grayson. “You can smell Wyatt.”

  Preston fought for control as his teeth elongated

  and his eyes shifted. He looked at Sawyer. “You

  were holding him.”

  “I didn’t even think…” Sawyer tried to smile. “I’m

  sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” Preston backed away. “I’ll just sit with

  Evangeline while you guys run.”

  “You sure? Troy can stay behind with Xander

  and Grayson.” Sawyer looked at Troy. “Do you

  mind, babe?”

  “No, really,” Preston shook his head. “I’m good, I

  can run anytime. Besides, I can hang out with

  Taylor and Jagger.”

  “Yes, you can.” Taylor grabbed Preston in a tight

  hug. “We were going to hang out while they ran

  anyway.”

  “Okay, if you’re sure. He still believes in you.”

  Sawyer sighed. “We’ve tried everything.”

  Preston smiled. “I didn’t think I’d made that big of

  an impression. It was for a few minutes, just to

  protect him. He’s stayed with me as well.” “You’re his mate, he’s never forgotten you.”

  Jagger hugged Preston.

  Evangeline looked at them in confusion. “Why are

  you not with your mate?”

  “It’s a long story, one that I have time to tell as

  they go exercise.” Preston sat down on the hood of

  his Jeep.

  Caden sighed as Kellan wrapped him up in his

  arms. He was finally going to get to run free with

  others of his kind. He’d looked forward to this day.

  Getting out of his clothes, he watched as Kellan did

  the same. Kellan’s muscular physique was truly

  amazing, the strong thighs flexed as Kellan took his

  pants off.

  “Darling…” Kellan smiled, twirling his boxer briefs

  around on his finger.

  “Catch me if you can!” Caden winked and shifted

  in seconds flat. He took off running through the

  forest.

  “Hey!” Kellan shifted and ran after his boyfriend. “That’s our cue.” Alexander looked at the rest of

  them. “Let’s go.”

  Caden had never felt so free, the wind whipping through his fur, the exhilaration of running in wolf form, it was like a drug. He could feel Kellan’s presence right behind him and pushed harder, running faster. A single thought from Kellan stopped him in his tracks causing Kellan to run into his ass. He turned and huffed at Kellan.

  “What did you say?”

  Kellan tilted his head.“I didn’t say anything.” Caden padded around Kellan.“You thought it.” “Did not.”Kellan sat down on his haunches. “I heard you.”Caden nuzzled Kellan’s neck.“You

  want to marry me.”

  “You can’t prove it.”Kellan lowered his head,

  nuzzling Caden’s muzzle.

  Caden nipped at Kellan’s ears and huffed.“No,

  but they can.”Caden nodded to the rest of the

  wolves, all sitting down looking at them.

  “Crap.”Kellan looked back at Caden.“Fine, but I

  will ask you in human form and the right way.” Caden rubbed up against Kellan.“All right my

  love.”

  Kellan ran next to his mate, his life was

  complete now. He’d almost died, been changed and

  found the love of his life on a bridge. As they ran

  th
rough the forest, he kept close to Caden. The

  man would have died if they’d never met, and if he’d

  known about Caden’s cancer, he would have

  changed him. No excuses and no apologies. He’d

  marry his mate and protect him above all else.

  Kellan felt the wind in his fur and ran side by side with Caden, the rest of the pack right behind them. As they came to a stop, Kellan jumped on Caden knocking him onto his back. He looked down into his mates’ blue eyes and realized he’d do

  anything…..for the love of Caden.

  ~~Epilogue~~ The fire was roaring and the men sat around it as Wayne told stories of his life. Kellan relaxed in Caden’s arms and took everything in. He’d moved in with Caden and they’d gotten married in Canada. They’d come to the Queets reservation for a meeting of the packs, which seemed to be expanding at a rapid rate.

  There were four men from the California pack and four from the Oregon. He’d met the alphas but not the pack members as yet. California’s alpha was extremely impressive to say the least; Jackson Murphy stood over six feet tall with sun-bleached hair and slate grey eyes. The Oregon alpha was just as impressive. At six feet, Jonas Brooks was easily movie star material. He had chestnut brown hair and amber eyes. He and Caden had been lucky enough to meet both men before any of the others had. Now Jude, Nicholas and Scott were the only three who hadn’t met them.

  Wayne was slowly incorporating his bloodline through the West. He’d been the last of his kind until he’d changed Dakota. Now his line was spreading.

  Kellan had been lucky enough to find his mate; he hoped Scott, Jude and Nicholas would find love soon. Tucker and Wesley were still mateless as well, and Kellan felt bad for them. To not know what love felt like was truly heartbreaking.

  In other matters of the heart, Kellan could see the confusion in Wayne each and every time he was close to Conner. The man did not know how to deal with his rapidly growing feelings for the younger wolf. The fates, as they say, had given Wayne another chance at love and Kellan hoped that Wayne would someday take Conner as his own.

  Nadine had her own issues to deal with. The youngest of the wolves had left the reservation and she was feeling the loss. Wyatt had gone off to school in Seattle, citing he had to spread his wings and try to find his mate. Kellan guessed he understood why the pack had tried to convince him he didn’t have a mate. Preston – his mate - was much older and wouldn’t be able to make Wyatt his until he was of age. Well, that time was rapidly approaching.

  They were waiting for Wyatt to come home for Christmas break and his father, John, was nervously sipping his beer, watching the road.

  “He’ll be here, John.” Joe took John’s hand. “He’s grown so fast. Where did my little boy go?” John asked.

  “He grew up, it happens to all of us.” Dakota put

  an arm around John’s shoulders. “I know you’ve

  missed him, but he feels betrayed by all of us. We

  keep telling him he doesn’t have a mate when we all

  know he does. His anger will eventually subside.”

  Dakota squeezed John’s shoulders.

  “He’s still angry. When he asked to leave, it

  almost ripped my heart out.” John sighed. “I can’t

  stand not seeing him every day.”

  “Teenagers are a bitch, Dad, you know that from

  experience.” Xander tried to smile. “We did what

  we thought was right. Besides, this is what Preston

  wants; we have to abide by his wishes.”

  “I miss babies; will you guys please hurry up?”

  Nadine shot looks at all the men around the fire. “We can’tmakebabies appear, but weare

  trying.” Mateo said.

  “And trying, and trying…” Sawyer snickered. They all turned at the sound of an approaching

  vehicle. Jagger’s truck came to a stop by the fire pit and Wyatt jumped out of the passenger side. There was a collective gasp from everyone around the

  fire. Wyatt had grown up.

  “Holy shit.” Josh’s mouth dropped open. Wyatt put his hands on his hips. “Hello, family.” “Jesus, Wyatt.” Grayson stood up and walked to

  his brother. He had to be almost six feet tall. “Did

  you eat your Wheaties?”

  “Nope, Cheerios, but I work out every day and I

  eat right.” Wyatt smiled at his father. “Dad.” John stood up slowly. The sight of his baby

  looking so grown up brought tears to his eyes.

  “Wyatt.”

  “Aw, Dad.” Wyatt walked to his father, hugging

  him tightly. “I missed you,” Wyatt whispered. “I missed you, too.” John held his son close. Wyatt smiled at Josh, his mouth still hung open.

  “Uncle Josh?”

  “Yeah?” Josh finally snapped out of his daze. Riley had just come out of the house; the screen

  door slapped shut and he stopped in his tracks

  looking at Wyatt. “Wyatt?”

  “Hey, Uncle Riley!” Wyatt ran to Riley, enveloping

  him in a tight hug.

  “Oh my God, look at you!” Riley took Wyatt by

  the shoulders. He had to look up at him; it was

  weird to say the least. “What happened to you? Are

  you taking steroids?”

  Wyatt laughed and punched his uncle in the arm

  playfully. “Nope, just work out, run and eat right, all

  the stuff Uncle Mateo told me to do.”

  They all looked at Mateo, who shrugged his

  shoulders.

  “He asked, I answered.” Mateo said.

  “At least he stopped wearing the eyeliner.”

  Sawyer whispered to Troy.

  “I heard that.” Wyatt looked over his shoulder. “Your hair,” Nadine whispered. The tears flowed

  freely now as she looked at Wyatt. “You cut your

  hair.”

  “Nay,” Wyatt walked to her, and took her in his

  arms. “I had to, for football. I couldn’t look like that

  palomino guy.”

  Grayson snickered. “Polamalu.”

  “Whatever.” Wyatt waved his hand in the air,

  dismissing his older brother’s statement. “Look

  guys, this is life and I will be growing up. Please

  stop acting like I’m dead or something because I

  put some inches on. It’s not the end of the world.” “Will you be wanting a beer, too?” Josh arched a

  brow.

  “Maybe later, with my shot of scotch.” Wyatt

  winked. “Chill, people.”

  Caden stood, looking at all the men gathered around the fire. “Wyatt is growing up; I suggest you all start treating him as such. He couldn’t stay your

  little wolf puppy forever.”

  “Thanks, Uncle Caden.” Wyatt walked over to

  Caden and Kellan. He smiled, taking their hands.

  “I’m happy for you both. It’s about time Uncle Kellan

  found his true love.”

  Kellan stood; he still towered over Wyatt, which

  at least made him feel better about that. “I’m so

  going to kick your ass in ‘Halo’.”

  “Bring it.” Wyatt snickered.

  “Dinner should be ready.” Nadine tried to smile,

  but seeing Wyatt grown up had hurt her heart. “I

  think we should all settle inside.”

  Caden waited for everyone to clear out before

  taking Kellan’s hand. He looked up at his husband

  with a wide grin. “I want one.”

  “You want one what?” Kellan asked.

  “A child with you, and I would like to start right

  away.”

  “Like tonight?” Kellan chuckled, pulling Caden

  toward the house.

  “If I could make it happen that way I would.”

  Caden stopped, pulling Kellan
to him. “Do you want

  that?”

  “I would love a little Caden.” Kellan kissed

  Caden’s lips softly.

  “We shall have a little Kellan first.”

  “Oh?” Kellan smiled wickedly.

  “Oh yes, Kellan Brady. I want it all.” Caden said. “Well, Mr. Brady-Fournier, then you will have it.”

  ~~The End~~

  Sneak Peek

  The General’s Lover ~PROLOGUE~ September 11, 2005

  “Well hell, have you ever seen so many suits in one room?” James looked over at his partner, Lucas.

  They were sitting at the bar, people watching. James was pointing out the gay men and Lucas was checking out the women. The party was not only for the remembrance of the

  September eleventh attacks, but he and Lucas were meeting their new liaison as well. The last one, Command Sergeant Major Fitzpatrick, was retiring. James couldn’t have been happier. The man hated gays.

  Lucas slammed back his shot. “Yep, at the last Peacock party. Now wasn’t that one fun?” Lucas smiled wide.

  “Yeah, no.” James scowled. The dick head Command Sergeant Asshole had told most of the room that James was gay. Not that he gave a shit, he’d come out a long time ago. Lucas had actually hit Command Sergeant Asshole and was

  suspended for a week. James had to smile at his partner; Lucas Cain didn’t give a shit about rules.

  “Oh, Holy Mother Mary,” Lucas whispered under his breath. “Check out the woman who just walked in.”

  “Why on Earth would I check out a woman, Lucas? Have you slammed too many shots of scotch?

  “It’s the man she’s attached to, dipshit.” Lucas smiled and turned James’ face around.

  James could have sworn he stopped breathing. The man who had just entered was an Adonis. His hair was so black it almost shone blue in the light. He had to be at least six foot four and, judging by his body in his dress blues, he was extremely muscular.

  “Oh. My. God.” James breathed.

  Lucas chuckled softly. “I told you. Hey, he’s talking to our boss.”

  James felt his heart hammering in his chest. The very tall, gorgeous Adonis was talking to the head of Homeland Security, and they were now looking his way.

  “Ohgodohgodohgod…” James gripped the bar as they started walking right towards him and Lucas.

  “Don’t talk; I’ll do all the talking. You just stand there and look pretty, sweetheart.” Lucas said.