by Fel Fern
“Do you have any breath mints?” Toby asked as he got behind the wheel. “And should you be driving? Do you think we should walk instead?”
“We shifters don’t get drunk easily,” he told Toby gently. “Sorry, no mints.”
“I know you guys also have a keen sense of smell and it’s, you know…” Toby couldn’t seem to continue.
Smoke started the engine, wanting nothing in the world but to see his human safely tucked in bed. “Toby, there’s no need to be embarrassed around me. It’s not the first time someone threw vomit on me. At least it was only on my boots. My brother Dark, well. Now that was disgusting.”
“What happened?”
“Dark had a hard time getting over one guy who he met in a dating app, so he started chugging bottles, and believe me, it takes plenty to get our kind drunk. Must have been an ocean of alcohol,” he muttered.
“You always mention your brother. You guys must be close.”
“Dark raised me, made sure I didn’t get into a lot of trouble.”
“Your parents?”
“Died when we were kids.”
“Both of them? I’m so sorry to hear that, must have been tough.”
“We shifters mate for life, so when my mom died in a car accident, my dad couldn’t cope and followed after her. Was only a matter of time. I can hardly remember them. How about you?” Smoke asked, curious. Toby didn’t mention any parents or siblings during their chats. He figured it was for privacy’s sake.
“My mom and dad always travel, ever since they realized I’m capable of living on my own, even in high school. After I graduated and went to college, they were happy to sell off our old house, and I got my own place.” Toby said those words matter-of-factly, but he had a feeling there were old wounds Toby buried in his heart.
Toby’s parents sounded more like strangers than the people who raised him. No, Smoke mused. While Dark and he fought most of the time growing up, at least he had his brother. They eventually stopped living together when both their dragons matured and became more aggressive. Toby didn’t have anyone, and that pained him.
“Doesn’t matter now,” Toby said under his breath, staring out the window. “I’m used to living on my own, but sometimes, it gets really lonely, you know? What makes things worse is that I have trouble talking and being around other people. I’m a freak.”
Smoke stopped the car, partly because he reached Toby’s street and because he needed to make certain matters clear. He touched Toby’s cheek, making the human look at him.
“You’re not a freak. If you are, then I’m probably worse than you. Most folks, even other paranormals, would even call me and any member of my kind a monster.”
Toby huffed. “You’re just saying that.”
Smoke shook his head. “Once you see my second form, you’ll understand, but enough surprises for tonight. Come on, I’ll walk you up to your place.”
Smoke got out of the car before Toby could protest. They entered the apartment building together, and he couldn’t help but notice Toby sneaking him looks, as if he was making sure he was still there. He reached out unthinkingly, brushing his fingers against Toby. Smoke shifted his feet, aware he hadn’t felt this nervous in a long time.
Toby clutched at his fingers, which seemed small compared to his big and rough ones. Toby flashed him a hesitant smile.
“You didn’t have to walk me all the way to my door,” Toby said, fumbling for his keys.
When the human nearly dropped it, Smoke effortlessly caught it. “Let me,” he insisted.
Toby stood to one side as he unlocked it. He wanted so badly to see Toby’s place but not without an invitation. He didn’t want to seem too forceful or demanding. Smoke would make adjustments to his plan to win this human over and make Toby his. Tonight had been a first run, would have gone downhill, too, because he didn’t know Toby didn’t handle his alcohol well. Never mind. Next time, they’d do something Toby liked.
Toby held the door wider and asked, face red, “Would you like to come in?”
Chapter 7
“What I meant is, can I get you a drink, water, coffee, or something else before you head back?” Toby cursed himself silently for fumbling over his words. Speaking with Smoke in the car made him remember how comfortable he felt around Smoke. With most people, Toby had to carefully plan his next words, but with Smoke he didn’t need to worry.
“Don’t mind if I do,” Smoke said, smiling.
Toby took a step back, then realized his place was a mess. He plucked some of his scattered laundry over his living room couch and floor, then his stomach acted up again. He groaned, clutching it, but before Smoke became all chivalrous again, he dashed to his bathroom and puked out his guts for the second time that night into the toilet bowl.
“Toby? Do you need help?” Smoke called from the living room.
“Please, stay there. I’ll be out soon. I don’t want you to see me like this,” he yelled.
Smoke said nothing. Toby shut the bathroom door, flushed, then waited. Okay. His stomach still felt unsettled, but he didn’t feel like he’d vomit again. Toby sniffed at himself and decided it wouldn’t hurt to have a quick shower, a change of clothes, and to brush his teeth. Fifteen minutes later, he finished bathing, used mouth wash as well as brushed his teeth, then headed outside in a fresh change of clothes.
“Smoke?” he called, almost dead certain Smoke probably decided he took far too long and left.
To his relief, he glimpsed Smoke peering at the posters by his gaming station. His place wasn’t huge, a studio, so he positioned his PC next to his living room, but he made sure to get a big desk to accommodate all of his collectibles and other gaming merchandise he bought offline. He could feel his face burn.
He really should have thought about inviting Smoke a little better. Smoke probably thought he was geekier than he initially assumed.
“Huh, I wondered who outbid me for this,” Smoke said, nodding to the limited edition ice dragon on display on the top shelf above his desk. Smoke turned to him, concerned look on his handsome face. “Are you feeling better? I could rush to a nearby pharmacy, get you some pills that will settle your stomach.”
“You’re too sweet,” he muttered. “But I’ll really be fine. What about that coffee?”
“Sounds perfect, might help sober you up, too.”
He flushed and led Smoke to his small kitchen area and started a fresh brew. “I don’t usually drink.”
“I can tell, but that’s a good thing.”
He shakily poured the coffee, startled when Smoke came up behind him and gently pried the pot away from his fingers. Smoke filled two mugs and pushed his toward him.
“I had fun today. Let’s do again soon,” Smoke said after sipping from his mug. “When are you free again?”
“Really? Even after all my screw-ups, you still want to go out with me again?”
Smoke frowned. “It’s my fault to begin with, and didn’t I tell you before? I’m not backing off.”
He needed time to process those words. He bit his lip and glanced at the clock above the fridge. Midnight. Smoke had to drive all the way back to his town this late. Smoke followed his gaze, and he set his mug down, staring. The entire night, he wanted to run his fingers through the thick stubble on Smoke’s jaw. He’d wondered how it felt, being kissed by that tempting mouth.
A man like Smoke wouldn’t hold back, would kiss him rough, like he owned him. A shiver of anticipation crawled down his spine. His dick thickened. Maybe it was the alcohol still buzzing inside of him that made him take a step forward and steal a quick kiss on Smoke’s lips. He pulled away, shocked when Smoke fisted his shirt, and the shifter’s pupils became slitted, like that of a snake, but he couldn’t recall if there were snake shifters in the world.
It didn’t matter, not with the smoldering way Smoke stared at him, like he intended to eat him up and Toby wouldn’t put up any resistance.
“Bad human,” Smoke said. Even his voice had changed, turned all harsh, growly.
Any human in their right mind would be downright terrified, but this was his Smoke, who seemed blind to all his faults and didn’t give a damn the world considered him a freak.
“W-what are you going to do about it?” He didn’t know how those words came out of him. Toby was usually shy around guys he liked, lacking the courage to initiate anything. He didn’t think it was the power of alcohol any longer. His heart beat so fast, it felt like it could sprout wings any moment and fly out of his skin.
He breathed heavily, stilled as Smoke kissed him back. Except it was no kiss he ever felt. Smoke plundered his mouth as if he were fucking him, all heat and bite. He let out a muffled moan and responded, all too aware of his rock-hard dick, of Smoke cupping his ass. Damn pants. It was probably better to have Smoke’s hand on his bare skin.
Toby parted his mouth and Smoke thrust his tongue down his throat. He forgot about everything—how he made the most embarrassing mistake of his life, and all his other doubts that he wasn’t any good for a guy like Smoke. Live each day like it was your last. He never truly understood the meaning of those words, because every day was the same, do some work, then boot up his PC, wishing he could stay forever in that online world. This changed things.
Smoke altered everything. He became aware of this little fact as Smoke pulled away, resting his forehead against his, still not letting go of him. Smoke burned hot and tasted divine. It felt good having his body crushed against all that solid muscle.
“I can’t let this go any further,” Smoke said the words slowly, as if he was fighting between pulling away and doing more.
“Why?” he whispered. “Didn’t you feel that?”
“I did. Fuck, Toby, but you even taste so much better than I imagined. I want to put my mouth and hands all over your body. I want to flip you on your hands and knees, pry those ass cheeks apart, and lay my claim on you. Once I do that, no other man will have the privilege of fucking you.”
Was it wrong that he got so turned on by those words that he started rubbing himself against Smoke, like some kind of horny animal?
“Stop, you’re going to make me lose control.” Smoke gripped his wrists. Those odd eyes locked on his, so intense, as if all Smoke saw was him and the rest of the world could burn. “Look what you’ve done to me.”
He looked down, then swallowed, seeing the huge bulge in Smoke’s jeans. Oh God. He wanted to unbutton Smoke, see how huge he was.
He licked his lips. “I can take care of that, of you.”
“Not tonight.” Smoke suddenly enveloped him into a hug, ran his big hands down the line of his back. “When I fuck you for the first time, it wouldn’t be when you’re drunk, but sober.”
Shame washed over him at what he’d just done.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I was terrified I’d lack the courage to approach you again.”
“Tease me again next time, and I promise you, I’ll give you the best night you ever had.” Smoke’s warm breath tickled against his ear, and he moaned when Smoke nipped at the side of his neck, then bit down, hard enough to bruise. Smoke wasn’t done. “Once I bury my dick so deep in you that you can barely breathe, you’ll realize you want no other cock in that tight little ass of yours, except mine.”
So possessive, he thought, and yet he loved seeing this side of Smoke, to keep admiring those hungry eyes that burned like molten gold. Whatever predator Smoke shared his body with, it was nothing to mess with. Smoke suddenly stepped away from him.
“Know that this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, walking away from you tonight when all I want—” Smoke gritted his teeth, didn’t continue.
“Please,” he uttered. “Stay. It’s late, and I promise I won’t try to seduce you again.”
It sounded funny, absurd even that Toby had the ability to seduce anyone. Did he sound too desperate, needy?
Smoke breathed hard. “You’re asking a lot of me.”
He understood that, but something had taken hold of him. Fear that somehow tonight had all been a wonderful dream. If he woke up the next morning and found Smoke in his apartment, he’d know this was all real, that for once, the real world was a lot better than the virtual one he took refuge in for years.
“Please, I’d really like it, knowing I didn’t have to spend another night alone in this apartment. You can even have my bed and I’ll take the couch.”
Chapter 8
Smoke knew any longer he spent in this tiny space and his dragon would ignore his human half and simply take Toby as their mate. He clenched and unclenched his fists, having a hard time keeping the claws in, but Toby seemed focused on his face. The expression on Toby’s face—wistful, hopeful—made him shove his persistent dragon back in its cage.
Smoke knew he’d pay for that error later on. The silver dragon didn’t like being told what to do. Most decisions and actions they made came from mutual agreement. They were partners in crime, and he usually relied on his dragon’s instincts to get him out of bad situations, but tonight, he put his foot down.
“You don’t have to give me your bed, the couch is fine,” he said.
“Oh, right. You’d need a blanket and towel.” Toby disappeared inside his bathroom and returned with the items, offering them to him shyly.
“Thanks,” he said.
“Let me know if you need anything else. I’ll make things up to you for keeping you up this late with breakfast in the morning.”
Eating breakfast with Toby sounded perfect. Smoke didn’t bother reminding Toby that he was an adult and he didn’t mind it was already past midnight, but Toby might rescind his offer of breakfast. He took a quick shower and settled on the couch. It was a little too small for his size, but he’d make do. Besides, he doubted he could get any sleep tonight.
Every inch of Toby’s home contained his delightful human’s scent, and he liked that.
“You can turn on the TV if you like,” Toby said, sounding sleepy as he curled on his side on the bed. “I’ve never had a sleepover before. It’s kind of nice.”
Would have been a lot better if he was in bed with Toby, but sleeping next to Toby might make him do things he might end up regretting or leave Toby pissed off at him. He listened to the sound of Toby’s snores and even breathing as he contemplated his next move. His dragon felt restless, still mad at him from stopping the inevitable.
Sooner or later, Toby would become his mate, but Smoke needed to bide his time. Be a patient hunter.
His dragon felt different. His skin hardened, turning to scales, and he knew he needed to get out of there, let some steam off. This apartment felt too small, too closed in to contain his dragon. His phone vibrated in his pocket, and he pulled it out, half expecting his brother to be caught up in some mess or another. When someone made the mistake of pissing his brother off, usually chaos and destruction followed. Then, he remembered that Dark was mated now, and Jake stabilized his brother’s angry black dragon.
An unknown number. He rose to his feet and quietly left the apartment, not wanting to wake Jake by accident.
“Who’s this?” he asked, guessing it was one of his clients. “I distinctively remember no calls at night.”
A familiar voice came through. “I know you only gave us this number for emergencies, but Smoke, I kind of need your help.”
He furrowed his brows. “Striker?”
With the exception of Dark, he never met any other dragon shifters face-to-face although they communicated and were in the same guild in BeastWorld.
“What’s wrong?”
“Lost my job at the construction site and my boss was being a dick, so…” Striker left the rest hanging.
He rubbed at his temples. Striker always came off to him as an over-confident, hotheaded, and cocky guy, but in some ways, they were also friends.
“You need me to back you up? You got into a fight or something?” He paused. “Did you leave any bodies behind?”
“Nah, it’s your other skills I need. I heard you’re a whizz when it comes to computers. Can
you come down here, assess the damage I’ve caused, and maybe we can put our heads together and see what I can do?”
Wow. Striker sounded more mature than he thought, if the other shifter intended to take responsibility. He glanced at Toby’s door before answering. Part of him didn’t want to leave Toby so soon, but his dragon also wanted out. Flying out to Striker and letting the beast take over might do him some good.
“I’ll be right there. Where?”
Striker gave him his address. “Thanks, Smoke.”
“You owe me,” he said, before ending the call. Unable to leave his human without a good-bye, he slipped inside again and kissed Toby gently on the lips.
“Hmm, Smoke,” Toby mumbled in his sleep.
He grinned, wondering if Toby was having an erotic dream about him. So tempting to slip next to Toby, to drape his body over Toby’s smaller one, but his friend also needed him. Hopefully, he’d sort things out with Striker by tomorrow, and then he’d come visit his human again.
“I’ll see you soon, Toby.” He ran his fingers through Toby’s hair, luxuriating in the feel of the silky strands on his hand. He gazed at the length of Toby’s body hidden under the blanket and growled softly. His. All his, and he was about to stake his claim soon. His dragon couldn’t wait any longer, and the man was the same. The next time he met with Toby, he’d tell the human the truth, that Toby was born to become his.
* * * *
“Read his text to me again,” Ron said in their voice chat.
Toby kept clicking on his mouse, trying to decimate the orc on his screen with his sword. Oh, he wished he had a real sword now so he could use it on Smoke.
He repeated Smoke’s message to Ron, already having read it multiple himself, trying to decipher if there was more to it than a hasty apology. “Emergency, needed to help out a friend. Raincheck?”
“Maybe he really got called out on an emergency,” Ron said. “Yikes, Toby, watch your health. I don’t have any more mana to heal you.”
“Sorry. It’s just classic, you know? Good-looking guy meets average nerd, nerd pukes on good-looking guy, and good-looking guy bolts.”
